Classes and Timetable

Draíocht Creative Arts School Anti-Bullying Policy 

• Draíocht Creative Arts School is a safe and welcoming space for all to express themselves creatively through drama & visual art.
• We pride ourselves in creating a safe environment for both our students and our teachers/parents/guardians/volunteers.
• All are welcome as Draíocht Creative Arts School is an inclusive space. We expect all students and staff to show kindness, respect & support to everyone within the Draíocht Creative Arts School community including students, staff, volunteers, members of the public & the hospitable people who work at the venues that host our shows such as the Kinsale Library & Tracton Arts & Community Centre.
• Draíocht Creative Arts School does not accept any incidents of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ which includes but is not limited to: bullying, harassment, homophobia, transphobia, racism or sexism. Any instances of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ will be dealt with as quickly as possible and in this way:

1. The director Jasmine Roberts will be notified of this behaviour
2. Jasmine will speak directly and individually to all parties involved and collect a statement from all parties & any witnesses who were present when the incident arose.
3. Jasmine will create an action based solution, send it to all parties involved, and all parties must agree to follow this solution
4. Jasmine will have a 1 month follow-up meeting with all parties involved
5. If offending parties fail to agree to a solution to the issue following mediation, their membership for the preceding lessons in that particular teaching block of lessons will be cancelled without a refund and the offending parties will not be allowed to attend their remaining lessons.

Please note, Draíocht Creative Arts School can update this policy at any time but clients will be notified of updates if they arise.

Signed: Jasmine Roberts 28/8/26 

Owner & Director of Draíocht Creative Arts School 

Draíocht Creative Arts School Child Protection Policy

A child protection policy is a statement of the organisation’s commitment to keep children and young people safe and to report any concerns about their welfare. The policy will contain procedures for how this is done in the organisation.

1.Policy Statement

Draíocht Creative Arts School recognises its legal and moral obligation to protect young people attending our drama and art classes under Section 2 Schedule 1 of the Children First Act 2015 where a relevant service is defined as:

Any work or activity which is carried out by a person, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children in

5. Any work or activity which consists of the provision of-

(a) educational, research, training, cultural, recreational, leisure, social or physical activities to children.

Draíocht Creative Arts School is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all students attending our school by protecting children from harm and abuse, and to comply with the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and other relevant child protection legislation such as the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 for Primary, Post Primary & Special Schools. We are dedicated to creating a safe, positive, creative and inclusive environment where children and young people can develop holistically; artistically, socially, and personally.

2. Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to:

• DLP and DDLP/Volunteers
  • Contractors and external facilitators
  • Children (under 18) attending our courses, workshops, or events
  • Parents/guardians

3. Designated Liaison Person
   • Designated Liaison Person (DLP):The person appointed by the school to manage child protection concerns and liaise with Tusla and An Garda Síochána.

DLP: Jasmine Roberts    Contact: 0861778979 

DDLP: Mairead Roberts   Email:hello@draiochtcreativeartsschool.ie 

All concerns or disclosures must be reported immediately to the DLP or, in their absence, to the Deputy DLP.

4. Recognising Child Abuse

Staff must be familiar with the categories of abuse outlined in the Children First Guidance:

• Neglect
  • Emotional abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse

Signs, symptoms, and reasonable grounds for concern are detailed in staff training and Tusla guidance.

5. Reporting Procedures
6. If we, the (DLP Jasmine Roberts/DDLP Mairead Roberts) have a child protection concern about a child we are obliged to report our concern to Tusla. We can report our concern by telephone, in person or in writing through the Tusla portal to the local social work duty service in the area that the child lives.

https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/web-portal/

https://www.tusla.ie/services/child-protection-welfare/contact-a-social-worker/cork-duty-social-work-teams/

2. If the child is in immediate danger, the DLP/DDLP will contact An Garda Síochána 

Under the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, it is a criminal offence to withhold information about a serious offence against a person under 18 years or a vulnerable person. The offence arises where a person knows or believes that a specified offence has been committed against a child or vulnerable person and they have information which would help arrest, prosecute or convict another person for that offence, but fails, without reasonable excuse, to disclose that information as soon as it is practicable to do so to a member of An Garda Síochána. 

