Early Childhood Education and Care Assignment Case Study – Regulatory Context for ECEC in Ireland

Section B: Case Study (80%)

Scenario:

You are an ECEC Educator at Little Explorers Early Learning Centre, a privately run service catering for children aged 0–6. A Tusla inspection identified several non-compliance issues under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. The report highlighted:

1. Staff-to-child ratios were not maintained during outdoor play and late collection times.

2. Health and safety procedures were inconsistently implemented: first-aid kits were not fully stocked, and accident/incident logs were incomplete.

3. Child protection policies were out of date, with some staff unsure of correct reporting procedures.

The management team has asked you to create a compliance action plan that addresses these concerns, ensures future compliance, and enhances the quality of provision.

Assignment Instructions:

In your report, address the following:

1. Regulatory Obligations: Identify where Little Explorers did not meet obligations under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.

   Focus on:

   1. Staff-to-child ratios.

   2. Health and safety procedures.

   3. Child protection policies.

2. Impact of Non-Compliance: Explain the potential impact of these breaches on:

   1. Children’s safety and well-being

   2. Staff performance and confidence

   3. Family trust and the centre’s reputation

3.  Compliance Recommendations:

   1. Provide clear, practical, and realistic strategies to address each regulatory gap.

   2. Emphasise training, communication, updated procedures, and safeguarding practices.

4.  Safe and Supportive Environment:

   1. Discuss how compliance supports a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment.

   2. Link your essay to the Frameworks: Aistear (NCCA, 2009; 2024) and Síolta (CECDE, 2006), and the DEI Charter (DCYA, 2016).

Weighting Breakdown: 80%

1. Analysis of Non-Compliance – 30%
2. Impact of Non-Compliance – 15%
3. Recommendations for Compliance – 15%
4. Safe and Supportive Environment – 10%
5. Structure and Clarity (including Harvard referencing) – 10%

References:

Students must connect their analysis and recommendations to:

1. Síolta (CECDE, 2006).

2. Aistear (NCCA, 2009; 2024).

3. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines (DCYA, 2016).

4. The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.