Children
YOUR GUIDE
TO THE
SWIMMING LESSONS PROGRAMME
AT
WESTPORT LEISURE PARK
June 2018
WELCOME
The team at Westport Leisure Park is delighted to welcome you to our swimming lessons programme. We look forward to working with you and your child to progress their swimming ability through skill and stroke development via our extensive Swimming and Water Safety Programme.
PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY
Our objective is to offer expert swim instruction to all participants while delivering a quality learning experience, instilling fair play and respect in all our swimming classes.
PROGRAMME CONTENT
Our 12 level swimming programme is designed with a progressional approach to swim instruction, with each level following on from the previous, building skills, technique and endurance in all four swimming strokes.
DUCKLING LESSONS
This programme is designed for children at least 4 ½ years of age who are not yet water confident. With an instructor in the water your child will be taught the basic water skills and gain water confidence as they progress from the learner pool to the main pool. Maximum of 6 children per class.
Classes run for 30 mins in 11 week blocks.
CHILDRENS LESSONS - LEVELS 1 – 12
For children aged 5 years and over
This structured programme, which is based on the best practice international teaching model, aims to take your child from Levels 1 to 12 teaching them a range of aquatic skills including all four swimming strokes, whilst also building their fitness and endurance as they progress from level to level.
Classes run for 40mins in 11 week blocks.
OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS
A midterm review takes place on week 6 of lessons. This offers an opportunity for parents to speak to swim teachers about their child's progress.
Swim teachers will make themselves available for a few minutes after the class on week SIX to speak to parents.
Formal swim assessments take place on the last day of lessons (Week 11). This comprises of a test to see if your child is ready to move to the next level.
If they meet ALL the criteria on the assessment then they are ready to progress. Should children require more time to achieve the appropriate level of ability, they stay in that level and are automatically re-enrolled into the same time slot. All children progressing from Ducklings must be 5 years of age before moving to Level 1 regardless of ability.
LESSON REGISTRATION
CHILDREN ALREADY IN LESSONS
Children already in our lesson programme re-register on the last day of their current course of lessons for the following term. Those moving to the next level must book-in and pay at reception immediately after their class. Those remaining in the same level are automatically re-enrolled back into that time slot and payment must be made at reception or over the phone within 24 hours. If the payment is not received within the stated time the place is forfeited.
If you cannot attend registration and your child moves to the next level then you must nominate someone to attend in person and register for you. You cannot under any circumstances register in advance.
Children in our swim lesson programme have preference over the general public.
If you wish to skip a term of lessons, you no longer have preference for places and you can only register again when bookings are open to the public.
We do not keep waiting lists for classes.
SIBLINGS
Siblings of children in our swim lesson programme have preference over the general public. If you wish to register a sibling, you can do so once they have been assessed AND when everyone already in lessons has re-registered.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD - GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Please ensure that your child is on time and appropriately dressed for their lesson, with swimming togs hat and goggles. Body suits/tee shirts are not suitable swimwear as they make swimming more difficult. Swim socks may be worn but should be removed before entering the water as they hamper
progress. All children must shower prior to entering our pool. This allows us to continue to keep high levels of cleanliness within our pool and changing areas.
All personal belongings must be placed in the lockers provided and not left in the changing cubicles during lessons.
Parents must not hold changing cubicles while their child is in their swimming lesson.
PLEASE NOTE:
Refunds are ONLY issued for medical reasons and on presentation of a medical certificate. Missed classes cannot be taken on any other day.
Should you have any queries in relation to your child's progress please do not hesitate to contact reception who will ensure it is possible to speak to your child's teacher.
From the second week of lessons it is not possible to enrol a new child or change days/times of lessons.
CHILDREN NEW TO THE LEISURE PARK PROGRAMME
All children new to our swimming lesson programme MUST be assessed by a qualified teacher in order to identify the level best suited for their ability. This takes just TEN minutes and is FREE of charge. Please book an assessment at reception.
Registration for new children takes place once all the children currently in our lesson programme have registered. Following the registration week any remaining places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
WATER SAFETY
For persons aged 12 yrs and over who are able to swim at least 4 consecutive lengths of our 25m pool or have achieved Level 9 of our swim lesson programme.
