Child Protection Policy

The Jam Music Company  recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, practices and activities. The Management of Jam Music Company has agreed the following child protection policy:

The Jam Music Company  has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools as part of this overall child protection policy.

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Nora Salmon. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP)  is Dean Lane.

In its policies, practices and activities, Jam Music Company will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare:

The school will  recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;  fully cooperate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;  

Develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children; and  fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters. The school will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability.

This policy has been made available to school personnel and is readily accessible to parents on request. 

This policy will be reviewed by the Management once in every school year.

 

Introduction

A copy of the school’s child protection policy which includes the names of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Deputy DLP shall be made available to all school personnel and Parents and must be readily accessible on request.

The name of the DLP must be displayed in a prominent position near the main entrance to the school.

Each school must undertake an annual review of its child protection policy and its implementation by the school.

The school must put in place an action plan to address any areas for improvement identified by the review.

The Management shall make arrangements to inform school personnel that the review has been undertaken.

Written notification, that the review has been undertaken shall be provided to the parents. 

A record of the review and its outcome shall be made available.

 

Responsibilities of all School Personnel

There is an obligation on schools to provide children with the highest possible standard of care in order to promote their well being and protect them from harm.

School personnel are especially well placed to observe changes in children’s behavior, their lack of development or outward signs of abuse.

In situations where school personnel suspect that a child may have been abused or neglected, or is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of abuse or neglect, they shall ensure that such concerns are reported in accordance with the correct procedures.

 

Designated Liaison Person

It is the responsibility of all Boards of Management to designate a senior full time member of staff as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the school.

The DLP will act as a liaison with outside agencies and as a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection concerns.

As a resource person, the DLP shall ensure that he/she is knowledgeable about child protection and undertakes any training considered necessary to keep him/her updated on new developments.

This person will be the designated liaison person for the school in dealing with the HSE, An Garda Síochána and other parties, in connection with allegations of and/or concerns about child abuse and neglect.

 

Code of Behavior 

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

School staff must be sensitive to the risks involved in interacting with children in a one-to-one setting.

While physical contact may be necessary to instruct a child how to hold/play an instrument, it should be appropriate to the lesson or class, and only take place when it is acceptable to all concerned.

While physical contact is a valid way of comforting, reassuring and showing concern for children, it should only take place when it is acceptable to all concerned.

School staff should never physically punish or be in any way verbally abusive to a child, nor should they ever tell jokes of a sexual nature in the presence of children.

School staff should be sensitive to the possibility of developing favoritism, or becoming over involved or spending a great deal of time with any one child.

Children and/or parents should be encouraged to report any problems to either the School’s child protection officer (Nora Salmon) or a staff member of their choice.

Complaints will be brought to the attention of the School director.

All complaints and allegations will be met with a response.

Everyone involved with the School should respect the personal space, safety and privacy of individuals.