Safe lessons.
Care at every note.

Commitment and procedures

Safeguarding young students is a priority for all GMA staff and teachers. Teachers undertake child-protection training in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015.

GMA’s procedures cover teacher behaviour, reporting suspected abuse, allegations involving teachers, recruitment and selection, and complaints and accidents.

Code of behaviour

• Children are treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect.
• Teachers remain sensitive to the risks involved in one-to-one teaching.
• Physical contact may sometimes be necessary to demonstrate how to hold or play an instrument. It must be appropriate to the lesson and acceptable to everyone concerned.
• Physical contact intended to comfort, reassure or show concern must be acceptable to everyone concerned.
• Teachers must never physically punish or verbally abuse a child or tell jokes of a sexual nature in children’s presence.
• Children are encouraged to report bullying, and complaints brought to management receive a response.
• Teachers respect each individual’s personal space, safety and privacy.

Recognising and reporting concerns

Child abuse is categorised as neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse or sexual abuse.

Neglect

Significant harm or impaired development caused by deprivation of essentials such as food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, stimulation, supervision, safety, affection or medical care.

Emotional abuse

Harm arising where a child’s needs for affection, approval, consistency and security are not met.

Physical abuse

Any form of non-accidental injury that causes significant harm to a child.

Sexual abuse

Abuse occurring when a child is used by another person for that person’s gratification or arousal, or for the gratification or arousal of others.

Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or is at risk has a responsibility to report the concern to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, through GMA’s Designated Liaison Person, or directly to An Garda Síochána in an emergency. Reports made reasonably and in good faith to Tusla or An Garda Síochána are protected by the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998.

Designated Liaison Person

Within Galway Music Academy, concerns are reported to the Designated Liaison Person, Jamie O’Neill, who reports to Tusla or An Garda Síochána as appropriate. The person who raised the concern will normally be required to speak with the duty social worker.

Reports should include as much information as possible, including names, addresses, a full account of the concern, relevant dates and circumstances, and the child’s own statement where relevant.

If a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk, An Garda Síochána will be contacted without delay.

Allegations involving a teacher

The applicable contract for services and the principles of natural justice will be followed. The Designated Liaison Person will be informed promptly. The first priority is ensuring that no child is exposed to unnecessary risk, and any protective measures will be proportionate.

Action following an allegation will be taken in consultation with Tusla and An Garda Síochána. GMA will assist those agencies fully with their investigation. Following consultation, the Manager will inform the accused person about their position with GMA.

Recruitment and selection

• Vacancies have clear job descriptions specifying minimum qualifications and experience.
• Applicants declare that there is no reason they are unsuitable to work with children and disclose criminal convictions or pending cases.
• Applicants are interviewed, and recruitment information is limited to those directly involved in the process.
• Applicants provide two referees, including at least one with first-hand knowledge of their work or contact with children.
• Identity is checked against documentation showing full name, address, signature and photograph.
• Successful applicants complete Garda Vetting through the National Vetting Bureau under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016.

Complaints and accidents

Emergency numbers are displayed and known by office staff. A telephone is available for emergencies, and a first-aid box is kept nearby.

Accidents and complaints are reported to the Child Protection Officer, Jamie O’Neill, entered in a logbook and brought to the School Director’s attention.

Further information

See Tusla’s guidance for organisations working with children and young people. For a GMA safeguarding question, use the academy’s Contact page.