This structured Irish Water Safety programme is delivered by appropriately qualified instructors, who are Garda Vetted and have received Child Protection Training. Water safety classes teach skills in rescue, survival and resuscitation
Registration takes place at the beginning of each block of classes. Classes run for 1 hour in 12 week blocks.
CHILD SUPERVISION
* Parents/Guardians MUST remain on the premises during their child's lesson.
* Children are not permitted to enter the changing rooms until 10 mins before the start of their lesson. The gate to the pool area will be opened at the start of the lesson to allow all children to enter the pool. At the end of the lesson your child will be returned to the shower/changing area where they should be collected immediately.
* Children should not be left unsupervised in the shower area or in the changing rooms.
PARENTS
In order to help ensure children/young people's safety & welfare we ask you to:
* Bring and collect children on time for the activities. Westport Leisure Park is not responsible for children outside of programmed hours.
* Give us any relevant information: (e.g. medical, learning difficulties/disabilities, emergency contact etc).
* Follow directions of staff (facilitators/leaders) when requested.
* Respect Teachers and Lifeguards.
* Complete and sign registration and consent forms for programmes as requested.
CHILDREN
In order to help ensure children/young people's safety and welfare we ask them to:
* Respect fellow swimmers, teachers, lifeguards and other facility users.
* Play fairly, do their best and have fun!
* Listen to their Swim Teacher.
* Adhere to the pool rules...no pushing, no jumping, no running on pool deck etc.
COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCE
Should you have a complaint/grievance, please to speak to a member of staff or complete a comment card.
Should you wish to speak to a manager please ask at reception. If however, a manager is not available, please leave your name and phone number and they will contact you at the earliest opportunity.
SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION
Westport Leisure Park is committed to providing a safe environment for all users and particularly children and young people.
Children's safety and welfare is our top priority.
We comply with the Children First National Guidelines for Child Protection and Welfare.
To help us achieve this, we have a Child Protection Policy and Procedures which guide our work.
Copies of our Child Protection Policy is available on request.
Designated Liaison Person:
Westport Leisure Park, in accordance with section 3.3.1 of the 'Children First - National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children' (2011), has selected and appointed a Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
The Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) for Westport Leisure Park are:
Paul Feeney - (098) 29160 or at feeney@westportleisure.com
If the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is unavailable, the Deputy Designated Liaison Person (D-DLP) is:
Yvonne Byrne - (098) 29160 or at byrne@westportleisure.com
In the unlikely event that both the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and the Deputy Designated Liaison Person (D-DLP) are unavailable, please contact the General Manager: Dermott Langan at 098-50400 or at dlangan@mayococo.ie
ADULT LESSONS - LEVELS 1 – 4
For persons age 16 years and over. This structured programme, which is also based on the best practice international teaching model, is designed for all levels of ability, from complete beginners to lengths swimmers. Assessment and re-registration take place on week 8.
Classes run for 40 mins in 8 week blocks.
Westport Leisure Park Child Protection Policy
POLICY STATEMENT
Westport Leisure Park is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of all its members with the welfare of children as paramount
Westport Leisure Park aims to foster and develop swimming disciplines and to promote the development of physical and social qualities that come from swimming and associated sports
Westport Leisure Park is committed to the promotion of the teaching and practice of swimming associated disciplines in accordance with current best practice
Every individual in the organisation should at all times show respect and understanding for each member’s rights, overall development, safety and welfare
Every individual should conduct themselves in a way that embraces the ethos and principles of Westport Leisure Park
Every individual should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles contained in the following documents:
Staff Training
Training: NOP, Child Protection Area: Child Protection Reporting
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Child abuse is complicated and can take different forms, but usually consists of one or more of the following:
Neglect: Where a child’s needs for food, warmth, shelter, nurturance and safety are not provided, to the extent that the child suffers significant harm
Emotional abuse: Where a child’s needs for affection, approval and security are not being met and have not been met for some time by their parent or carer
Physical abuse: where a child is assaulted or injured in some way that is deliberate
Sexual abuse: Where a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT THAT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED?
It can be difficult to know whether or not your suspicions about child abuse are real. Before you act on them, you need to consider whether any alternative explanation might exist and ask yourself these questions:
● Is there any other reason why the child or parent might be behaving in a particular way?
● Is there a pattern to this type of occurrence?
● Did you or anyone else see what was happening?
● Has the child said anything to indicate that he or she is being harmed?
