Child Safety & Welfare Policy

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Fitness for Kids, the health, safety, and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority. We are fully committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where children feel secure, confident, and encouraged to engage in physical activity. We take a proactive approach to child protection, risk assessment, and incident prevention in all our programs.

Staff & Instructor Responsibilities

All instructors and staff:

Are Garda Vetted in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016.
Hold relevant qualifications in child fitness, early childhood care, or sports education.
Complete certified First Aid Training, with at least one trained First Aider present at all times.
Undergo Child Protection Training and follow the Children First: National Guidance.

Supervision & Ratios

We maintain the following supervision ratios:

Ages 2–4: 1 instructor per 8 children
Ages 5–12: 1 instructor per 12 children

Children are never left unsupervised. In all sessions, we require either a teacher, crèche worker, or staff member from the host venue to be present.

Safe Environment & Equipment

We ensure:

All equipment is age-appropriate, sanitized before and after each use, and regularly inspected for damage.
Sessions take place in safe, hazard-free environments – indoors or outdoors.
Emergency exits and first aid kits are accessible at all venues.

Consent & Health Information

Parents/guardians must complete a consent and medical information form before participation.
Children with medical conditions (e.g. asthma, allergies, epilepsy) are supported appropriately with pre-session planning and accommodations.

Accident & Incident Reporting

In the event of an accident or incident:

First aid is administered immediately.
A detailed Incident Report Form is completed by the instructor.
Parents/guardians (and where appropriate, the host venue) are informed as soon as possible.
All records are stored securely and confidentially.

Code of Conduct

All instructors follow our Code of Conduct, which includes:

Positive, respectful communication with children and adults.
Encouraging inclusion and kindness between peers.
No physical punishment, shaming, or exclusion under any circumstance.
Respecting boundaries and maintaining professional relationships.

Safeguarding & Reporting Concerns

We follow the Children First Act 2015 and designate a Mandated Person/Designated Liaison Person (DLP) to manage any child protection concerns.
Concerns or disclosures are taken seriously, documented, and reported to Tusla as required.
Parents are informed of concerns unless doing so may put the child at further risk.

Insurance & Compliance

Fitness for Kids is fully:

Covered by public liability insurance
Compliant with relevant health and safety legislation
Registered and aligned with early years or school service expectations

Review & Training

This policy is:

Reviewed annually or after any incident requiring policy updates.
Communicated clearly to all instructors, new hires, and partner venues.