Child Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Little Lotus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We believe that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have a right to protection from harm and abuse. This policy sets out our responsibilities and procedures to ensure that children attending our classes are kept safe at all times. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of Little Lotus.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All children and young people under the age of 18 who attend our classes or activities
• All sessions delivered by Little Lotus, including those held on school premises
• All staff, assistants, volunteers, and contractors involved in delivering our services

3. Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in line with Irish safeguarding legislation and national guidance, including:

• Children First Act 2015
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
• Tusla – Child and Family Agency guidance
• Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012
• Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
The Designated Liaison Person for Little Lotus is:
Name: Lyndsey Moore
Contact Details: 083 421 4811 / [email protected]

The DLP is responsible for:

• Ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed annually
• Acting as the main point of contact for child protection and welfare concerns
• Making reports to Tusla where required
• Liaising with the school's DLP and other statutory agencies
• Keeping secure and confidential safeguarding records

All staff and volunteers are responsible for:

• Understanding and following this safeguarding policy
• Being vigilant and reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with children

5. Safer Working Practices

To reduce the risk of harm and protect both children and adults, we commit to the following practices:

• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Avoiding being alone with a child wherever possible; if unavoidable, ensuring visibility (e.g. open doors)
• Never engaging in physical contact unless necessary and appropriate for the activity, and only with consent
• Not communicating with children via personal social media accounts
• Not taking photographs or videos of children without prior written consent from parents/carers and the school
• Ensuring language and behaviour are appropriate and respectful at all times

6. Recruitment and Suitability

Where applicable, Little Lotus will ensure that:

• Appropriate Garda vetting is in place for anyone working with children
• References are obtained where required
• Staff and volunteers are made aware of safeguarding expectations before working with children

7. Recognising Abuse and Neglect

All staff should be aware that abuse may take the following forms:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect

Indicators may include unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, fearfulness, withdrawal, or inappropriate knowledge or behaviour.

8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child discloses information or there is a concern about a child's welfare:

1. Listen carefully and remain calm
2. Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling you
3. Do not promise confidentiality
4. Do not ask leading questions
5. Record the concern as soon as possible using the child's own words where possible
6. Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

Where there is reasonable concern that a child has been, is being, or is at risk of being harmed, a report will be made to Tusla – Child and Family Agency in line with Children First guidance. If there is an immediate risk of harm, An Garda Síochána or emergency services will be contacted without delay. Where sessions take place on school premises, concerns will also be shared with the school's Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in line with agreed procedures.

9. Allegations Against Staff or Adults

Any allegation or concern about the behaviour of an adult working with children must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. If the concern relates to the DSL, it should be reported directly to the school's safeguarding lead or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

10. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

• Safeguarding information will be treated as confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis
• Records will be stored securely and in line with data protection requirements
• Information will be shared with external agencies where there is a safeguarding concern

11. Working with the School

When delivering classes on school premises, Little Lotus will:

• Comply with the school's safeguarding and child protection policies
• Share safeguarding concerns promptly with the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Follow site-specific procedures, including signing in/out and emergency arrangements

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of the business.