Yoruba Language School Ireland: Child Safeguarding Policy
Overview
The wellbeing of all participants, both children and adults, at Yoruba Language School Ireland events and workshops is our top priority. We strive to ensure that everyone who attends our events enjoys their experience and remains safe from harm.
Service Information
Service Name: Yoruba Language School Ireland
Location: Tallaght Library, Dublin 24, D24 A3EX
Service Description:
The Yoruba Language School Ireland hosts events to celebrate and promote the Yoruba language, aligning with UNESCO's International Mother Language Day in February. This celebration underscores UNESCO's commitment to linguistic diversity and encourages multilingualism as crucial for sustainable development.
The unique aspect of our community is the opportunity to participate in various workshops, including art, music, and drama, conducted in Yoruba language. The diversity of participants highlights the project's impact and significance.
Our school fosters connections through language and demonstrates that diversity is an opportunity for celebration, not a barrier.
Flagship Program: Language Explorers
Language Explorers is our primary program for young children, emphasizing language development, communication between parents and children, and literacy. These workshops provide a high-quality creative experience involving storytelling, drama, visual arts, and music for both parents and their children.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to enable children and adults to explore the beauty of languages through creative expression. Central to this mission is ensuring that all children participating in our events are treated with respect and care, with their safety—emotional, physical, and mental—being of utmost importance. We aim to provide a positive experience from the moment participants learn about our programs to the time they leave our events, ensuring they feel respected and cared for by all our staff members.
Commitment to Child Safety
Yoruba Language School Ireland is dedicated to a child-focused approach in our interactions with children and young people. Our core philosophy is to create a safe and respectful environment for children using our services. Below are our principles and procedures to ensure children’s safety:
- All staff and volunteers have completed Tusla’s online Child Protection Training and are familiar with our code of conduct and child protection procedures.
- All staff undergo Garda vetting.
- Staff receive appropriate supervision and their work practices are regularly reviewed.
- Children are always accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or at least two staff members. Parents/guardians must sign their children in and out and provide contact details during events.
- No child is ever left alone with a single staff member; there are always at least two staff members present.
- All child protection or welfare concerns are reported promptly to Tusla/Gardaí.
- Any child requiring personal support due to illness or distress will be referred to their parent/guardian or teacher. If the guardian is not available, the supervising staff member will provide support. Parents/guardians should inform staff of any specific needs their child may have during our events.
Risk Assessment
We have identified potential risks to children while using our services and established procedures to manage these risks:
1. Non-compliance with Child Protection Policy:
- All staff and volunteers are given the Child Protection Policy. Any breaches are reported to the relevant manager. The policy is reviewed annually.
2. Delay in Referrals to Tusla:
- Staff are trained and supported to act promptly in making referrals to the Mandated Person or Tusla.
3. Complaints of Alleged Child Abuse by Staff:
- Staff are aware of the referral procedures to the Mandated Person or Tusla. Internal disciplinary processes are in place for staff-related issues.
4. Complaints of Alleged Child Abuse by Others:
- Staff are trained to refer such cases to the Mandated Person or Tusla, with the school being notified.
5. Child Disclosure of Abuse:
- Staff follow procedures to refer disclosures to the Mandated Person or Tusla.
6. Suspicion of Child Abuse:
- Staff know the procedures for referring suspicions to the Mandated Person or Tusla.
Safeguarding Procedures
The Yoruba Language School Ireland’s Child Safeguarding Statement adheres to the Children First Act 2015, National Guidance, and Tusla’s guidelines. Our procedures include:
- Management of allegations against staff/volunteers.
- Provision of child safeguarding training and information.
- Reporting of child protection or welfare concerns.
- Maintenance of a list of Mandated Persons as defined by the Children First Act 2015.
- Appointment of a Mandated Person and a relevant person.
Implementation
We recognize that safeguarding is an ongoing process. Yoruba Language School Ireland is committed to implementing this Child Safeguarding Statement and its procedures to ensure children’s safety while using our services. This statement will be reviewed in December 2024
Contact Information
Yoruba Language School Ireland
Phone: 0899621064
Mandated Person: Grace Ogunsanya
Email: oladejofunmi00@gmail.com
For any questions regarding this Child Safeguarding Statement, please contact (Grace Ogunsanya) at the provided number or email.