TOCCATA HOUSE MUSIC SCHOOL
Olive Powderly AVCM(Hons) CTVCM FVCM BA(Open) Dip Music & Humanities
TEFL Qualification – Phoenix ABC TEFL, ACELS recognised
Examiner – Victoria College of Music, London
Director of Studies – Summer programme, ISE Dublin
Toccata House Music School, Safeguarding Policy and Covid 19 statement 2020
Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. While protecting children from abuse is one part of safeguarding, children and young people also need safeguarding in order for them to grow, develop and achieve their full potential.
We are a private run music school, offering private classes on a one to one basis at our music school based at 43 Fair Street and Drogheda Grammar School, Mornington Road, Drogheda.
Toccata House Music School has a strong emphasis on child protection policies with each teacher being GARDA Vetted every 3 years and also TUSLA certified as well. (Copies of individual teachers vetting and TUSLA certificates are available to see on site at venues). Teachers have also read and signed our risk assessment and safe guarding polices which are strictly adhered too.
It is of utmost importance that every student who attends our music school whether adults, students/children should feel that they are in a safe and protected environment. The welfare of the child/young person/adult under our care is paramount.
Risk Assessment
We have carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while availing of our services. Below is a list of the areas of risk identified and the list of procedures for managing these risks.
Risk Assessment – risk identified and procedures:
- Slips, trips or falls, are medium due to Code of Behaviour and Control Measures (available on request) – no running on corridors, or waiting area – also students not to leave bags or luggage lying around in case of accidents. The same applies re: bags lying around or instrument s or books in classrooms, code of behaviour applies.
Any incidents to be reported to DLM by students to Olive Powderly.
- Entrance to classrooms, students will not congregate outside doors of classrooms or main outdoor areas. Teachers always check that this does not happen and that all students are in classes at appropriate lesson times. Any absenteeism of students, if not notified by parents are reported to Olive immediately.
- Movement of persons on corridors and stairs – students will walk at all times in corridors, stairs and outdoor areas to pre fabs. No running allowed. Again attention is paid to control measures and code of behaviour. Students will not congregate in corridors, hallways but will utilise the waiting area that is provided.
- Students will not engage in unruly behaviour on site and will respect the presence of other users at venues.
Procedures
Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice. In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, the following procedures support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our service.
Procedure for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct against workers/volunteers of a child availing of our service.
Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to work with children.
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 Tusla.
Procedure for maintaining a list of the persons (if any) in the relevant service who are mandated personnel.
Procedure for appointing a relevant person.
All available upon request.
Implementation:
We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Our service is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our service.
Our Safeguarding Statement was reviewed on March 12th 2020 and is checked regularly.
For an queries, please contact Olive Powderly and DLM under Child Protection First Act 2015.
Covid – 19 procedures will be put in place for reopening August/September 2020 with the addition of Covid – 19 social distancing, screens, sanitizing units, gloves and masks (if needed) will be on site. Staggering of classes to allow for safe arrival and departures of students will be enforced for the safety of students and staff of Toccata House Music School. Also CIF Covid 19 online induction course has been attained by all members of staff of Toccata House Music School.
We, at Toccata House wish everyone a safe, and healthy return to music, and looking forward to seeing everyone at DGS in August/September 2020.