Child Safeguarding Statement
1. Statement of Commitment
As the sole trader operating Viral Wise, I am fully committed to safeguarding children and promoting their well-being while they participate in our workshops. I recognise that the safety and welfare of children is my highest priority.
This commitment aligns with the Children First Act 2015 and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
I act as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for child safeguarding matters and have completed the Tusla Children First eLearning course, ensuring I am trained to recognise and respond to child protection concerns.
2. Nature of Service & Activities
Viral Wise provides interactive workshops for children aged 15 years and over, including:
• Presentations
• Group discussions and activities
Environment: All activities occur in classrooms or other public/private workshop venues.
Note: As a sole trader, I am the only staff member delivering services. No one-to-one contact, overnight stays, or transport of children is involved.
3. Risk of Harm
4. Procedures to Manage Risks and Safeguard Children
a) Management of Allegations Against Staff
As a sole trader, any allegations concerning my behaviour can be reported directly to Tusla or An Garda SÃochána.
I maintain secure records of any concerns, assess risk, and take appropriate action in line with Tusla guidance.
b) Safe Recruitment & Selection
As a sole trader, I am currently the only person engaged in workshop delivery.
If any additional personnel are ever engaged, recruitment will include: Garda vetting, reference checks, and suitability assessment for working with children.
All recruitment records are stored securely.
c) Child Safeguarding Training
I have completed the Tusla Children First eLearning course.
Refresher training occurs every 2 years.
Training covers recognising signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and promoting child welfare.
d) Reporting Child Protection or Welfare Concerns
Any concern about a child’s welfare is recorded securely by me.
Serious concerns are reported to Tusla or An Garda SÃochána without delay.
All actions are documented, including date, time, and details of the concern. Confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Tusla Contact: 021-4923001
e) Mandated Persons
As a sole trader, I am the only worker and a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015.
I fulfil all statutory obligations to report concerns to Tusla.
f) Appointment of Relevant Person (DLP)
I am appointed as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and am responsible for:
Receiving child protection concerns.
Assessing and documenting concerns.
Reporting serious concerns to Tusla or An Garda SÃochána.
My DLP role is self-reviewed annually, and responsibilities are documented.
g) Additional Safeguarding Measures
Code of Behaviour: Strict adherence; no inappropriate contact, language, or bullying.
Supervision: Children are supervised at all times during workshops.
Digital Safety: No online platforms used; safe practices if digital tools are involved.
Record Keeping: All concerns, incidents, and safeguarding actions are documented and stored securely in line with GDPR.
Communication with Parents/Guardians: Procedures for raising concerns are communicated to parents/guardians before participation.
h) Review of Procedures
Safeguarding procedures are reviewed annually or sooner after an incident or legislative change.
Updates are documented, and I am trained on any changes.
5. Relevant Legislation & Guidance
Children First Act 2015
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
Tusla: Guide to Developing a Child Safeguarding Statement (2022)
Child protection policies of the schools/venues where workshops are held
6. Review & Availability
This Child Safeguarding Statement is clearly displayed on the Viral Wise website.
This statement is reviewed every year or sooner if there is a material change in services, procedures or legislation.