Regulation 9 in Wicklow
Management and Recruitment: 26 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.
18 June 2026
R.O.S Early Years Ltd, Arklow · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9)(1)(a) While the deputy manager was present when the inspectors arrived at the service there was no adult to deputise if required. (c) At 11.15 am, upon arrival of the inspectors at the service there was no obvious clear management structure in place
- Of the 34 available references, only 33 were validated. (c) Of the 17 required Garda Vetting disclosures only 15 were available on the day of inspection. An immediate action notice was issued on the day
- 1. Five of the required 34 references referred to in paragraph (2) were validated after the adults had commenced working the service. 2. Seven of the required Garda Vetting referred to in paragraph (2) were not acquired prior to the adult being appointed to the pre-school service
Provider's corrective action:
- (9)(1) (a), (c) All staff and persons in charge communicated throughout the building. We will use the rota and signage to communicate where all management staff are at all times during the day. Photos of manager on duty will be clearly displayed. A designated manager is onsite at all times. The manager on duty is clearly identified on the staff rota, and their names and photos are displayed on the notice board for both parents and staff to ensure they can easily be identified if assistance is required. A new rota has been introduced to clearly identify which manager is on duty. Their photograph is displayed on the notice board for parents, staff and any authorised personnel. (9) (2)(a), (b), All References were also audited, action was taken and all validations were recorded signed and dated. 9 (2) (c), An Immediate Action Notice was issued, accepted and addressed by management. All Garda Vetting will be acquired before any employment commences. (9) (3) points 1 and 2 An Immediacte action notice was issued by the inspector onsite regarding the lack of vetting evidence provided and action was taken immediately. References were also audited, action was taken and all validations were recorded signed and dated. All new staff hired will require full complete vetting evidence before entering onsite where children are cared for, reference checks, validation and evidence provided upon the interview process and recorded a such
20 May 2026
Little Stars On The Lane, Greystones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9)(3) Five references were validated after the adults had started work in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- (9)(3) All references are now checked and verified and signed off before a staff member commences employment with us. This practice has now been firmed up to ensure all paperwork is completed correctly. Staff training has been undertaken to ensure all verifications are completed correctly. We have reviewed all HR policies and updated to reflect changes. Once completed, all staff were trained on these changes and updates to ensure all of us follow the correct procedures
12 May 2026
An Naionra Gaelscoil Uí Chéagaigh, Bray · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Of the six required validated references only three validated references were available on the day of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
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11 May 2026
Blath na hOige Montessori, Blessington · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) A review of documentation and discussion with staff evidenced the following. - Two written references were not available in respect of one adult who was working directly with children on the day of inspection. - There was no evidence available to demonstrate that three written references in respect of two staff members had been validated by the registered provider. (c) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN0821 served
- Documentation reviewed evidenced that the procedures specified above under 9(2) had not been carried out prior to some adults commencing employment in the service, as detailed above under regulation 9(2) and as follows: - The registered provider did not take appropriate measures to ensure that all adults were suitable to work in an early years service prior to their commencement. Garda vetting available for one adult was dated after the adult commenced employment. The adult commenced employment on 08 April 2024 and Garda vetting was obtained on 03 May 2024
- There was no evidence available to show that one adult who was working directly with the children in the service held a relevant major award in Early Childhood Care and Education on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- We have obtained 2 written references for one adult, and all written references are now validated. All references shall be validated before staff commence working with Bláth na hÓige and filed accordingly
- Garda Vetting was obtained for adult on 3rd of May 2024. Garda Vetting shall be in date going forward for all Staff Members
- We shall check with the National Framework of Qualifications to obtain a relevant Certificate which can be relevant in Ireland. All future staff shall hold a Major award in Early Childhood Care and Education on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent
20 April 2026
Little Poppets Creche & Montessori, Kilcoole · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) 1. A second reference was not available for one staff member. 2. Two references which were available for one staff member were not validated
- 3.There was no evidence that one new staff member held held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) 1.A second reference has been obtained for the staff member in question. 2.The two references available but not validated have since been validated. All staff files shall be maintained and kept up to date and to make sure that references are all up to date and validated. 3.A transcript from the college from this staff member has been requested in the meantime until she receives her Level 5 QQI certificate in Early Years Care and Education. It was in an emergency situation due to low staff availability and also a member of staff who called in sick at the last minute. We will avoid this happening again
23 February 2026
Sunflower Montessori, Greystones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- On the day of inspection, a staff member who was working directly with the children did not hold at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework, or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent. It is acknowledged that this staff member was currently completing her Level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education and will finish in approximately one month
