Child Protection Policy

THE CODE LAB CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Code of Behaviour

The Code Lab is guided by the following values:

• Students and teachers have the right to be treated with respect by all other students and teachers.
• All participating students have an equal right to learn and enjoy classes.
• All children should feel welcome and included.
• No student may disrupt classes in a way that deprives another student of learning opportunities or the enjoyment of a lesson.
• All students have the right to understand lessons. If a student does not understand the lesson, the teacher needs to re-explain the lesson in a way that is clearer.
• Relevant Questions are Good. Students should never be discouraged from asking questions relevant to the lesson.

The Code Lab is committed to creating a safe environment in which young people can feel comfortable and secure while engaged in any of our training events, camps or workshops. Personnel should, at all times, show respect and understanding for individual’s rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the ethos and principles of The Code Lab.

Code of Behaviour for Children Attending The Code Lab Events

• Participants must adhere to the class rules established by The Code Lab to ensure an environment that fosters learning and enjoyment for all participants.  These rules will be made clear to all participants at the start of an event.  Participants must follow the instructions of the staff in charge.
• If problem behaviour is persistent or serious, The Code Lab will contact the parent or guardian to decide on further action. The Code Lab reserves the right to exclude any participant from future classes or events, if his/her behaviour is deemed unsatisfactory or detrimental to the best interests of The Code Lab classes, themselves, other participants, and/or the staff.
• No refunds will be considered for any participants excluded from an event for behavioural reasons. 
• Any costs for damage and other expenses incurred due to misbehaviour of a child would be considered the responsibility of the parent.
• All Participants will be reminded of the code of behaviour at the start of the event. This will include the following:
  • While in class I will use the computer only for class related activities.
  • While in class will only play games I or my fellow students created, unless as rarely happens my instructor suggest I play a game for the purpose of a lesson.   
  • I will not put down another student’s work or abilities.
  • I will speak respectfully to my fellow students and teachers as I expect them to speak to me.  
  • I will participate in all lessons.
  • I will use The Code Lab equipment with care.
  • I will Listen when someone else is talking.

Limits of responsibility

• The Code Lab including its employees and agents, are not liable for any loss, delay, injury, or damage to person or property resulting from any cause beyond the control of the company. 
• Where the student is attending a class that requires them to take their own laptop, every effort will be made by The Code Lab staff to ensure the safety of that equipment.
• No food or drinks can be consumed within the training room or close to this equipment.
• The Code Lab are not liable for any damage to this personal equipment resulting from any cause beyond the control of the company.

SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT CONCERNS WITH AGENCIES WHO NEED TO KNOW AND INVOLVING PARENTS AND CHILDREN APPROPRIATELY

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING ALLEGATIONS OR SUSPICIONS OF ABUSE

In any case where an allegation is made, or someone in The Code Lab has concerns, a record should be made. Details must include, as far as practical:

• Name of child or young person
• Age
• Home Address (if known)
• Date of Birth (if known)
• Name/s and Address of parent/s or person/s with parental responsibility
• Telephone numbers if available
• Is the person making the report expressing their own concerns, or passing on those of somebody else? If so, record details
• What has prompted the concerns? Include dates and times of any specific incidents
• Has the child or young person been spoken to? If so, what was said?
• Has anybody been alleged to be the abuser? If so, record details
• Who has this been passed on to, in order that appropriate action is taken? e.g. school, designated officer, social services etc
• Has anyone else been consulted? If so, record details

1. Action taken must be record, signed, dated and stored.

DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION PERSONS

For reasons of confidentiality the only person(s) who need to know this information is the following Designated Child Protection Staff Member:  Joan McCann, Founder of The Code Lab.

The Designated Person(s) will inform the relevant outside organisation of the incident

Health Service Executive: www.hse.ie

Tusla – Child and Family Agency, Floors 2-5, Brunel Building, Heuston South Quarter, Dublin 8.
Phone: 01 7718500
Email: info@tusla.ie

Garda – Garda Confidential No 1800 666 111

www.hotline.ie or Low Call 1890 610 710

Childline: www.ispcc.ie Support Line 01-6767960