1. Introduction
Cromane Seafest Festival (the “Festival”) recognises its responsibility to ensure that a safe environment is provided for all children and vulnerable adults taking part in its activities.
Cromane Seafest is committed to a child-centred approach throughout the festival. We have sought to organise activities for children and young people of all abilities in order to give them access the events of the festival. Cromane Seafest stages events during the festival for children and families and also holds children’s workshops during or leading up to the festival itself either organized by Cromane Seafest or run by third party organisations.
This Child Protection Policy and the Child Safeguarding Statement (the “Policy”) specifies how we will provide a safe environment and protect children and vulnerable adults while they are taking part in Cromane Seafest Festival events and projects. We also aim to educate, and therefore protect, Cromane Seafest committee members and volunteers from situations where they may be compromised or feel threatened or open to suspicion or accusation. This in turn will also protect the children/vulnerable adults in attendance at the Festival.
2. Policy Statement
The foundation of the approach of Cromane Seafest to child protection and safety is our mandatory requirement that children must be under supervision of parents/guardians at all times while attending the Festival and participating in Festival events and activities.
Cromane Seafest is committed to promoting best practice within our organisation and to the protection of the young people with whom we engage with. The Cromane Seafest Committee accepts and recognises our responsibilities to develop awareness of the requirements of this Policy and to identify areas and situations which may cause harm to children or young/vulnerable adults attending the Festival.
We aim to do this by:
- Mandatory supervision by parents/guardians
- Adopting safeguarding guidelines and code of behaviour
- Sharing this Policy with volunteers and participants
- Reporting concerns to Tusla where necessary
- Providing training and support to volunteers
- Regularly reviewing and updating this Policy
This Policy covers:
- Recruitment of volunteers, freelancers and providers
- Events involving direct contact with children or vulnerable adults
Definitions:
• “Children”: under 18
• “Young/vulnerable adult”: adult needing care/support
Cromane Seafest adheres to Children First Act 2015 and Children First National Guidance (2017).
3. Inclusion Statement
We promote inclusivity and safety in all activities. Cromane Seafest is open to all regardless of race, gender, ability, religion or background.
4. Code of Behaviour
Child-Centred Approach
You should:
- Treat everyone equally
- Listen and respect
- Encourage and support
- Use appropriate language
- Promote a positive environment
- Respect personal space
- Set clear behaviour boundaries
- Encourage feedback
- Lead by example
- Respect diversity
Good Practice
- Share this Policy when requested
- Include children with special needs
- Be prepared mentally and physically
- Report concerns
- Record incidents
- Ensure proper supervision
- Avoid being alone with children
- Maintain awareness of language
Inappropriate Behaviour
- No inappropriate touching
- No harmful language
- No excessive one-on-one time
- No physical punishment
- No inappropriate relationships
Physical Contact
- Always seek consent
- Avoid inappropriate touch
- Respect comfort levels
Health and Safety
- Never leave children unattended
- Manage risks and materials
- Follow safety procedures
5. Reporting Procedures
Designated Liaison Person (DLP):
Gráinne Keary – 087 7576810
Deputy:
Margaret O’Shea – 087 6454487
Authorities:
- Tusla – Child and Family Agency
- An Garda Síochána
Reasonable Grounds for Concern
- Suspicions
- Behaviour changes
- Observations
- Concerns
Procedure for Disclosure
- Stay calm and listen
- Do not lead questions
- Do not promise secrecy
- Explain next steps
Making a Report
- Record details (date, time, facts)
- Inform DLP
- Notify parents when appropriate
- Share only on “need to know” basis
Contacts:
- Killorglin Garda Station: +353 (0)66 979 0500
- Killarney Garda Station: +353 (0)64 6671160
6. Confidentiality Statement
- Information shared only when necessary
- Not a breach if protecting a child
- Full confidentiality not guaranteed if risk exists
- Consent required for images
- Procedures for storing data
7. Volunteer Management Policy Statement
- Volunteers informed of this Policy
- No unsupervised access to children
- Garda vetting required for third parties
8. Incidents and Accidents
- Inform about risks
- Maintain incident records
- Provide first aid
- Minimise equipment risks
Child Safeguarding Statement
1. Organisation
Cromane Seafest CLG
2. Nature of Service
Annual festival in Cromane, Kerry, with child-centred approach and adherence to national guidelines.
3. Risk Assessment
Examples:
- Unsafe volunteers → vetting + policies
- Lack of supervision → mandatory parent presence
- Image misuse → consent procedures
- Unclear reporting → accessible procedures
4. Procedures
Aligned with:
- Children First Act 2015
- National Guidance 2017
- Tusla Safeguarding Guide
5. Implementation
Ongoing process with regular reviews and updates.
Signatures
Gráinne Keary – Designated Liaison Person
Margaret O’Shea – Deputy