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member has now completed the course and is awaiting their certificate for a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework. I have requested that she contact the college again and request her certificate. Going forward we will not employ a person until their course has been completed and we have evidence of their qualification is on file. Summary Comment The non-compliance in relation to Regulation 9(4) remains outstanding. It will be reviewed on next inspection
11 December 2025
The Nest School Littlebrook, Delgany · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Police vetting was unavailable for one member of staff who had lived outside of the State for a period of six months or more as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider has engaged the services of a solicitor to have an affidavit signed in the presence of the staff member confirming to their knowledge that they have no previous convictions from their time spent living in China. To prevent this non-compliance from reoccurring in the future, the registered provider now has a clear understanding of what is required for international vetting and has put a procedure in place for future recruitment
10 December 2025
Kangakare Childcare Ltd, Arklow · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (c) Documentary evidence in relation to Garda Vetting Disclosure for one adult employed was not available. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the Registered Provider on 08/10/2025 in relation to this
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member was immediately removed from direct contact with Children. The registered provider obtained the outstanding Garda Vetting Disclosure for the identified adult. Relevant management staff will receive refresher training on safe recruitment and Garda Vetting requirements. The person in charge will conduct quarterly audits of all staff files to ensure ongoing compliance with Garda Vetting requirements. A centralised Garda Vetting Register will be implemented to track application dates, receipt dates, and renewal requirements for all staff
20 November 2025
Little Bunnies Montessori, Bray · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- While it is acknowledged that four written references were available for two staff members, there was no evidence to demonstrate that these references had been validated by the registered provider prior to both adults commencing employment in the service. A second written and validated reference was not available for two staff members. (d) Police vetting was not available for one staff member who had lived outside of the State for a period of more than six months as an adult
- There was no documentary evidence available to demonstrate that four staff members held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- To correct this non-compliance the registered provider has now ensured that all references have been validated and placed on file. A second written and validated reference is now on file for two staff members. (d) A police vetting disclosure is now available on file and translated by a certified translator for one staff member
- Qualification certification is now available on file for 4 staff members demonstrating that they hold an award at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications. To prevent non-compliance in the future, the registered provider has undertaken to ensure that for any new staff that join the team, that the checklist of required documents is on the staff file prior to start date and these records reviewed during the year. Responsibility for ensuring this has been assigned to a member of the staff team
5 November 2025
Valleymount Community Preschool, Valleymount · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Validated written references were not available in respect of one adult
Provider's corrective action:
- Chairperson has validated both references for the staff member. The Manager will remember to check up again on whether references have been validated and chairperson will make sure to make another phone call to references if the first isn’t answered
4 November 2025
Cosy Kids Creche, Greystones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) A second validated reference was not available for one adult
Provider's corrective action:
- A second reference for the employee has been sought and will be filed in staff member’s file. In future all references will be in place at commencement of employment
21 October 2025
Little Green Giants, Kilcoole · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- There was no vetting disclosure available from the National Vetting Bureau of the Garda Síochána in respect of one adult working in the service. An Immediate Action Notice was issued on the day of inspection and the registered provider responded the next day and their response was accepted by the inspectors
- Two adults working directly with the children in the service, did not hold a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Qualifications Framework or a qualification deemed to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- We did contact Early Childhood Ireland on the day of the inspection and received the garda vetting disclosure the next day which we immediately sent to the inspectors. Not having staff garda vetted in unacceptable and should not have happened and will not occur again in the future
- Management team have been fully informed that no unqualified staff (even from the afterschool room) can assist staff in the pre-school rooms during the day
13 October 2025
Naionra na gCloch Liath, Greystones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) It could not be confirmed if one adult giving direct care to children had at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework, or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- I will apply for clarification regarding the staff member’s qualification. Meanwhile the staff member has completed her Level 6 in Early childhood education and care. In future I will check that each staff member has the required qualification prior to employment
8 October 2025
Willow House Childcare, Ashford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (c) No documentary evidence in relation to a Garda Vetting Disclosure was available for one adult employed. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the Registered Provider on 8 October2025 in relation to this
