CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
1. Commitment to Safeguarding
We at Creative Assemble are committed to safeguarding the children and young people who attend our sewing classes. Our priority is to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and protection from harm at all times.
2. Nature of Service
We provide hand-sewing and machine-sewing classes and workshops for children and young people aged 8–18 years. Classes are delivered in small groups with a maximum ratio of 1 teacher to 12 students. At present, we have just one teacher.
3. Risk Assessment & Procedures
We have identified potential risks to children and outlined the procedures we have in place to minimise them:
-
Use of sewing machines and scissors – Children are supervised at all times. Clear safety rules are explained before each class and displayed within the studio. Parents sign a consent form acknowledging that their child will be using sewing equipment.
-
Injuries – All teachers are first-aid trained (with training refreshed annually). A stocked first-aid kit is present in the studio at all times, along with an accident and emergency book where all injuries are recorded.
-
Supervision
-
Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 12 students per teacher. Teachers avoid one-to-one situations with children where possible.
-
Children are never left alone in class
-
Teachers do not leave until all children are collected
-
We ask that parents inform us if their child is walking home or being collected by someone else.
-
In the case of new teachers the Dedicated Liason Person will do monthly spot checks on class to assess students
-
-
-
Parental communication
-
Two emergency phone numbers are collected at booking for each child. A sign-in/out process ensures children are only released to their parent/guardian.
-
We have a feedback section in all parental communications to ensure they know they can reach us with any concerns
-
-
Behaviour and respect – Rules are explained before every class and displayed prominently for children and parents.
Child Protection Procedures
-
We follow Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
-
We have a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) responsible for child protection concerns.
-
Where there is a child protection concern, the DLP will report it to Tusla – Child and Family Agency, and to An Garda Síochána if a child is in immediate danger.
Code of Behaviour for Staff
-
Treat all children with respect and fairness.
-
Use positive encouragement and never physical punishment or shouting.
-
Ensure appropriate boundaries between staff and children.
-
Never be alone with a child where possible.
Implementation & Review
-
This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed every year, or sooner if required by legislation or following any incident.
-
All staff complete Tusla’s Children First e-learning programme.
-
Parents are informed of this statement upon booking.
