Creche Inspection Reports

Regulation 9 in Wexford

Management and Recruitment: 24 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.

15 June 2026

Crossabeg Community Childcare Centre, Crossabeg · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

Six of the required 12 references were not available on file for staff members. (c) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN1441 served. (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1426 served
There were no records available to confirm that one staff member met the required qualifications in Early Learning and Care or equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response to address the non-compliances: Corrective and Preventive Action
The staff references are now on file and validated. A checklist is in place to sure required staff documents are in place. (c) Satisfactory response. (d) Satisfactory response
The staff member was removed from the staff roster till certificate of qualifications are available

22 April 2026

Askamore Childcare Centre CLG, Gorey · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

An organisational chart displayed in the entrance lobby provided details of the management and reporting structures within the service. This information conflicted with other documents such as several policies and procedures and the parents’ handbook which detailed different staff members. Documentation on the role of each staff member and specific responsibilities such as Designated Liaison Persons provided conflicting information. In discussion with staff members, there was an uncertainty about the adult with key responsibilities for child safeguarding. Three staff members named two different adults in the service as having responsibility. It was confirmed with the person in charge that one of these adults does not have a specific role within the service regarding safeguarding. This may cause a delayed response where there may be a potential child safeguarding concern
1. Following inspection in May 2025 the registered provider stated that monitoring measures would be implemented to ensure documentation and policies would be kept up to date. These measures were not consistently implemented. The current management confirmed that the service was unaware of these measures which were previously submitted to the Inspectorate. This increased the likelihood of variance in practices as staff were not provided with relevant information to carry out their role and an increased risk of reoccurrence of the non-compliance. 2. Through the CAPA process the registered provider stated that the management would review the service’s policies and parent’s handbook on a quarterly basis. In discussion with management, it was confirmed that a review has not carried out on the service’s policies or the parent handbook since the previous inspection. Varying information was noted between the service’s policy, procedures in place and discussions with staff members regarding food provision, sleep provision, fire safety and the complaints procedure. Examples of such variance are provided under the relevant regulations in this report. 3. The process for children settling into the service remains unclear since the last inspection. Staff members in the baby room described to the inspector how they support a phased transition into the service over a number of weeks and gradually built up the hours of attendance depending on the individual needs of children. The parents’ handbook and policy on settling in does not reflect this practice and were not updated to reflect the practice and support staff members in its implementation as stated in corrective actions submitted by the registered provider following inspection in 2025

Provider's corrective action:

9(1)(c) We were aware of the conflictions regarding policies. These policies were in the process of being updated and have since been updated to document correct details of management and line of management. With regards to designated liaison person and conflicting information amongst staff. The list of designated liaison person/people is now displayed on reception and also in each of the care room for all staff to view and be aware of who they should contact in relation to child safeguarding concerns. We have now updated the child safeguarding policy to reflect the change in management and correct manager is named. To prevent the non-compliance from happening in the future. We have updated policies, clearly listed line of management and the list of designated liaison person/people is displayed in each room and on reception
1. We have again implemented these measures in place but under stricter guidelines. A rota has been established and put in place for each of the administration staff to complete these checks quarterly and bring up any issue or concerns regarding policies or any update that may be needed. These checks will be signed off each quarterly period by management. To prevent the non-compliance, we will keep a rota for administration staff to ensure quarterly check are done on polices and procedure and signed off by management. 2. We will again implement these checks but under stricter review. We are under new management as of the 26 April 2026 and they will check policies which are brought to her attention by the administration staff during their quarterly checks. We will also highlight the following policies to all staff, so all staff are aware of these policies. Administration staff will review policies quarterly, these will be confirmed and checked by management. All staff will be requested to sign to documents to confirm they have read and understood policies. 3. We have now updated the settling in policy to include the process of settling in for each room giving a detailed procedure which will be implemented but also taking into consideration that each child is unique and may require additional time to settle in as settling is child led

