Overview
BLANK Canvas Child Safeguarding Statement
Our Commitment to Children
BLANK Canvas is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our programmes.
We believe every child has the right to be safe, respected, listened to and protected from harm. We are committed to providing a positive, inclusive and supportive environment in which children can develop creativity, confidence and new skills through design, technology and making.
BLANK Canvas recognises its responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015 and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
About BLANK Canvas
BLANK Canvas delivers creative technology programmes for children, including digital design, 3D modelling, 3D printing and related educational activities.
Programmes are delivered on school premises and other approved venues in structured group-learning environments.
BLANK Canvas does not provide one-to-one tuition, mentoring or individual supervision services. Activities are delivered in group settings and children are not removed from the wider group for individual instruction.
Risk Assessment
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, BLANK Canvas has considered the potential risks to children participating in our activities, including:
- Inappropriate behaviour by adults working with children
- Inappropriate behaviour between children
- One-to-one interactions between adults and children
- Photography and video recording of children
- Publication or sharing of children's work
- Collection, storage and use of personal information
- Accidental injury during programme activities
- Disclosure of a child protection or welfare concern
BLANK Canvas has procedures in place to manage and reduce these risks.
Safeguarding Procedures
BLANK Canvas is committed to the following safeguarding measures:
- All facilitators working directly with children will be appropriately Garda vetted.
- Facilitators will adhere to a Code of Conduct when working with children.
- Programmes will be delivered in structured group environments.
- Appropriate supervision arrangements will be maintained at all times.
- Parental or guardian consent will be obtained before identifiable photographs or videos of children are used.
- Child protection and welfare concerns will be handled in accordance with Children First guidance.
- Safeguarding concerns will be recorded and managed appropriately and confidentially.
- Concerns regarding the welfare or protection of a child will be reported to the appropriate authorities where required.
Photography and Student Work
BLANK Canvas may photograph programme activities and student creations for educational, celebratory and promotional purposes.
Where photographs or videos may identify a child, appropriate parental or guardian consent will be obtained in advance.
Parents and guardians may withdraw consent at any time by contacting BLANK Canvas.
Reporting a Concern
BLANK Canvas takes all safeguarding concerns seriously.
Any concern relating to the safety, welfare or protection of a child participating in a BLANK Canvas activity should be reported as soon as possible.
Safeguarding concerns can be raised by contacting:
All concerns will be treated sensitively, confidentially and in accordance with applicable safeguarding procedures and legal requirements.
Relevant Persons
In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, BLANK Canvas has appointed the following safeguarding contacts:
Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
Rachel Woolley
Co-Founder, BLANK Canvas
Email: safeguarding@blankcanvas.ie
Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP)
Beth [Surname]
Co-Founder, BLANK Canvas
Email: safeguarding@blankcanvas.ie
Review
BLANK Canvas is committed to reviewing this Child Safeguarding Statement on a regular basis and whenever there is a material change to our activities or safeguarding arrangements.
Review Date: June 2026
Next Review Due: June 2027