Safeguarding Policy

It is a privilege and pleasure for First Swim to teach your child how to swim and we fully understand the responsibility that comes with that. Our safeguarding and child protection procedures are in place to ensure that we keep your child safe and that it outlines what to do when there are concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

Our policy has been put together using the information from the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and from Children First Act 2015 Swim Ireland’s Child Safeguarding Statement.

First Swim will ensure the following:

• All our staff have taken the Swim Ireland Safeguarding Level 1 training course and that each member is properly vetted by the Gardai
• All children will be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion
• All our staff have the appropriate training and strictly adhere to the First Swim code of conduct while teaching at our centres
• All First Swim staff will be vigilant and follow the appropriate response to any concerns raised or disclosures made by a young person or customer
• We monitor and the implement this safeguarding policy by regularly reviewing risk assessments and by reviewing the performance of our instructors to ensure our high standards are maintained
• Any First Swim documents related to your child are kept in a private and secure location
• All information about your child is kept strictly confidential
• We maintain a list of mandated persons and that a Relevant Person & Designated Liaison Person has been appointed

First Swim is committed to safeguarding the children in our care and to providing a safe environment in which they can play, learn and develop. Our service believes that the welfare of the children attending our service is paramount. We are committed to child-centered practice in all our work with children. We are committed to upholding the rights of every child and young person who attends our service, including the rights to be kept safe and protected from harm, listened to, and heard.

Our policy and procedures to safeguard children and young people reflect national policy and legislation and are underpinned by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Tusla Children First – Child Safeguarding Guide 2017, and the Children First Act 2015.

If you have a question or concern regarding child welfare or anything in this safeguarding policy please contact the office of First Swim on (01) 437 0944 or email us at info@firstswim.ie