16 April 2026

Explore and Discover Childcare, Tagoat · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

Staff files reviewed on the day showed that a second validated reference was not available in respect of one staff member

Provider's corrective action:

asubmitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider submitted the following response to address the non-compliances: Corrective and Preventive Action The second reference is now on file. Going forward we will ensure that all references are on file before the commencement of work

20 March 2026

Little Ducklings Playschool, Gorey · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

The inspector was not assured that that the staff member with key responsibilities on the day was familiar with their roles and responsibilities. In discussion, one staff member identified that in the absence of the registered provider, the role of fire officer was their responsibility. However, they were not familiar with the location of the firefighting equipment in the service or the fire assembly point. While it is noted that another staff member provided the inspector with the information regarding the assembly point. However, the staff member with key responsibilities did not have adequate information to effectively carry out their duties. This was at variance with the service fire safety policy which stated that all employees were trained on the service fire safety policy. This posed an increased risk of a potential delay or effective response the event of an emergency

Provider's corrective action:

All staff have attended a staff meeting and the registered provider spoke to about their roles and responsibilities and also about what is expected of them when the owner is not available. The service have agreed on a monthly review on a one-to-one basis to ensure everyone is aware and doing as required. To prevent this non- compliance, the registered provider has introduced a pro-active approach that ensures monthly reviews and opportunities for training/continuous professional development. Summary Comment The requirement for Regulation 9 Management and recruitment (7) has been met, and it will be reviewed on the next inspection

26 February 2026

Tir na nOg Childcare Centre, Rosslare Harbour · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

Police vetting disclosure was not on file for one staff who had lived outside of the state for a period of longer than six months as an adult

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action Police vetting was applied for immediately and the registered provider will review and ensure police vetting is in place going forward as required for staff

14 January 2026

Paisti Beaga CLG, Broadway · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

The records available did not demonstrate that adequate consideration had been given to the suitability of staff prior to their employment. None of the 13 references on file had been validated and there was only one reference available for one of the staff. (d) Police vetting disclosures were not on file for one staff member who had lived outside of the state for a period of longer than six months as an adult

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response to address the non-compliances: Corrective and Preventive Action All staff reference validations have now been recorded, and each staff member have two references in their file. The staff member without a Police vetting disclosure has applied for her police certificate, however, her employment with us has ended as from today, 30/01/2026. Staff references will be validated, and record of validation will be kept in their staff files. Extra care will be taken in future to ensure all staff are police vetted where relevant

14 October 2025

Discoveryland Creche and Montessori, Wexford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

