Child Safeguarding Statement

School Fitness Ireland in accordance with our Code of Behaviour, policies, procedures and our legislative requirements, have agreed this Child Safeguarding Statement which is binding to all staff and subcontractors. The basic aim of School Fitness Ireland is to provide comprehensive and inclusive Physical Education classes to every child and young person in Ireland, that is fun, inclusive and suitable to all ages and abilities. The focus of School Fitness Ireland activities is on the development of balance, flexibility, coordination and leadership skills in the form of shared decision making.
 
These abilities improve children and young people’s physical health, gross motor skills and self-confidence.
School Fitness Ireland aims to increase child and youth participation in exercise on a national scale with the cooperation and support of a dedicated team, all of whom are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people in our care, as we seek to create a safe environment for children and young people to grow and develop.

Principles to safeguard children and young people from harm

This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and with the requirements of our Codes of Conduct, policies and procedures, that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that all children and young people have a positive, developmental and enjoyable experience of School Fitness Ireland and when participating in our activities that they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Risk assessment

In preparing this statement we have completed a risk assessment of the potential for harm to children when they are participating in our games and attending our activities under the following headings: Coaching Practices; Complaints; Reporting Procedures; Recruitment and a further heading of General Risk of Harm. To follow is a list of areas of risk identified and the list of procedures and policies for these risks.

Procedures

Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been prepared in accordance with the legislative requirements contained in the Children First Act 2015, Children’s First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice and as required by our Association rules. The following procedures contained in our risk assessment support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our services:

  • Procedure in respect to the management of allegations of abuse against staff members, subcontractors or volunteers of a child or young person availing of our services.
  • Procedure for safe recruitment and selection of staff, subcontractors and volunteers to work with children and young people.
  • Procedure for provision of and access to Child Safeguarding Training and information including the identification of the occurrence of harm.
  • Procedure for the reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to School Fitness Ireland and Tusla.
  • Procedure for appointing a relevant person i.e. the Children’s Officer, who is the relevant person for the purposes of this statement (see name below).
  • Procedure for maintaining a list of Mandated Persons (if known), in accordance with the Children First Act 2015 regardless of what role (if any), they hold in School Fitness Ireland

Mandated person

The Mandated Person, who has a legal obligation to report harm of children as per legislation and who has been employed for the purpose of performing the child welfare and protection functions within School Fitness Ireland is: Martin Sheehan

Designated Liaison Person (DLP): Martin Sheehan (Business Owner)

Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP): Gillian O’Keeffe (Head Coach and Line Manager) and Abi Healy (Administration Manager)

Implementation & Review

School Fitness Ireland recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. School Fitness Ireland are committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying child safeguarding policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children and young people safe from harm while availing of our service. This Statement will be reviewed by 1st of March 2027 or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

 

Approved by Martin Sheehan,

Business Owner 01/03/2024

Contact Number 021-2120439

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