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Child protection policy

We are committed to providing the best quality lessons possible in a Child Safe Environment. Our aim is to safeguard of our young students. It is a priority for all Everest School of Music, and Music Teachers to show respect and care at all times. The goal our of Child Protection Policy is to promote best practices and uphold the highest standards at all times. Our teachers have undertaken Child Protection training as per the Children First; National Guidance for Protection & Welfare of Children (Children First Act, 2015)

Everest School of Music Procedures

  • Code of Behaviour for teachers

  • Procedures for reporting suspected cases of abuse

  • Allegations of misconduct or abuse by teachers

  • Recruitment and selection practices

  • Complaints and accidents procedure

Code of Behaviour

  • Children are to be kindly treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect.

  • ESOM personnel must be sensitive to the risks involved in interacting with children in a one-to-one setting.

  • Physical contact may be needed in order to teach a child the proper way to use or handle an instrument, but it has to be suitable for the situation and only happen if it is appropriate.

  • Physical contact can be a powerful way of expressing comfort, reassurance and interest in a child, however it should only be used when it is agreeable with everyone involved.

  • ESOM personnel should never hit or insult a student, nor make inappropriate jokes about sex when children are present.

  • Children should be encouraged to share any bullying situations or grievances with the Manager..

  • All complaints will receive a response.

  • ESOM personnel must respect the personal space, safety and privacy of individuals.

Procedures for Reporting Suspected Cases of Abuse

Child abuse can be categorised into four types: neglect, emotional, physical and sexual. The National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children have adopted the following definitions of child abuse:

 

 

 Neglect: This is where a child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection form adults or medical care.

Emotional Abuse: This is normally found in the relationship between a caregiver and a child. It occurs when a child’s needs, for affection, approval, consistency and security are not met.

Physical Abuse: Any form of non- accidental injury that causes significant harm to a child.

Sexual Abuse: Occurs when a child is used by another person for their gratification or arousal or for that of others.

Any person who suspects that a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse has a responsibility to report their concerns to the Health Board (via the on-site child protection officer). The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 provides for immunity from civil liability to persons who report child abuse ‘reasonably and in good faith’ to designated officers of health boards or any member of An Garda Siochana

 

Within the school, the report must be made to the Manager who will then report to the Health Board or An Garda Siochana. The person who first reported the matter will normally be required to talk to the duty social worker. When reporting, as much information as possible should be provided i.e. names, addresses, full account of the concern for the child, dates of incidents, circumstances and the child’s own statement, if relevant.

 

In cases of emergency, where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk, An Garda Siochana will be contacted. Any information shared with the health authority or the police will be kept private.

Action to be taken if an Allegation is Made against a Teacher

The applicable contract for services by teachers and the laws of natural justice are to be followed. DLP will be informed as soon as possible. The first priority is that no child is exposed to unnecessary risk, and the DLP will take the relevant protective measures.

The level of risk will be taken into account when determining the action to be taken, and will not unreasonably penalise the teacher or unfairly punish. Where protective measures, such as suspension, do penalise the teacher early consideration will be given to the case.

Any action following the allegation of abuse against a teacher will be taken in consultation with the Health Board and An Garda Siochana. An immediate meeting with these two agencies will be arranged.

After these consultations, the accused person will be informed by the Manager of their future with the ESOM.

ESOM  will ensure that all is done to assist the Health Board and An Garda Siochana in their investigation of the matter.

Recruitment and Selection Procedures

  • When a vacancy occurs, a clear job description of the job is to be provided. The minimal level of qualities needed to fill the post will be evident.

  • Applicants will be interviewed by the school manager. The information supplied by the applicant and any other information supplied on behalf will be seen by persons directly involved in the recruitment procedure.

  • Applicants are to supply the names of two referees who will testify as to their character, their suitability to the job and any other issues, which may affect their ability to perform the required tasks. At least one referee should have first- hand knowledge and experience of the applicants previous work or contact with children.

  • The applicant will be required to confirm their identity against some documentation, which gives their full name and address together with a signature and photograph.

  • All successful applicants must agree to full vetting by An Garda Siochana. This may require the further provision of previous addresses and relevant information both in Ireland and abroad.

  • All successful applicants will be required to confirm their identity against some documentations, which gives their full name and a address along with a photograph.

Complaints & Accidents Procedures

  • Emergency numbers are prominently displayed, and known by office staff.

  • The telephone at the desk in Bray and in the office in Rathnew, is available for emergency purposes.

  • A first aid box is kept close at hand.

  • All accidents and complaints are to be reported to the Manager, who will then enter them in a logbook.

  • The Director will be informed of any new entries in this book.

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