(7) There was a failure in the oversight of the registered provider to ensure that risks which were identified on the previous inspection were mitigated. Some corrective actions submitted by the registered provider in response to findings about governance and risk following the last inspection in April 2025 had not been implemented or did not achieve sustained compliance. The inability of the registered provider to mitigate and manage risk was apparent. The following examples demonstrate where the registered provider failed in their duty to ensure all reasonable measures were in place to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children attending the service. 1. The registered provider did not ensure that adequate or effective measures were in place for the sharing of information with the person in charge and/or staff members. In response to the inspection in April 2025, the registered provider submitted actions and supporting documentation to illustrate the measures they said were being implemented to address the non-compliance identified. On inspection, through discussion with the person in charge and staff members it was confirmed that they were not familiar with actions and/or supporting documentation which were described by the registered provider as being implemented in the service: a. The registered provider stated in their last CAPA submission that certain agenda items such as discussions on service policies and findings from the previous inspection would be scheduled for the next planned team meeting. This included the following: • To review a policy each month, which includes the safe sleep policy, • A discussion regarding the importance of communication with parents, • Completion of accident and incident records, • Medicine book. Staff and the person in charge told the inspectors that a staff meeting did not occur since December 2024. This was at variance with the service’s corrective actions and their staff training policy, which stated that there were regular and consistent team meetings. b. It is acknowledged that staff members confirmed that the service’s policies were emailed to them to read. However, it was confirmed by staff that the team meeting proposed by the registered provider did not take place and there were no other measures in place to discuss the service’s policies and procedures. This was at variance with the service’s staff information policy that there would be regular two-way communication between staff and management on the service’s policies. c. The registered provider stated that there would be regular checks of accident and incident records to ensure they were completed. The registered provider submitted a ‘Medical/incident report book checklist’ to the inspectorate. This was shown to the person in charge during the inspection, and they confirmed they were not familiar with the form. They outlined that templates were often developed by the management of the service, and the staff team were not informed to use them. Despite repeated assurances from the registered provider through the CAPA process, there were repeat failures to train and communicate information to staff about the regulations, policies and procedures of the service, and to supervise them sufficiently in their roles. This has contributed to repeated non-compliance under regulations 15,19 and 23 which impacts care, safety and welfare of children. 2. The registered provider did not ensure that staff members were provided with the relevant training and information to carry out their roles and responsibilities. This non-compliance was found on the previous inspection in April 2025. Ineffective governance structures did not ensure that compliance was reached or sustained, and the lack of training, support and information provided to staff members continued to pose a potential risk to the safety of the children and the care received as follows: a. The service’s induction policy stated that staff appraisals would be carried out for each staff member within the first six months of their appointment. The person in charge confirmed that staff appraisals do not take place. The inspectors spoke with two additional staff members who confirmed they had not had an appraisal. b. Inspectors found that the registered provider had not implemented effective measures to identify and respond to the support, supervision and training needs of staff. The staff training policy stated that supervision is a core part of the development of staff within the service. The policy outlined that supervision meetings were carried out monthly and referred to a supervision agenda for each meeting, which referenced training needs. In discussion with staff members, it was confirmed that supervision did not take place within the service. The absence of a support and supervision framework does not effectively allow for staff support and training needs to be identified and responded to. 3. The registered provider did not ensure that the staff members were provided with information to carry out their role as mandated persons as follows: a. The service’s induction policy stated that every staff member will be provided with an induction training programme when they commence work to ensure they are fully trained in the first number of months of work. The policy outlined that this induction procedure was to ensure that staff members were familiar with the service’s Child Safeguarding Statement and Child Protection Policy. In discussion with the person in charge and staff members, it is acknowledged that the staff members had completed online safeguarding training ‘Introduction to Children’s First E- learning programme’ since the previous inspection. However, it was determined that two staff members completed the training 6 to 12 months after commencing their employment, and not within the first number of months of employment. This posed a risk as the delay in training may hinder staff knowledge and ability to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns. b. On the previous inspection carried out in April 2025, staff members were not aware of the name of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in the service. Following that inspection, the registered provider sent a letter dated 10 June 2025 to staff members. A copy of this was submitted to the inspectorate as part of the CAPA process. The information provided to the Inspectorate did not correlate with the information regarding the DLP in the service. This can lead to confusion or a delayed response if there is a child safeguarding concern. The lack of clear information and delays in the training of staff members posed an increased risk to the safety of the children. 4. The registered provider did not ensure that corrective and preventive actions, provided to the Inspectorate after their last inspection, were implemented to mitigate the risks identified. The following examples demonstrate inadequate oversight and the failure of governance structures to prevent recurring non-compliance. a. Through the CAPA response, the registered provider stated that staff would be subject to random spot checks on policies to ensure they are familiar at all times. There was no evidence to indicate that this was implemented, and practices observed were at variance with the service safe sleep, infection control, accident and incident and administration of medication policies. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 20 - Facilities for Rest and Play and Regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child. b. The registered provider stated in their CAPA submissions following the last two inspections that the completion of children’s enrolment forms would be overseen by the manager and that these would be in place before children started attending. The monitoring actions submitted by the registered provider were not effectively implemented to prevent recurrence of the finding. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 15, Record of pre-school child. c. The registered provider stated in their CAPA submission following an inspection in April 2025, that management would discuss the service’s administration of medication procedure at a staff meeting, and that a monthly checklist would be implemented to prevent recurrence. These measures were not implemented to mitigate the risk as reported under Regulation 23, Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child. d. In response to Regulation 19, Health, welfare and development of child(1)(b), the registered provider stated that the sleep needs of children would be an ‘ongoing monitored situation’. There was no change in practice observed by the inspectors to meet the needs of children who did not require or did not sleep within the Juniors and Pre-Montessori room. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 19. e. In response to reducing the risk of cross-infection identified on the previous inspection, the registered provider stated that staff were issued with a ‘maintenance report’ to document any torn and/or worn mats or cushions. They stated that this measure would allow for any occurrences to be reported to management. In discussion with staff, they said they were not familiar with this document and the infection control risk was not mitigated. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child. f. In the CAPA response following the previous inspection, the registered provider stated that room leaders were instructed to use the ‘Room Equipment Report’ to support management in identifying the need for new or additional equipment. In discussion with staff members, it was confirmed that they were not familiar with this form

