Child Safeguarding Statement
The ACA Performing Arts provides classes in dance, drama, musical theatre, cheerleading, acrobatic dance & singing. In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Management of The ACA has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.
1. TheManagementhasadoptedandwillimplementfullyandwithout modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for primary and post primary Schools 2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement.
2. TheDesignatedLiaisonPerson(DLP)isMrs.AileenCoffey
3. TheDeputyDesignatedLiaisonPerson(DeputyDLP)isMissAnnemarie Cahill.
4. TheManagementrecognisesthatchildprotectionandwelfareconsiderations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, procedures, practices and activities. The school will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare.
*** The ACA prioritises the care and safety of all children and young people when they are at The ACA or participating in performance activities. We are committed to creating a safe, friendly and conducive environment which inspires confidence and creativity in children, young people who participate in The ACA activities and all attend the studio. We believe it is important that all people who work with children and young people are aware of the issues of good practice and their responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children and young people. Our guidelines have been developed bearing the dance setting in mind. ***
THE ACA
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Recognises that all children and young people have the right to freedom from abuse.
Ensures that all our staff our carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children and young people in their care. Responds swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse and provides parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
Assigned a Designated Liaison Person who takes responsibility for child safety and acts as the main point of contact for parents, children and young people and outside agencies.
Ensures access to confidential information is restricted to the Designated Liaison Person or appropriate external authorities.
Child Safeguarding Policy
Code of practice for staff & teachers
In devising the following code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and circumstances of The ACA . The aim is to ensure that the creativity and individuality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a relatively disruption-free environment.
The following code of behaviour offers a framework within which positive techniques of motivation and encouragement are utilised by teachers at The ACA and off site.
It is agreed that a high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within The ACA and a high level of cooperation among staff and between staff, users and parents.
The following guidelines must be followed by all staff and those working with children/young people in The ACA
Children should not be left unattended or unsupervised, at any time while in The ACA. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that chaperone arrangements are in place to supervise children at all times, while using (but not exclusively): Toilets, Changing Rooms, Common Areas , Studios. Collecting Children/Young people; the foyer area of The ACA is the designated dropping off/picking up point.
No child should be left unsupervised by a teacher or parent outside of The ACA, particularly outside of opening hours. The ACA opening hours can be found on our website.
A buddy system is advised for all groups of young children (i.e., those aged 12 and under), with children remaining with their buddy at all times during their time in The ACA.
Be sensitive to the risks involved in participating during performances and exercises.
Be sensitive to the fact that jokes of a sexual or religious nature may be offensive to others and should never be told in the presence of children.
Be sensitive to the possibility of becoming over involved or spending a great deal of time with any one young person. They need to be clear about the purpose and nature of their relationship with any young person. All students should be treated equally.
Children/young people should be encouraged to report cases of bullying behaviour to either the Designated Liaison Person or any teacher of their choice.
Never meet alone with a young person. Be sensitive to the potential risk to personal safety and false allegations which may arise. If required to speak privately to a young person, do so in a public space, i.e. corridor, foyer, and inform another colleague that you are doing so.
All students should be encouraged by Staff and teachers to respect the personal space, safety and privacy of their peers.
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While physical contact of a comforting and reassuring nature is a valid way of expressing concern and care for children, no such contact is permitted. Staff and teachers should be aware of what physical contacts are inappropriate, what actions might be misunderstood and what situations might render them vulnerable.
Staff and teachers must never physically punish or be in any way verbally abusive to a young person.
Staff and teachers will keep a record of all instances of serious misbehaviour as well as a record of improvements in the behaviour of disruptive pupils. Parents will be involved at an early stage, rather than as a last resort. Communication with parents will be by email, depending on circumstances. The parents will be invited to come to THE ACA to discuss their child’s case if required to do so
A single instance of gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of minor misbehaviour may result in expulsion. Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards Staff and teachers will be regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour and, depending on circumstances, may result in expulsion. Photographs: in the interest of privacy and child protection, the use of photographic equipment and video cameras is not permitted in The ACA or at ACA activities without the prior consent of the tutor/parents/ACA management. A signed consent form will be required before any photography or recording is allowed.
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Implementation of the code
All teachers/persons hiring space at The ACA who work with children and young people will be informed of The ACA Child Safeguarding Statement & Safeguarding Policy and requested to sign up to same. Failure to sign up to the policy will result in the rental contract being cancelled.
Confidentiality
We at The ACA are committed to ensuring people’s rights to confidentiality. However, in relation to child protection and welfare we undertake that:
1. Informationwillonlybeforwardedonaneed-to-knowbasisinorderto safeguard the child/young person.
2. Givingsuchinformationtoothersfortheprotectionofachildoryoungperson is not a breach of confidentiality.
3. Wecannotguaranteetotalconfidentialitywherethebestinterestsofthechild or young person are at risk.
4. Primarycarers,childrenandyoungpeoplehavearighttoknowifpersonal information is being shared and/or a report is being made to Túsla, unless doing so could put the child/young person at further risk.
5. Imagesofachild/youngpersonwillnotbeusedforanyreasonwithoutthe consent of the parent/carer.
Duties of the Designated Liaison Person
The ACA has a Designated Liaison Person (General Manager) to act as a liaison with children, parents and outside agencies when dealing with any child protection issues. This DLP acts as a resource to any staff member who has child protection concerns and is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to Tusla or An Garda SÃochána.
Duties of the DLP include:
To operate within the guidelines set by the appropriate authorities and those approved by The ACA.
Reports suspicions and allegations of child abuse to the statutory authorities, i.e., Tusla or An Garda SÃochána.
Liaises between the young people, staff and the statutory authorities where necessary.
Creates and maintains links with the statutory authorities and other relevant agencies and resource groups.
Facilitates the provision of support to any victim or employee making a referral and provides support also to the person against whom the allegation has been made.
Advises his/her employers, staff and students on individual cases.
Advises on good practice.
Organises/facilitates training and workshops on guidelines in child protection.
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Maintains proper records on all cases referred to her in a secure and confidential manner.
Keeps up to date on current developments regarding provision, practice, support services, legal obligations/requirements and policy.
Will ensure that our staff are carefully selected, trained and supervised to provide a safe artistic environment for all children and young people.
Clearly defined roles and responsibilities will be outlined for every job.
All staff will be required to consent to Garda clearance, and if they are directly in contact with children, this will be sought.
Managing and supervising staff
The ACA wishes to protect staff (paid and voluntary) and children/young people and in order to do this we will ensure that:
New staff will take part in a mandatory induction training session.
New staff are made aware of the organisation’s code of conduct, child protection procedures, and the identity and role of the Designated Liaison Person.
New staff will undergo a probationary period. Existing staff will receive an adequate level of supervision and review of their work practices.
Existing staff have read and signed the Child Safeguarding Statement & Child Safeguarding Policy & Procedures.
Existing staff will be provided with child safeguarding training.