Anyone making a report of suspected child abuse, provided they act ‘reasonably and in good faith’ will have immunity from civil liability (Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998).

6.Record Keeping and Communication With the DLP

All concerns, reports, and actions taken must be recorded in writing and stored securely.

“In all cases where the DLP has sought the advice of Tusla the DLP shall retain a record of the consultation which will note the date, the full name of the Tusla official and the advice given” (Section 5.3.4 of the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025, p.52). This information will be stored securely so that only the DLP/DDLP have access to it. 

What will the DLP be asked by Tusla?

To help Tusla staff assess the DLP’s concern, the DLP will fill out a Child Protection and Welfare Report Form (CPWRF). The DLP should provide as much relevant information as they can about the child, his/her home circumstances and the grounds for concern. These could include:

• The child’s name, address and age
• Names and addresses of parents or guardians
• Names, if known, of who is allegedly harming the child or not caring for them appropriately
• A detailed account of their grounds for concern (e.g. details of the allegation, dates of incidents, and description of injuries)
• Names of other children in the household
• Name of school the child attends
• DLP’s name, contact details and relationship to the child

Does the DLP need to tell the family they are making a report?

“It is best practice to tell a family that you are making a report. Families have a right to know what is being reported about them. It also helps them understand the reasons for reporting and what information is being reported. However, in exceptional circumstances you may be concerned that telling the family will put the child at further risk, could impact on Tusla’s ability to carry out an assessment or could place you at risk of harm from the family. In these exceptional circumstances it is not necessary for you to tell the family you are making a report.” (Tusla.ie How do I report a concern about a child?)

https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/individuals-working-with-children-and-young-people/how-do-i-report-a-concern-about-a-child/

7. Confidentiality

• Confidentiality means that information in relation to you or your children will only be shared with people on a “need to know” basis.
  • Records will be kept securely in line with GDPR requirements.
  • Children and families have the right to privacy except where safeguarding concerns arise.

8. Safe Recruitment

We are committed to ensuring that all teachers/volunteers working with children are suitable:

• Garda Vetting is mandatory for all volunteers/teachers in contact with children.
  • References will be checked prior to appointment.
  • All teachers/volunteers will undergo induction and regular child safeguarding training such as the Tusla’s Children First e-learning programme for example.

9. Code of Behaviour for Staff

• Treat all children with respect and dignity.
  • Avoid one-to-one situations where possible; use open spaces or rooms with visibility.
  • Never use physical punishment, humiliation, or inappropriate language.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
  • Report concerns promptly to the DLP.

10. Risk Assessment & Child Safeguarding Statement

In compliance with Section 11 of the Children First Act 2015, we have carried out a Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment for the school which is outlined in our Child Safeguarding Statement. 

Other policies to protect children:

• Please view our anti bullying policy and code of behaviour for students 

11. Complaints Procedure

• Contact the DLP Jasmine Roberts directly on 0861778979 or email hello@draiochtcreativeartsschool.ie 

12. Parent/Guardian Co-operation

Parents/guardians are their children’s primary educators and carers. We work in partnership with parents/guardians to ensure children’s safety and enjoyment of the recreational activities we offer. In order to help ensure children and young people’s safety and welfare, we ask parents to:

1. Bring and collect children on time for the class/rehearsal from their classroom/hall.
2. Staff are not responsible for children outside of programme/rehearsal hours.
3. Inform the teachers/volunteers if someone else is picking up the child.
4. Give us any relevant information (e.g. health, ability, emergency contact).
5. Follow directions of staff (facilitators/leaders/volunteers) when requested.
6. Complete and sign registration and consent forms for programmes as requested.
7. Read all of our policies, terms and conditions.

