PASTORAL CARE and CHILD PROTECTION
Commitment
The WELB Music Service has a commitment to pupils, parents, colleagues, the school community and to the community at large.
Aims
The primary aim of the Music Service is the optimal development of pupils' musical, aesthetic and general intellectual ability. In all of its endeavours, the service acknowledges that the welfare of the child is paramount and accepts its responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. To assist and enable staff in fulfilling these responsibilities, in-service training has been provided on Pastoral Care and Child Protection and all music service staff are vetted to ensure their suitability to work with children and young people.
Music Service personnel will at all times:
- act with compassion and impartiality
- seek to encourage and praise whenever appropriate
- ensure that reports on pupils are based on factual information
- be sensitive when providing feedback to pupils with respect to their ability and performance
- recognise their responsibilities towards pupils and honour their position of trust
- respect the confidentiality of information relating to pupils, unless its disclosure is either required by law, or is considered to be in the best interests of the particular pupil
We recognise that the fostering of trust and positive relationships with pupils and parents/guardians is essential for the well-being of individuals and the successful achievement of our aims.
Communication
We encourage you to attend Music Service activities, particularly the annual Parent/Teacher evenings. You can also communicate with your child's tutor through the weekly Practice Diary.
When organising transport, ensemble activities, residential courses, or international tours, we will provide good communication, encourage information sharing and facilitate, where appropriate, the discussion of concerns.
Ensembles/Groups
Music activities have clear start/finish times and we encourage you to collect your son/daughter promptly at the end of each rehearsal. Written consent is required if pupils wish to leave premises during lunch or shorter break.
Bullying
The Music Centre believes that all forms of bullying are unacceptable and will take measures to prevent and respond to any identified/reported bullying incidents should they occur.
Child Protection
The following principles form the basis of our child protection activity:
- children should be listened to and taken seriously
- in any incident the child's welfare must always be the paramount consideration
In the event of any concern of suspected abuse arising, the music service staff will not be involved in investigating. We will inform the schools Designated Teacher for Child Protection and/or Social Services and Police.
If you have any concerns about any aspect of your son/daughter's care, wellbeing or education in relation to the Music Service, please contact any of the following:
Child's Music Tutor
Regional Managers
Ms Anne Bergin (Derry Area) – DMC
Mr John Bergin (Derry Area) - DMC
Mrs Melanie Quick (Omagh/Strabane Area)
Mr Robert Quick (Enniskillen Area) – OMC
Head of Service
Mr Dónal Doherty
Omagh Music Centre (OMC)
1 Spillar's Place, OMAGH, Co Tyrone BT78 1HL
Tel: 028 8225 3689
Derry Music Centre (DMC)
c/o L'Derry Model Primary School , Northland Road ,
L'DERRY BT48 7HJ
Tel: 028 7126 2312
Incidents which occur at School
It should be noted that information given to members of staff about possible child abuse cannot be held ‘in confidence'. In the interests of the child, staff may need to share this information with other professionals. However, only those who need to know will be told.
Incidents occurring in ‘out of school' context
Where can I get further advice and information?
Your school may be able to help, or you may contact the Music Service at the following address:
Mrs Anne Cooke /Mrs Majella Gallagher , Derry Music Centre, Grounds of Londonderry Model Primary School, Northland Road , DERRY BT48 7HJ , telephone 028 7126 2312, fax 028 7137 7069, e-mail anne_cooke@welbni.org majella_gallagher@welbni.org
Mrs Mairead Gallagher , Omagh Music Centre, 1 Spillar's Place, OMAGH, Co Tyrone BT78 1HL, telephone 028 8225 3689, fax 028 8224 6716, e-mail mairead_gallagher@welbni.org
Website: www.welb-musicservice.com
