Ballyboy CCÉ fully recognises its responsibilities for Child Protection and has developed a branch policy which is available from Ballyboy CCÉ’s Child Welfare Officer, Helen Young.

Children and young people involved in traditional music, song, dance and the Irish language are entitled to:

• Be safe and feel safe;
• Have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment;
• Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity;
• Comment and make suggestions in a constructive fashion;
• Be afforded appropriate confidentiality;
• Participate in sessions, concerts, competitions and any other activities the branch may be involved in, at levels with which they feel comfortable and suits their experience; and
• Make their concerns known and have them deal with in an appropriate manner.

Children and young people involved in traditional music, song, dance and the Irish language should always:

• Do their best and enjoy themselves;
• Make sure they are properly equipped for their lesson e.g. instrument, music folder, recorder etc;
• Respect other members regardless of ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion;
• Support other members regardless of whether they do well or not;
• Respect all tutors and voluntary helpers;
• Inform their tutor in advance if they are unable to attend a lesson;
• Adhere to acceptable standards of behaviour;
• Take care of their instruments, whether on loan or personally owned;
• Respect all venues/classrooms and their contents.
• Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Branch’s Child Welfare Officer with any concerns or questions they may have;
• Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way.

Children and young people involved in traditional music, song, dance and the Irish language should never:

• Shout or argue with a tutor, voluntary worker, class mate etc;
• Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage or to isolate other members;
• Spread rumours, by word of mouth, social media etc;
• Tell lies about adults or other young people;
• Use unacceptable language or racial or sectarian references;
• Run, climb or partake in any other activity between lessons that may cause harm to themselves or others;
• Use mobile phones inappropriately during lessons, sessions or any other Comhaltas activities.

Parents/Guardians involved in traditional music, song, dance and the Irish language are expected to:

• Complete the membership registration forms and pay the membership fee promptly;
• Deliver and collect children punctually;
• Ensure that the child is properly attired for their lesson e.g. instrument, music folder, recorder etc;
• Ensure appropriate and comfortable clothing is worn;
• Detail any relevant health etc. concerns pertaining to the child on 1. the membership registration form;
• Ensure that the tutor is informed in advance if your child is unable to attend their lesson;
• Inform the tutor beforehand if the child is to be collected early;
• Encourage the child to practice between lessons;
• Listen and encourage all children’s efforts, being positive;
• Appreciate and respect your child’s tutor;
• Be realistic;
• Supervise your child before and after lessons and sessions;
• Ensure that your child does not partake in any activity that may cause harm to themselves or others e.g. running, climbing, boisterous playing etc.

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

• Know that all tutors and Committee members are Garda vetted;
• Know their child is safe;
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their child;
• Be informed if their child is unhappy in any situation;
• Contribute to decisions within Ballyboy CCÉ;
• Complain if there is a concern about the standard of teaching.