13. Use of Facilities 

• Children must be supervised when using bathrooms/backstage. 
• Staff will not enter bathrooms unless necessary for supervision in line with safeguarding practice.
• Children must be supervised when in the classrooms/halls/theatres at all times.
• If bathrooms are not attached to the classrooms, the teacher will supervise the students in the hall outside the doors to the restroom facilities while they wait in a queue to use the girls and boys restroom facilities 

14. Policy Review

Date of next review: 1st of December 2026
Approved by: Jasmine Roberts (Director and DLP)

Signed: Jasmine Roberts 26/8/26

15. Key Contacts

Tusla 24/7 Emergency Out of Hours Service : 0818 776 315

Tusla Website: www.tusla.ie

Tusla Duty Social Worker Contact Details for Cork:  https://www.tusla.ie/services/child-protection-welfare/contact-a-social-worker/cork-duty-social-work-teams/

Garda Station Carrigaline phone number: 0214919370

Garda Station Kinsale phone number: 0214779250

Cork University Hospital Emergency Department: 021 492 0200

Mercy University Hospital: 021-493 5241

Code of Behaviour for Staff/Volunteers

• Treat all children with respect and dignity.
• Avoid one-to-one situations where possible; use open spaces or rooms with visibility.
• Never use physical punishment, humiliation, or inappropriate language.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Report concerns promptly to the DLP.
• Treat all colleagues with respect.

Code of Behaviour for Students/Parents 

• Treat all staff, volunteers & people hosting us at our performance venues with respect & dignity.
• If parents/guardians have a complaint, issue or concern they are to contact Jasmine Roberts directly when the issue arises on 0861778979 or email hello@draiochtcreativeartsschool.ie in order for the situation to get resolved in the most efficient and appropriate way.
• Bullying/vandalism of any description will not be tolerated by Draíocht Creative Arts School. If offending parties fail to agree to a solution to the issue following mediation, their membership for the preceding lessons in that particular teaching block of lessons will be cancelled without a refund and the offending parties will not be allowed to attend their remaining lessons.
• Late collection on a continuous basis will not be tolerated by Draíocht Creative Arts School as teachers will need to prepare for their next class.

Please note, Draíocht Creative Arts School can update their codes of behaviour &  various policies at any time but clients will be notified of updates if they arise.

Signed: Jasmine Roberts 28/8/26 

Owner & Director of Draíocht Creative Arts School 

Child Safeguarding Statement

A written statement prepared in accordance with section 11 of the Children First Act 2015. 

Name of service provided: Draíocht Creative Arts School provides drama and art classes to children. It also puts on regular showcases for drama students to get performance opportunities. 

Nature of Service & Principles to Safeguard Children from Harm 

Draíocht Creative Arts School is committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people in accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 (updated 2023), the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 for Primary, Post Primary & Special Schools, the Addendum to Children First Guidelines (2025) and Tusla Guidance (the Child & Family Agency) on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements. Draíocht Creative Arts School will adopt and implement the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 for Primary, Post Primary and Special Schools as part of this overall child safeguarding statement. The management of Draíocht Creative Arts School has agreed the following Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

Procedures 

Draíocht Creative Arts School recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of creative arts school life and must be reflected in policies, procedures, practices and activities. Draíocht Creative Arts School will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare.

 Draíocht Creative Arts School will:

1.Appoint Jasmine Roberts as Designated Liaison Person (DLP). The person nominated by Draíocht Creative Arts School to act as the point of contact for Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), An Garda Síochána, and others in matters relating to child protection concerns or allegations. 

2. Appoint Mairead Roberts as Deputy Liaison Person (DDLP). The person appointed by Draíocht Creative Arts School to act as deputy to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP). The DDLP takes on the responsibilities of the DLP when the DLP is unavailable. 

3.Recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all considerations. Please view Risk Assessment & Procedures for Managing Identified Risk in Section 9 of this document.

