The safeguarding and wellbeing of all our student is of the utmost importance.
Our Child Safeguarding Policy has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, and Tusla Guidance.
All staff members and external contractors are Garda vetted, and agree to adhere to procedures as set out in our Child Safeguarding Statement:
- McDermott Music will implement fully the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Child Safeguarding Statement and the Children First Act
2015. - The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Lauraine McDermott, Director, McDermott Music, Clontarf, Dublin.
- McDermott Music recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all
aspects of our programmes and must be reflected in all of the programmes’ policies, procedures,
practices and activities.
McDermott Music recognises that the protection and welfare of children is of utmost importance, and as such will:
- Fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant
legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children. - Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents occurring to children.
- Co-operate with relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters.
- Develop open communication with parents/guardians.
- Protect workers from unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect.
- Respect confidentiality in dealing with child protection matters.
McDermott Music Safeguarding Policy
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to the proactive measures taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. While protecting children from abuse is a key component, safeguarding also ensures that children and young people are supported in their growth, development, and ability to achieve their full potential.
Introduction:
Welcome to McDermott Music, a private music school dedicated to providing both individual and group lessons to students of all ages within our community. At McDermott Music, the welfare of every child and young person in our care is our top priority. We are committed to safeguarding their well-being by protecting them from all forms of physical, emotional, or sexual harm.
We strive to create a positive and nurturing environment that facilitates the best possible educational outcomes. Everyone involved in working with children and vulnerable adults at McDermott Music shares a collective responsibility to ensure that these individuals are encouraged, supported, and protected in their creative endeavors within a safe environment.
Risk Assessment
We have conducted a thorough assessment to identify potential risks to children while they are under our care. Below are the areas of risk we identified and the procedures in place to manage them:
Unauthorized Access to Premises: We control access to our facilities at Clontarf GAA and Belgrove Senior Girls School through a secure keypad and digital phone app system. Additionally, CCTV cameras are in place to monitor and ensure only authorized individuals enter the premises.
Hiring of Suitable Staff: All staff members must complete Garda Vetting before commencing their employment with McDermott Music.
Procedures:
Our Child Safeguarding Statement aligns with the requirements set forth in the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure, and Practice. Along with the risk management procedures, we have established the following protocols to safeguard children in our care:
Procedure for managing allegations of abuse or misconduct against staff or volunteers involving a child in our service.
- Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers working with children.
- Procedure for providing access to child safeguarding training and information, including recognizing and responding to harm.
- Procedure for reporting child protection or welfare concerns to Tusla.
- Procedure for maintaining a list of mandated persons within the service.
- Procedure for appointing a relevant person to oversee safeguarding efforts.
- All procedures are available upon request.
Implementation:
We understand that safeguarding is an ongoing commitment. McDermott Music is dedicated to the continuous implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the supporting procedures, ensuring the safety and protection of all children in our care.
This Child Safeguarding Statement was last reviewed on August 26, 2024, and is subject to regular updates and revisions. For any queries, please contact Lauraine McDermott, the designated Relevant Person under the Children First Act 2015.