Investigation after toddlers leave crèche alone

Giraffe care premises in Stepaside, Dublin, says two children were located unharmed

Giraffe Childcare at Belarmine, Stepaside, Co. Dublin. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times
Giraffe Childcare at Belarmine, Stepaside, Co. Dublin. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times

An internal investigation is underway after two children left a Dublin crèche by themselves yesterday and were later located nearby by staff.

The Giraffe creche at Belarmine in Stepaside said in a statement that an animal handler from a third-party supplier who brought pets to the premises had confirmed she failed to close a side gate properly. Two young toddlers had walked through the gate.

“A Giraffe carer observed the two children were missing and located them, along with a local resident, on a grass patch outside the crèche.”

It said the correct staff ratio was in place at the time and that a full investigation was underway.