4. Fully comply with statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation such as the Child Protection Procedures for schools 2025 for Primary, Post Primary and Special Schools relating to the protection and welfare of children 
5. Fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters such as Tusla the Child and Family Agency and an Garda Síochána
6. Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers/volunteers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect 

7.Develop a practice of openness with parents/guardians and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children

8. Fully respect confidentiality requirements when dealing with child protection matters 

9.Risk Assessment

In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, we have carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while availing of our services. Below is a list of the areas of risks identified and the list of procedures for managing these risks.

10. The Following List of Procedures & Measures are in place:

-In relation to any member of staff/volunteer who is the subject of any investigation 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 (p.62-73)of the Child Protection Procedures for schools 2025 for Primary, Post Primary and Special Schools 

-In relation to the selection or recruitment of staff and their suitability to work with children, Draíocht Creative Arts School adheres to the statutory vetting requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 

-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) Draíocht Creative Arts School ensures that:

1. All staff/volunteers have copies of the Child Safeguarding Statement and Child Protection Policy 
2. All staff/volunteers avail of relevant training

-In relation to reporting child protection concerns to Tusla, the staff/volunteers of Draíocht Creative Arts School will adhere to the procedures set out in the Child Protection Procedures for Primary, Post Primary Schools and Special Schools, where by law they are obligated to report child protection concerns under the Children First Act 2015.

-In Draíocht Creative Arts School Jasmine Roberts is the DLP as the ‘relevant person’ (as identified in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the school’s child safeguarding statement.

11. Implementation

We recognise that implementation is an on-going process. Our service is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our service. 

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed on the 1st of December 2026 or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

Signed: Jasmine Roberts (Provider)

For queries, please contact DLP Jasmine Roberts, Relevant Person under the Children First Act 2015.

Contact Details: 0861778979

Email: hello@draiochtcreativeartsschool.ie

Draíocht Creative Arts School Terms & Conditions

Please read the following important terms and conditions before you buy blocks of lessons on our website and check that the terms, conditions & policies contain everything that you agree with before committing to classes.

Term Fees

• Fees are payable in full for blocks of 5-6 week sessions prior to commencing classes in order to secure a place. 
• Before paying fees, the registration form must be completed by parents/guardians outlining that they agree to all terms, conditions & policies of Draíocht Creative Arts School.
• We do not offer trial classes or refunds. The only exception would be if after the first lesson, the student was finding the class too difficult due to concentration or ability levels, then they will only be charged for the first lesson they attended and will be refunded the remaining lessons.
• Bullying/vandalism of any description will not be tolerated by Draíocht Creative Arts School. If offending parties fail to agree to a solution to the issue following mediation, their membership for the preceding lessons in that particular teaching block of lessons will be cancelled without a refund and the offending parties will not be allowed to attend their remaining lessons. 
• If a student misses a lesson, lessons cannot be made up or refunded as these are group classes. If a teacher misses a lesson due to illness or emergency, the teacher will reschedule the class so the students get the full block of lessons they paid for. If the absent student would like to send in a video of them doing their drama practice, the teacher would be happy to send the student’s parents feedback to support the student’s practice regime at home if preparing for a show or exam. This option doesn’t apply to art students & drama students who are not preparing for shows or exams.
•  

Policies & Statements 

Please read the following documents prior to commencing:

• Registration Document 
• Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Statement 
• Anti Bullying Policy 
• Code of behaviour for students & staff 

Communication 

• Communication will be via phone call, WhatsApp text and email.   

• Ensure you give email addresses and numbers that are in regular use 

Complaints Procedure 

• If you need to make a complaint, contact Jasmine Roberts on 0861778979 or email hello@draiochtcreativeartschool.ie  as soon as possible to ensure the issue gets promptly rectified.

Please note, Draíocht Creative Arts School can update terms & conditions at any time but clients will be notified of updates when they arise.

Signed: Jasmine Roberts 28/8/26 

Owner & Director of Draíocht Creative Arts School