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CHILD PROTECTION Lisburn City Council (the Council) has developed a Child Protection Policy with expert advice from Down Lisburn Trust and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) (Northern Ireland). It applies to all employees and covers all functions of the Council where employees may come into contact with children. The Policy includes - Reporting guidelines
- Recruitment and vetting of personnel
- Employee Code of Conduct ie. what is expected of employees when dealing with children
- Types of abuse and their commonly accepted definitions
The appointment of a designated Child Protection Officer and the formation of an interdepartmental Child Protection Working Group highlight the Council's committment to Child Protection. Copies of the Policy are available from all Council facilities or click here to download a copy. Concerns re a child at a Lisburn City Council Activity or in a Council Facility? If you have any concerns report them to a council employee who will inform the designated Child Protection Officer. Alternatively you can contact the designated Child Protection Officer on 028 92509250 or email to childprotection@lisburn.gov.uk Child Supervision Levels at Children's Activities The number of children registered for and able to participate in Council run activities depends on spaces, numbers of staff and volunteers available. Minimum Supervision Levels Age 3 - 4 years - Maximum of 8 children per adult and a minimum of 2 adults, preferably 1 of each gender Age 5 - 7 years (centre based) - Maximum of 10 children per adult and a minimum of 2 adults, preferably 1 of each gender Age 5 - 7 years (away trips) Maximum of 10 children per adult and a minimum of 2 adults, preferably 1 of each gender Age over 8 years (centre based) - 1 adult per 15 children and a minimum of 2 adults, preferably 1 of each gender Age over 8 years (away trips) -1 adult per 10 children and a minimum of 2 adults, preferably 1 of each gender Where there are insufficient staff/volunteers to meet ratio requirements, activities/trips may be cancelled or numbers restricted. Photography Good practice guidelines are in operation in all Lisburn City Council facilities. - Individuals wishing to photograph children must complete an authorisation form giving their details, the reason for the photography and confirming that the children's parents' consent has been received
- Staff will challenge unauthorised photography or videoing of children
- Photography is prohibited in any changing room or toilet area.
Leisurewatch Lisburn City Council is committed to the Leisurewatch scheme in its leisure spaces. This initiative brings together trained staff in leisure venues and named police officers responsible for community safety, in order to reduce the risk of harm. Through the provision of staff training the Leisurewatch project aims to increase awareness of the potential risks posed to children in public leisure spaces. |
