Child Safeguarding Policy

• Staff candidates are subject to assessment of relevant qualifications, experience and track record in relation to children. 

• Paediatric First Aid Training is provided to staff (most recent June 2026).

• All staff are expected to adhere to the relevant Departmental and Civil Service codes and policies in their interactions with children and young people. Non-compliance with these policies and failure to uphold the expected standards of behaviour will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. 

• Staff are subject to Garda vetting/clearing procedures.

• Management provides guidance and advice to staff to ensure that children are provided a safe and comfortable environment.

• Parent/guardian participation is encouraged.

• Staff meet with parents/guardians before and after each art workshop and their feedback is encouraged.

• In cases of an incident, any staff present must fill and sign an Incident Report Form, which we provide. 

• Children are supervised and group numbers are kept in line with teacher-child ratio guidelines.

• Parents/guardians are asked to provide any relevant information on any accommodations we would need to make for children with additional needs, allergies or specific requirements as part of our booking process.

• Paediatric First Aid Training is provided to staff (most recent June 2026).

• Contact information of parent/guardian is available on hand for staff members at every workshop, unless their parents/caregivers are also in attendance.

• Teacher has a phone at hand at all times should they need to contact a parent, guardian, or in extreme case, the emergency services. 

• In cases of an incident, any staff present must fill and sign an Incident Report Form, which we provide. 

• Children are supervised and group numbers are kept in line with teacher-child ratio guidelines.

• Peer-to-peer learning is encouraged and nurtured as part of our curriculum.

• Paediatric First Aid Training is provided to staff (most recent June 2026).

• Contact information of the parents/guardians is available on hand for staff members at every workshop, unless the parents/caregivers are also in attendance.

• Teacher has a phone at hand at all times should they need to contact a parent, guardian, or in extreme case, the emergency services. 

• In cases of an incident, any staff present must fill and sign an Incident Report Form, which we provide. 

• Inclusion is a priority within our workshops.   

• We take responsibility to recognise vulnerability and facilitate those with limited ability to ensure their constant inclusion within the group.

• Pre-booking is required on all workshops, so that we’re fully prepared.

• Parents/guardians are asked to provide any relevant information on any accommodations we would need to make for children with additional needs, allergies or specific requirements as part of our booking process.

• Contact information of the parents/guardians is available on hand for staff members at every workshop, unless the parents/caregivers are also in attendance.

• We are a process-led studio, which is a philosophy that actively encourages independent thinking and individuality. 

• We affirm a child’s work in order to build their confidence and create a sense of safety and a feeling of ease within our workshops.

• Children are supervised and group numbers are kept in line with teacher-child ratio guidelines. 

• In the case of a child acting frustrated or in distress, we treat the child with respect, understanding and compassion. In cases where they are significantly disrupting the workshop for other participants, their parent/guardian is contacted. Their parent/guardians welcome to come and attend with their child if it will help their participation, or choose to go home and attend on another available date where necessary.

• Lead Teachers complete Túsla Children First training, to ensure our ability recognise any signs of abuse in a child.

• We would not hesitate in reporting an observation to the DLP or appropriate service such as Tusla or the Gardaí where necessary. 

Children are supervised and group numbers are kept in line with teacher-child ratio guidelines. 

We are vigilant in observing all children attending our workshops to ensure that bullying does not arise.    

Should a complaint or observation of bullying occur, we will speak to both parties in an attempt to resolve minor situations quickly on site.   

If the situation is more long-standing or complex, we will consult with parents/caregivers and or the Designated Liaison Person, when working within an organisation.    

• We will always inform parents of any incident and keep a record of same. In cases of an incident, any staff present must fill and sign an Incident Report Form, which we provide.  

• No staff member is permitted to take an image or video of a child without written consent from their parent/guardian.

• Parents/guardians are welcome to agree or not agree to image consent as part of our online booking process.

• Parents/guardians may opt out at any time by emailing
  sheena@meandthemoon.ie.

• Any identifiable features, such as name badges, are removed in post production.