Child Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: March 2026

Studio Wolfe provides classes in Dance, Drama, Singing and Acro to pupils from the ages of 3+.

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Management of Studio Wolfe has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

Adoption of Procedures

The Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement.

Principles of Best Practice

The Management recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, procedures, practices and activities. The school will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare.

The school will:

• Recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations.
• Fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children.
• Fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters.
• Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect.
• Develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children, and fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.
• Adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability.

Procedures & Measures in Place

In relation to any member of staff who is the subject of any investigation (howsoever described) in respect of any act, omission or circumstance in respect of a child attending the school, the school adheres to the relevant procedures set out in Chapter 7 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

In relation to the selection or recruitment of staff and their suitability to work with children, the school adheres to the statutory vetting requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and to the wider duty of care guidance set out in relevant Garda vetting.

In relation to the provision of information and, where necessary, instruction and training to staff in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm (as defined in the 2015 Act) the school:

1. Has provided each member of staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement.
2. Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement.
3. Encourages staff to avail of relevant training.

The Management maintains records of all staff member training.

Reporting of Child Protection Concerns

In relation to reporting of child protection concerns to Tusla, all school personnel are required to adhere to the procedures set out in the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

In this school, the Management has appointed the above named DLP as the “relevant person” (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the school’s child safeguarding statement.

All teachers employed by the school are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015. In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, the Board has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while attending the school or participating in school activities.

Publication & Review

This statement has been published on the school’s website and has been provided to all members of school personnel. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla if requested.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed annually or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which this statement refers.