Child protection and welfare training for the early years sector in Wicklow is delivered by Wicklow County Childcare Committee. The role that early years practitioners have in the lives of children and their families means that they are uniquely placed to recognise when there are concerns about the safety, welfare or well-being of a child. Early years practitioners and services also have a responsibility for safeguarding the children in their care through their policies, procedures and practice.
As you are aware, the full Enactment of the Children First Act (2015) has resulted in significant changes for those employed in the Early Years Sector. With a legal responsibility for organisations to have a Child Safeguarding Statement in place and the identification of those employed in Early Years Services as Mandated Persons, the Always Children First Foundation Module has been updated to reflect these and other important changes.
This Foundation Training is a standardised programme for all staff involved in direct work with children and families. All Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) and Deputy Designated Liaison Persons (DDLP) will be prioritised for this training.
To complete this e-Learning programme see link below:
This is a Child & Family Agency accredited module that has been developed for the early years’ sector. Certification is valid for three years.
Places are limited to two persons per service. Priority will be given to services who have not yet attended this training.
Cost: €10 per person which includes lunch.
Tusla have produced a number of informative resources to support early years services develop strong Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures such as “Developing a Child Safeguarding Statement: A Guide For Early Years Services in Ireland”. These resources can be accessed through the Tusla website https://www.tusla.ie/services/child-protection-welfare/children-first/ ‘
Tusla – Child and Family Agency also launched its new Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook 2. The Practice Handbook 2 is published as a companion document to the 2011 HSE Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook 2 can be found on the Tusla Website and will be a further support to professionals including Designated and Deputy Designated Liaison Officers within an early years’ service.
https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Tusla_Child_Protection_Handbook2.pdf