Regulation 9 in Westmeath
Management and Recruitment: 13 non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read.
An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.
14 May 2026
Bright Beginnings, Mullingar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two written validated references were not available from past employers or from sources other than a previous employer in respect of the new staff members. (d) The inspector could not determine if police vetting was required in respect of the second new staff member as there was no curriculum vitae available for review
- The registered providers did not ensure that the required vetting procedures in respect of references were not completed prior to the commencement of two new employees in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered providers stated in the response that two written validated references are now available from sources other than a previous employer in respect of one new staff member. The second staff member left the service. The service will ensure that they follow up on new employees for references before starting in the setting. (References included) (d) The registered providers stated in the response that a curriculum vitae is now in place in respect of the staff member. (Curriculum vitae included)
- The registered providers stated in the response that the required vetting procedures in respect of references are now completed. The service has developed a document for new staff members to have to hand a list of things to do before they start in the setting. Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance
22 April 2026
Greenpark Montessori, Mullingar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN 1701 served
28 January 2026
Bright Star Academy, Mullingar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Six written references were not validated in respect of the three new adults working in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- On 30/01/2026, written references for the staff members identified during the inspection were requested, validated, and copies of these validated references were placed on the staff member’s personnel file in the office. Current employee files were audited in order to ensure that two written and verified references are in place for each staff member, in line with Regulation 9 (2)(a)(b). Any gaps identified were addressed immediately. - Have a Recruitment and Vetting Checklist developed and implemented. This means that no new employee will commence employment until: two written references have been received, and these references have been validated directly, as well as holding record of validation documented and retaining them on file. - A Personnel File Audit Schedule will be conducted quarterly (every 3 months) to ensure ongoing compliance. All future recruitment will follow this documented procedure without exception
10 December 2025
Kids Kottage, Tyrrellspass · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Twenty written references were not validated in respect of new staff members and students prior to their employment and work placement
- Garda vetting procedures were not carried out by the service in respect of one staff member who was working part time in the service and as a relief worker while completing their student training. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the 12 December 2025 by the Early Years Inspectorate. The registered provider response submitted on the 15 December 2025 was accepted by TUSLA
Provider's corrective action:
- All References have now been validated. Our recruitment policy and student policy has now been revised to include validating references. Our recruitment checklist now includes the validation of references
- Application for Garda vetting currently been processed on behalf of the service for the student. Student removed from relief panel until vetting is in place. Recruitment and student policy revised to highlight the need to have students on paid relief Garda vetting by kids cottage and education
30 July 2025
Chatterboxes Childcare Ltd, Athlone · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1. A second written reference was not available in respect of one staff member. 2. The written references in respect of two staff members were not validated by the registered provider prior to the commencement of employment in the service. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 December 2023. The corrective and preventive action stated from the last inspection on the 7 December 2023 did not prevent reoccurrence of the non-compliance
- 1. One staff member present and working directly with children does not hold a major award in level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education on the National Framework of Qualifications. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 December 2023
Provider's corrective action:
- 1.The second reference has been received and put on staff member’s file. 2. The written references have been validated by the manager. This was an oversight on behalf of management. Every effort will be made in future to make sure all the paperwork is in order as soon as possible, so that it is not forgotten
- The staff members qualifications have been sent to the Department of Children for review. Management are awaiting the outcome and the evidence will be submitted when received. This staff member has done the same course as two other staff members in the service. Unfortunately, her certificate was damaged in a fire. In future, we will try to engage the Dept of Children at an early stage to try to obtain the relevant paperwork
23 July 2025
Grovelands Childcare Ltd, Athlone · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Police vetting was not available for one staff member working in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated in the response that International vetting was applied for and received for the staff member in question. (police vetting submitted). The service has previously put a system in place on the employment application form and on the employee details file. Applicants are asked “Have you lived outside of Ireland for a period longer than 6 months?” The staff member is required to click yes or no. If no, no further action is needed. If yes, then the staff member is requested to apply for and provide vetting for the relevant country. This system was put in place after this staff member joined the team. Had it been in place prior it would have been noticed and applied for. (pre-employment documents submitted). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement
20 May 2025
Dunaree Childcare & Pre-school LTD, Tyrellspass · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) There was no documentary evidence available that one adult held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The qualification document is now on file
14 May 2025
Juniper Tree Autism Services Ltd T/A Sundancers, Castlepollard · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Four references were not validated in respect of two staff members
- The registered provider was unable to demonstrate that they had completed all vetting procedures as stated in the above non compliance (9)(2)(a)(b) for two staff members prior to commencement of employment in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- Management to ensure no staff member commences employment until all references are validated either in writing or by phone. References will be checked by telephone and/or in writing to validate and verify the candidate’s identity and to check their employment history, qualifications, experience and suitability for the role. Successful candidates will have their references checked before an offer of employment is made
- Vetting procedures were completed immediately and all staff files updated. Recruitment procedures reviewed to ensure it included ‘’no person to take up employment until all vetting is completed’’
16 April 2025
Ballymore Community Childcare Facility, Mullingar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two written validated references were not available in respect of one adult that attends the service to carry out a service in a contractor’s role
Provider's corrective action:
- The contractor has been asked to supply references. Please see two references attached. The service will ensure that such sub-contractors supply references in the future
31 March 2025
Dunaree Childcare & Pre-school LTD, Rochfortbridge · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (d) Police vetting was not available for one adult who had resided outside the state for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months whose records were reviewed
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Application for the international police vetting has commenced
25 March 2025
Kinnegad Montessori School and Crèche, Kinnegad · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (d) Police vetting was not available for one adult who had resided outside the state for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months whose records were reviewed
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) The police vetting document is now on file for the staff member
20 June 2024
Grovelands Childcare, Athlone · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- References were not validated in respect of three staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- All three staff members have now validated references. Management will do regular checks on staff files
11 March 2024
Clonros, Athlone · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Police vetting was not available in respect of one staff member who had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months
Provider's corrective action:
- Police vetting is now available in respect of one staff member who had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months. (Police vetting included) The human resource procedures for the service had been reviewed to take account of the requirement for international police vetting. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement