Policies and Procedures
Child Safeguarding Statement
Last updated: February 15, 2024
Name of service being provided
North Offaly CoderDojo, part of the CoderDojo movement of free coding clubs.
Nature of service and principles to safeguarding children from harm
North Offaly CoderDojo is a voluntary organisation where mentors teach computer programming to young people between the age of 7 to 17. All volunteers must be Garda Vetted prior to working with young people and must undergo child protection training.
Risk assessment
We have carried our assessment on 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 identified | Procedure in place to manage identified risk |
|---|---|
| A young person left alone | Young people of 12 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent for the duration of the session. All classes take place simultaneously in one room therefore eliminating the need for a young person to be alone. Volunteers are not permitted to enter Dojo until at least two adults are present. |
| Adult to child ratio observed | Open places on booking form in accordance with mentor/volunteer availability. |
| Internet security | Restricted access to internet during in-person sessions. Parents are advised/informed of parental controls in relation to internet access. |
| How to deal with potential child protection issues | Designated child protection liaison person appointed & contact details given to all volunteers. |
| New Volunteers - unknown backgrounds | Potential volunteers Garda Vetted prior to working with young people. Potential new mentors then must co/mentor with existing mentors before taking a class solo. Classes must always take place in the Dojo. |
Procedures
Our child safeguarding statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance and Tulsa’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 persons;
- Procedure for appointing a relevant person.
All procedures listed are 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.
This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed within 3 months of the last updated date, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.
Signed: Patrick O’Brien, Child Protection Officer.
For queries, please contact Patrick O’Brien at patrick@northoffalydojo.com – North Offaly CoderDojo’s Relevant Person under the Children First Act 2015.