Provider's corrective action:

1. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to the non-compliance identified regarding the measures in place to ensure that information is effectively shared with the person in charge and/or staff members; a&b. A staff meeting was held on the 24 November 2025. Policies, communication with parents, medicine book and accident and incident books were discussed. Going forward the registered provider will ensure a staff meeting occurs every 4-6 weeks where the latest policy which staff received will be discussed. (c) The registered provider has assigned only the manager to compile any new templates or checklists. Registered provider ensures only the manager will compile any new templates/checklist and only be distributed from the manager to the staff. 2. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to providing staff members with the relevant training and information to carry out their roles and responsibilities: a. Staff appraisals are ongoing at the moment. The registered provider has assigned the manager to carry out appraisals in May of each year with all staff. New staff will receive an appraisal with-in two months of starting role in Creche. b. The registered provider will put in place from January, that the manager will carry out supervision meetings with all staff and continue to do so monthly. The registered provider will oversee that the manager carries out this practice and reports back to provider. 3. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to providing staff members with information to carry out their role as mandated persons: a. Staff have all completed the Children first. The manager will ensure that all new staff have completed the children first with-in the first week of taking up their role in the setting. It will be included in the induction plan. b. A poster including the DPL and the deputy DPL names are up in all rooms. The manager will discuss at meetings with all staff and include information in the induction plan for new staff. 4. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response implementing the corrective and preventive actions submitted following the previous inspection in April 2025: a. Staff have been receiving policies every month which they have signed for. The registered provider and manager have discussed policies at the meeting and will continue to discuss at all meeting until all policies have been discussed. b. The records have been corrected. The registered provider and manager will thoroughly check all new enrolment forms before a child starts. c. All staff were told how to fill in the books correctly this was also discussed at the meeting on 24 November 2025. The registered provider has assigned a staff member to check that all books are filled out on a daily basis to ensure they are filled out properly and to connect with the manager. d. Pre-montessori is now a sleep room so the junior room is where the children who do not sleep go, they can play at their leisure. There are two staff allocated to each room. The service will keep each room separate one as sleep room and the other where children can just rest and play. e. A maintenance form is in every room for staff to log any issues. Manager will check forms and report to registered provider to correct issues f. A room equipment form is in all room for staff to fill in as needed. The forms will be checked by the registered provider and equipment provided as needed

9 October 2025

Little Scholars Montessori, Wexford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

There were two references available on file for one staff member which were not validated. All written references for staff working directly with the children are required to be validated before staff commence working in the service

Provider's corrective action:

The references are now validated and available on file in the service. There is now a template in place to ensure all required documents are in place in the service prior to staff commencing work in the service

1 October 2025

Murrintown Community Childcare Ltd. T/A Tots to Teens, Murrintown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

(2)(d) Two of three required international police vetting records were not available for two staff members who had lived outside the state for a period over 6 months

