Safeguarding Statement 2025/26
At Áirc we are committed to our responsibility of safeguarding any child from harm. It is the responsibility of every adult involved in our
organisation to report any sign of harm to a child, harm being defined as “(a) assault, ill-treatment or neglect of the child in a manner that seriously affects or is likely to seriously affect
the child’s health, development or welfare, or (b) sexual abuse of the child, ” in accordance with the Children First Act (2015). Every event or activity that we carry out requires that a risk
assessment be developed specific to each event. These risk assessments include health and safety assessments and volunteer management checks. All volunteers must be Garda vetted and have attained
a certificate in child protection training. All documents are available within a reasonable amount of time upon request. Áirc, at present, only runs activities that require a parent or guardian
to be present at all times.
Should a child require Áirc Midlands Safeguarding Statement 2025 - 2026 changing or toileting it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to
carry this out. No Áirc volunteer shall be alone with a child (except for the circumstance whereby they are the parent or guardian of that child).
Every child who attends our Áirc activities is unique and has his or her own set of characteristics, needs, merits and flaws. Áirc is committed to
allowing these children the freedom to express themselves and celebrate their diversity in a safe and judgement free environment.
While we encourage freedom of expression, we are also aware of challenging aspects of behavior and, should they become unsafe for others, have
procedures in place in response to this. Each child’s behavior is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of that child. Every Áirc event has a designated sensory friendly area (chill out
zone). These are safe spaces equipped to provide a calming environment and a quiet place where a child can take time out.
Every Áirc event requires that volunteers that have attained at least an intermediate first aid certificate. We continuously endeavour to upskill
volunteers in any area that we feel may benefit children who attend our activities. Each risk assessment includes the certificates attained by attending volunteers.
All food served shall be done so within HACCP guidelines and allergy advice/ ingredient sheets shall be clearly visible.
A Designated Liaison Person will be on hand to assist any member who wishes to make a complaint or feels unsafe in any way and for any reason. It is
the responsibility of this person to asses and report either to Tusla or the Gardai.
This is a living document and subject to amendments at any time and an annual review by the committee. No amendment shall lessen the level of
protection committed to here and may only enhance it.