At Y21 Studios, the safety and well-being of children and young people are our top priorities. We are committed to providing a safe environment where children and teens can learn, grow, and enjoy their participation in our classes and activities. We take our responsibilities seriously and have implemented a range of measures to protect children and young people from harm.

This Child Safeguarding Statement is made in compliance with the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure, and Practice. These documents provide the legal framework and best practices for safeguarding children, and we fully adhere to their requirements to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

1. Commitment to Child Safeguarding

Y21 Studios is dedicated to promoting the welfare of children and protecting them from harm. We are committed to:

• Safeguarding children and young people from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Promoting the well-being and development of children and young people in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.

• Encouraging open communication and feedback from children, young people, and their families regarding our safeguarding practices.

• Providing training and support to all staff, volunteers, and contractors on child safeguarding and protection.

2. Designated Safeguarding Personnel

We have appointed a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for child protection and safeguarding concerns. The DLP is responsible for ensuring that our child safeguarding procedures are followed and that any concerns are properly addressed. Our DLP can be contacted at the following:

Designated Liaison Person:
Kristýna Simko
+353 085 770 4420

3. Risk Assessment

We have conducted a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential risks to children and young people while attending our classes and activities. The risk assessment takes into account various factors such as the nature of the activity, the age and vulnerability of children, and the number of staff and participants involved. This assessment has been used to develop policies, procedures, and practices that aim to minimize these risks and ensure the safety of all participants.

4. Code of Behaviour and Conduct

We have implemented a clear Code of Behaviour for all staff, volunteers, and contractors involved with children and young people. This Code of Behaviour outlines appropriate conduct, including:

• Professional and respectful communication with children and young people.

• Ensuring that all interactions with children are appropriate, safe, and supportive.

• Never engaging in or tolerating any form of bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior.

• Reporting any concerns or incidents related to the safety or welfare of a child to the Designated Liaison Person.

5. Child Protection Training and Awareness

All staff, volunteers, and contractors who work with children and young people are required to complete mandatory child protection training. This training includes:

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.

• Responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures of abuse.

• Understanding and following our safeguarding policies and procedures.

In addition to initial training, ongoing child protection awareness sessions will be provided to ensure that everyone involved with our organization remains informed of best practices and legal requirements.

6. Reporting Concerns

We are committed to creating a culture where children and young people feel comfortable speaking up about any concerns they may have regarding their safety or well-being. If a child, parent, or staff member has a concern or witness of any suspected abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behaviour, we encourage them to report it immediately to the Designated Liaison Person.

Reports can be made in the following ways:

• In person (confidential discussion with the Designated Liaison Person).

• By phone: +353 085 770 4420

• By email: hello@y21studios.com

We will ensure that all concerns are taken seriously, and appropriate steps are taken to investigate and address them in accordance with our safeguarding policies and the relevant authorities, including Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) where necessary.

7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We understand that confidentiality is crucial in child safeguarding. However, we also acknowledge that there are instances where we are required by law to share information with relevant authorities, including Tusla, if there is a concern for a child’s safety or well-being.

We will always handle any personal information regarding a child or young person with the utmost care and respect, and share it only when necessary for their protection, or as required by law.

8. Recruitment and Selection

We are committed to ensuring that all individuals working with children and young people are properly vetted and suitable for their roles. Our recruitment process includes:

• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks, including Garda vetting (criminal background check).

• Interviewing and assessing candidates to ensure they understand the responsibilities involved in working with children.

• Requiring references and conducting follow-up checks to ensure the suitability of staff members.

9. Parental/Guardian Involvement

We encourage the involvement of parents and guardians in the safeguarding process. We believe that collaboration with parents and guardians is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people. We provide information on our child safeguarding practices and policies to parents and guardians and encourage them to contact us if they have any concerns or questions.

10. Review of Child Safeguarding Practices

We are committed to regularly reviewing and updating our child safeguarding practices to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current laws and best practices. This review will take place at least annually, and will include consultation with staff, volunteers, children, and parents/guardians.

11. Our Legal Responsibilities

In line with the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure, and Practice, we recognize our legal obligations and commitment to safeguarding children in all aspects of our services. This includes:

• Reporting any concerns about a child’s welfare or protection to Tusla or An Garda Síochána (the police).

• Ensuring that appropriate and proportionate responses are made to concerns or allegations of abuse or neglect.

12. Conclusion

We believe that children and young people should have the opportunity to participate in safe, enriching activities where they are valued, respected, and protected. [Your Company Name] is fully committed to ensuring that our classes, events, and activities are safe, supportive, and free from harm.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that we meet our legal obligations and maintain a high standard of care for children and young people in our programs.

For further information or to raise a safeguarding concern, please contact our Designated Liaison Person at [Insert Contact Information].

This Child Safeguarding Statement has been reviewed and approved by [Your Company Name] and is compliant with the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure, and Practice.