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider stated that the international police vetting records were applied for and are now on file

24 September 2025

Bright Beginnings, Enniscorthy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

The was no evidence available on file to demonstrate that one staff member held the full requirements to meet the minimum qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. There was a component certificate available

Provider's corrective action:

The staff member is in the process of obtaining her certificate. In the interim the staff member will not be included in the adult to child ratios. Going forward we will ensure that we check older certificates on the DCYDEI website

12 September 2025

Little Giggles Playschool, Enniscorthy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

Two written references for two staff were not available on file. (c) There was no Garda vetting disclosure available on file in respect of one adult working directly with children

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action The Garda Vetting disclosure and references are on file. An annual staff file check list with expire dates noted in each staff’s file

8 August 2025

A Place to Grow Raheen FRC, Enniscorthy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

One staff member had police vetting in place which was not translated
Two staff who were working directly with the children did not have evidence in place that they were qualified at level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education on the National Qualifications Framework

Provider's corrective action:

A translated copy of the staff members police vetting is now available on file in the service. The service will ensure all police vetting will be translated prior to filing in the service
Documents confirming both staff members are qualified at level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education is now available on file in the service. The service has updated their recruitment policy to included that all qualification certificates for staff will be available on file in the service before the staff member starts working in the service

4 July 2025

Jungle Box Childcare Centre FDYS, Wexford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

There was one person employed in the service who did not have two written and validated references available on file in the service

Provider's corrective action:

There are now two written and validated references available on file for the staff member in the service. The manager will ensure going forward all required written and validated references are available on file in the service for staff prior to commencing work in the service

19 June 2025

Rainbow Childcare, Wexford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

There was no evidence to demonstrate that two staff members who work directly with children held qualifications to meet the requirements of the national qualification framework

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action One staff member does not work directly with the early years children. The second staff member is not working in Rainbow Childcare while the team sort out issues with the qualification through the DCEDIY. The list of recognised qualifications from the DCEDIY will form part of the recruitment process going forward

10 June 2025

Maple Tree Nursery, New Ross · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

(9)(7) Childcare staff are deemed mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015 meaning all childcare staff are mandated to make direct referrals to the social work department if they have any child welfare concerns about the children in their care. Four staff who spoke to the inspector were not aware they were mandated to make direct referrals to the social work department if they had concerns in relation to any child in their care. It was acknowledged that all staff had attended children first courses online however many of the staff did not understand their responsibilities as mandated persons under the Act

Provider's corrective action:

All staff working directly with the children have now completed children’s first training in the service. The service has included mandatory children’s first training for all staff who are working in the service. The managers will include the topic of the role of mandated persons working in the service in the planned staff meetings

22 January 2025

Lollitots Community Child CLG, Rosslare · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

Two validated references were not available for one staff member. (d) A police vetting disclosure was not available for one staff member who had lived outside of the state for a period of longer than six months as an adult

Provider's corrective action:

References are now on file. The service is in the process of applying for police vetting. The service is updating and reviewing the staff folder and with a clear checklist of needs upon starting employment

12 December 2024

Rainbow Childcare, Wexford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

The registered provider did not demonstrate that they had taken measures to ensure that all employees were suitable and competent during the recruitment process for all staff members
Written and validated references were not on file for seven staff members. A number of references did not demonstrate evidence of validation. (d) Police vetting was not available on file for three staff that had lived outside the state for more than six consecutive months
There was no evidence available on file to demonstrate that three staff members who worked directly with children held qualifications to meet the requirements of the national qualification

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response to address the non-compliances: Corrective and Preventive Action Where a staff member has only one reference on file, a second has been requested as a matter of urgency. All references have been validated. Police vetting has been requested, from all those who have lived outside the state. Those involved in staff recruitment have been instructed on the regulations regarding recruitment and are currently undertaking the Tusla eLearning module. There are certificates on file for all other members of staff working directly with children. The recruitment policy is displayed in the office and in our staff folder. Checklists are in place for all staff files to ensure that all required paperwork is in place and remains in date for the duration of each team members employment

