North Bay Music | Music Production ACADEMY FOR Kids

Child protection policy

1. Our Commitment

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all children attending our music production lessons.

We follow the principles of:

  • safeguarding children from harm
  • promoting their wellbeing
  • creating a positive learning experience

Our approach is guided by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

2. Scope of Our Service

We provide:

  • Music production lessons for kids aged 8 to 16
  • Lessons in community centre and private studio settings

3. Our Safeguarding Approach

We are committed to:

  • Treating all children with respect and dignity
  • Providing a safe physical environment
  • Ensuring all interactions are appropriate and transparent
  • Encouraging children to feel comfortable speaking up

4. Recruitment & Vetting

  • All staff are vetted through the National Vetting Bureau
  • References are checked before engagement
  • Staff receive guidance on safeguarding responsibilities

5. Code of Behaviour

All staff must:

  • Treat children with respect at all times
  • Use appropriate language and tone
  • Avoid being alone with a child in a closed environment
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries
  • Not engage in any inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour

6. Supervision & Safety

We ensure:

  • Lessons take place in visible, appropriate settings
  • Group sizes are small and manageable
  • Parents/guardians are informed of lesson locations and times
  • Safe procedures for arrival and collection

7. Managing Risks

We actively manage risks such as:

  • One-to-one situations
  • Collection of children
  • Use of equipment and facilities
  • Communication outside of lessons

Clear procedures are in place to reduce these risks.

8. Reporting Concerns

If a concern arises:

  • It is reported to our Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
  • Appropriate action is taken in line with Children First guidelines
  • Where required, concerns are reported to Tusla

9. Designated Liaison Person

  • DLP: Brendan McGinley
  • Deputy DLP: Allen Monahan

They are responsible for:

  • handling concerns
  • making reports where necessary
  • ensuring procedures are followed

10. Confidentiality

All concerns are handled:

  • sensitively
  • respectfully
  • in line with legal obligations

Information is shared only where necessary to protect a child.

11. Training & Awareness

  • Staff are made aware of safeguarding responsibilities
  • Guidance is provided on recognising and responding to concerns

12. Review

This policy is reviewed:

  • annually
  • or when services change