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(c) Corrective Action: As immediate action, the staff member was removed from all duties involving contact with children pending receipt and verification of the Garda Vetting Disclosure. Once the disclosure was obtained and verified, the staff member was reinstated to work directly with children in the room. A copy of the Garda Vetting Disclosure has been attached. Preventive Action: Staff cannot commence employment or have unsupervised access to children until a valid Garda Vetting Disclosure is on fille. An Employee Garda Vetting Checklist has been created and implemented as part of the onboarding process to ensure full compliance. An internal audit template for staff files has been created and implemented to verify that all Garda Vetting and related documentation is in place. Internal audits of all staff vetting records will be conducted quarterly to ensure compliance with Regulation 9. A follow-up audit will be conducted three months after implementation to confirm that all current and new staff have valid vetting. Management and recruitment staff have been provided with training on Tusla requirements for Garda Vetting and documentary evidence retention
14 May 2025
The Cove Preschool, Greystones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available for one adult working in the service who had lived outside the jurisdiction for more than six consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- Staff member only lived outside Ireland for 5 months. We will ensure this information is correctly provided to the inspector
13 March 2025
Stratford Scallywags, Baltinglass · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Police vetting was not available for one adult who had lived outside the State for a period of longer than six consecutive months since turning 18 years of age
Provider's corrective action:
- All the relevant paperwork has been submitted to the relevant authorities. The relevant documentation will be forwarded when received
24 February 2025
Ashford Montessori School, Ashford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two written and validated references were not available for one adult
Provider's corrective action:
- Two validated references were obtained for the staff member. Going forward references will be obtained and validated prion to a new staff member starting employment
13 February 2025
Donard/Glen Daycare, Donard · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- One adult working with the children attending the pre-school did not have a qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or higher
Provider's corrective action:
- We have reviewed our staff roster, and two suitably qualified adults will attend as required in all rooms. Adult child ratio’s will be maintained at all times with suitably qualified adults and staff roster will reflect same
11 February 2025
Coillte Academy Pre-school, Bray · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Police vetting was not available for one adult had lived outside the State for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months since turning 18 years of age
Provider's corrective action:
- Police vetting has been applied for and an appointment has been arranged with the embassy to get police vetting for the time spent outside the State since turning 18 years of age
6 February 2025
Tiny Feet Montessori, Glendalough · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Written validated references were not available in respect of three adults
Provider's corrective action:
- All references identified have been verified. In future all references will be verified before employment commences
15 January 2025
Kids Inc Childcare, Arklow · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 9(2) (a)(b) There was no evidence that two references which were available for two adults had been validated. (d)Police vetting was not available for one adult who had been employed outside the state for a period of more than six months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- 9(2) (a)(b) We have rechecked and completed new reference check forms for the two references referred to. Going forward we will ensure all references are validated and the documentation is available. (d) The Police vetting for the adult is now in place. In future we will ensure that if needed, police vetting is available before staff starting employment
16 July 2024
Little Explorers Childcare, Wicklow Town · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available for one adult who had lived outside the jurisdiction for more than six consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member has applied for their international vetting. We have rechecked all current CVs to check for any time a member of staff may have lived outside of Ireland and will ensure CV checks are more thorough going forward
17 June 2024
Little Acorns Playschool, Carnew · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Written validated references were not available in respect of the two staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- I have received and validated references for the two people involved and will make sure there are validated references on file for all staff members
10 June 2024
Happy Faces Community Playschool, Blessington · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Written references were available not available respect of two staff members. (d) Police vetting was not available for one adult who had lived outside the State for a period of longer than six consecutive months since turning 18 years of age
Provider's corrective action:
- All staff members now have two validated references on file and regular checks of staff files will take place to make sure they are always up to standard. (d) An application for police vetting has been made on behalf on one adult
9 May 2024
Kilmacanogue Playgroup, Bray · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) One validated written reference were not available for one staff member. There was no evidence of validation of a second written reference which was available for the staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) One reference which was available has been validated. The second reference has now been and validated
18 April 2024
Discoveries Montessori and Afterschool, Bray · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available for two staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- International police vetting has been acquired for one staff member and the second staff member has applied for international vetting but was not domiciled outside the State for six consecutive months and as such does not require same. The staff member has amended her Curriculum Vitae to reflect this. Managers have reviewed our “Recruitment & Garda Vetting” policy has this been updated