28 November 2024

Little Treasures Crèche, Enniscorthy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

(d) Police vetting was not available on file for one staff member who had lived in a state other than Ireland for a period of longer than six consecutive months
The evidence available for one staff members qualification was not conclusive that they had achieved a level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Qualifications Framework

Provider's corrective action:

(d) An application for police vetting has been sent for the staff member who has lived in a state other than Ireland for a period of longer than six consecutive months
The service in conjunction with the staff member is still in the process of establishing the staff member is qualified to work directly with the preschool children. The manager of the service has linked in with several agencies to clarify the situation for the service and the staff member. The staff member is currently working in the kitchen in the service until the situation is clarified

11 November 2024

Firefly Childcare, Gorey · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

(d) Police vetting was not available on file for staff that had lived outside the state for more than six consecutive months

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action (d) Police vetting was applied for immediately. The police vetting was received, and the staff member provided a translated copy also. We will ensure that new staff apply for police vetting where they have lived or worked outside the state for more than six months

31 October 2024

Wonderland Childcare Centre FDYS, Enniscorthy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

There were four staff employed in the service who had 8 references available on file that were not validated. All staff working directly with children are required to have two written and validated references available on file in the service prior to commencing working directly with the children
There were three staff employed in the service who had one written reference available on file when two are required. The references on file for these staff members were not validated
The inspector was not assured that staff were provided with appropriate information, training and supervision
New staff were not provided with an induction when commencing work in the service. A staff member advised that they were not given a copy of the services policies, procedures, and practices
Staff did not have regular one to one/supervisory meetings with the manager
Staff advised regular staff meetings were not held. Agendas were not set, and minutes shared with staff as is best practice in meetings in a preschool service

Provider's corrective action:

1.2. All written and validated references are now available on file in the service. The manager will ensure all required written and validated references are available on file in the service prior to staff commencing work in the service
New staff receive an induction from the manager of the service. They are introduced to the current staff and learn from them. The policies and procedures in place are available for staff in the service. 2.3 Staff have regular 1 to 1 supervision meetings with the manager. The manager has meetings in the rooms with the staff and any issues arising are dealt with then

16 October 2024

Little Acorns Playschool, Gorey · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

Validated references were not available on file for one staff member. (d) Police vetting was not available on file for staff that had lived outside the state for more than six consecutive months

Provider's corrective action:

Staff are in the process of updating references and police vetting has been applied for. We will ensure all vetting and references are in place going forward

7 August 2024

Rathnure Educare Pre-school and Daycare, Enniscorthy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

There were two staff employed in the service who did not have any written and validated references available on file when two written and validated references were required for each staff member
There was one staff member with two written reference available on file which were not validated
There was one staff member with only one written and validated reference available on file when two are required

Provider's corrective action:

All required written and validated references are now available on file in the service. The registered provider will ensure all required written and validated references are in place in the service prior to staff commencing work in the service in the future

22 March 2024

Sugradh Childcare Centre, New Ross · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

There was one staff member who had one written and validated reference on file when two were required

Provider's corrective action:

The written and validated reference was sourced for the staff member and is now in place in the service

8 February 2024

Rainbow Childcare at Tara Villa, Barntown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

(2) The registered provider failed to take all necessary steps to ensure that some of the staff recruited were suitable for their roles as demonstrated by the following findings: (a)(b) Two written and validated references were not on file for three staff members. One written and validated reference was not on file for one staff member. (c) Garda vetting was not available on file for one staff member working with the children. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider

Provider's corrective action:

Vetting and references are available and on file for all members of staff. Regular monthly checks on the staff folder will ensure all vetting is in date. Some references had been misfiled and the new manager now has a new filing system to ensure the regulation is being followed

Regulation 9 in other counties