Child Safeguarding

Early Learning & Care & School Aged Childcare Services

Training Programmes

FOR EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS
Child Safeguarding Supports and Resources Follow Up to Training
Sectoral Training & Information
  1.  

Child Safeguarding Statement

A Child Safeguarding Statement is a written statement that specifies the service being provided and the principles and procedures to be observed in order to keep children safe from harm. It should include:

  • A Risk Assessment which assesses the risk of harm and the procedures in place to mitigate these risks
  • The name of the service and the activities provided to children
  • A list of all Mandated Persons in the organisation including the name and contact details of relevant persons in the organisation
  • An overview of the measures in place to ensure children are protected from harm

When starting your child in an Early Learning and Care setting, parents should receive information from the service outlining their policies and procedures and information on how to address any concerns you may have. For further information, please see the attached document

 

 

Information for Parents

When your child starts in a care setting, be it full day care, sessional or part time care or with a childminder, it can be a very stressful time for parents. Your first priority as a parent is the safety and welfare of your child and you’ll be delighted to know that this is also a main priority for providers of early learning and care for children.

Early Learning and Care settings have a number of legal obligations under the Children First Act (2015) and these are:

  • Mandated Reporting
  • The requirement to have a Child Safeguarding Statement

Mandated Reporting

Under the Children First Act (2015), mandated persons have 2 legal obligations;

  1. To report the harm of children, above a defined threshold to Tusla
  2. To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report

Mandated Persons have a legal responsibility to report if a child is being harmed, has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed, to the point where the child’s health, development or welfare have been or are being seriously affected, or are likely to be seriously affected.

In early years settings you are a Mandated Person if you are:

  1. A person carrying on a pre-school service within the meaning of Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991.
  2. A child care staff member employed in a pre-school service within the meaning of Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991

Parenting Supports

There are many times when parents may require support. Being able to access supports in one place can make something that may initially seem daunting, a lot easier to figure put. Tusla provide wrap around support for parents including the provision of parenting programmes and intervention at an early stage to prevent situations getting worse. For more information see:

Tusla Online Parenting Supports
‘Parenting 24seven’
Tusla Parenting Supports
Tusla Parents and Guardians

Children First Child Protection Revision Webinar

This webinar was developed to highlight the key elements of the face-to-face Always Children First Foundation training while it is on hold due to current public health advice. Its purpose is to serve as an interim revision resource for ELC practitioners, SAC practitioners and Childminders.

Podcast: Child Safeguarding Statements

In this podcast Laura Dagger, Coordinator of the National Child Safeguarding Programme answers the question ‘What is a Safeguarding Statement & how can providers develop one’. Laura explains the guiding principles; she explains Risk Assessment with regards to a child’s wellbeing as well as Specified Procedures and how to carry them out safely.

Training and Information

Overview on training

The National Child Safeguarding Programme is responsible for the development and provision of child safeguarding training, supports and resources to Early Learning and Childcare services nationally.  This training is facilitated by trainers in City/County Childcare Committees and CNNG.

Online Training – universally available to all educators in Early Learning and Childcare Services

Tusla Animations & Videos

Face to Face Training – available through City/County Childcare Committees and CNNG

  • Always Children First Child Safeguarding Awareness Training for Organisations – Foundation Level ELC and SAC services – this training should be completed by all those working with children and their families
  • Always Children First Child Safeguarding Awareness Training for Childminding Services – Foundation Level – this training should be completed by all childminders
  • Always Children First Child DLP Training for Organisations Part A – the DLP eLearning Module (Part A) is universally available and should be completed by all Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) and Deputy Designated Liaison Persons (DDLP) ELC and SAC services
  • Always Children First Child DLP Training for Organisations Part B – this training should be completed by all Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) and Deputy Designated Liaison Persons (DDLP) ELC and SAC services

Further Online Resources:

 

eLearning Programmes

For early years professionals

The Children First eLearning Programme

A general overview. Recognising and reporting issues. Roles & responsibilities.
see programme

The Mandated Person eLearning Module

Understanding the role and responsibilities of mandated persons.
see programme

Signs of Safety Briefing

Understanding Tusla’s National Approach to Practice – Signs of Safety
see programme

The Quality and Regulatory Framework eLearning Programme

Supports early years professionals in meeting requirements. And explains the Tusla early years inspection.
see programme

Training Programmes

FOR EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS
Child Safeguarding Supports and Resources Follow Up to Training
Sectoral Training & Information

Our Trainers

All trainers participate in rigorous training and quality assurance processes to ensure consistency in training nationally and fidelity to the programme.