● Could injuries or signs have been caused another way?
If you have considered these questions and you are still concerned, it is likely that you have reasonable grounds to take some action.
WHAT ACTION SHOULD I TAKE?
Every organisation that provides services to children should have somebody who is responsible for dealing with suspected or actual child abuse. You should go to that person, or if there is no designated person, go to the manager and tell them of your suspicions. If they are reluctant to take it further, and you still feel concerned, you should report it to your local health board yourself. If it is an emergency and outside health board hours, you should report your concern directly to An Garda Síochána. Under the law, you cannot be penalised for reporting suspected child abuse to the health board or An Garda Síochána as long as your report is made in good faith and is not malicious.
Paul Feeney and Yvonne Byrne are the designated liaison persons at Westport Leisure Park.
WHAT IF I AM MISTAKEN?
Don’t worry – if in doubt talk to the social worker anyway, and they will decide whether or not your suspicion needs to be followed up. Under the law, nobody will be penalised for making a report of child abuse to the health board or An Garda Síochána as long as the report is not malicious and made in good faith.
CAN I REPORT SUSPECTED OR ACTUAL CHILD ABUSE WITHOUT GIVING MY NAME?
All reports will receive attention. However, experience shows that it is much harder to help children when reports are made anonymously, or through a third party. It is much more useful if you telephone, or better still, go to see the social worker personally. The health board will not normally reveal the names of members of the public who report suspected child abuse unless they have permission to do so. The health board social worker will know the right questions to ask. You should give as much information as you can about the child and their family, along with detailed reasons for your suspicion or concern. If a professional, e.g. a GP, hospital or clinic staff member, or teacher is reporting suspected or actual child abuse, they should tell the family so beforehand, unless doing so would put the child in danger.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT THAT SOMEONE I AM WORKING WITH IS ABUSING CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE?
Follow the advice offered in the earlier question dealing with action to take if you suspect child abuse.
WHAT WILL THE HEALTH BOARD SOCIAL WORKER DO WITH THE INFORMATION I GIVE THEM?
The health board social worker will consider your information and will assess the situation. If they feel it needs to be followed up they may look for more information from other sources and may contact the child and their parent/s. They will try to establish what is going on, and will act to protect the child in whatever way is necessary.
WILL THE GARDAÍ BE TOLD? Physical abuse, sexual abuse and willful neglect are crimes and must be reported by the health board to An Garda Síochána. Likewise, An Garda Síochána must report any child abuse that comes to their attention to the health board. The Gardaí and the health board will work together as sensitively as possible and take any action necessary to protect the child, or any other children from future harm.
WILL THE CHILD BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEIR PARENTS?
Very, very few children are removed from their parents because of child abuse. It is much more likely that the health board, together with other services who work with children, will try to help the children and families, and attempt to prevent the abuse happening again. They will provide advice, counselling, family support and practical help wherever they can. Children and parents are separated only as a last resort when other measures to help them have failed.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD ABUSE?
You can get a free summary of the national child protection guidelines from your local health board. A full edition of the guidelines, entitled ‘Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children’ may be purchased from the Government Publications Office at Molesworth St., Dublin 2.
Your health board will have information about local procedures and services, which are aimed at promoting the safety and welfare of children
TO THE
SWIMMING LESSONS PROGRAMME
AT
WESTPORT LEISURE PARK
June 2018
WELCOME
The team at Westport Leisure Park is delighted to welcome you to our swimming lessons programme. We look forward to working with you and your child to progress their swimming ability through skill and stroke development via our extensive Swimming and Water Safety Programme.
PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY
Our objective is to offer expert swim instruction to all participants while delivering a quality learning experience, instilling fair play and respect in all our swimming classes.
PROGRAMME CONTENT
Our 12 level swimming programme is designed with a progressional approach to swim instruction, with each level following on from the previous, building skills, technique and endurance in all four swimming strokes.
DUCKLING LESSONS
This programme is designed for children at least 4 ½ years of age who are not yet water confident. With an instructor in the water your child will be taught the basic water skills and gain water confidence as they progress from the learner pool to the main pool. Maximum of 6 children per class.
Classes run for 30 mins in 11 week blocks.
CHILDRENS LESSONS - LEVELS 1 – 12
For children aged 5 years and over
This structured programme, which is based on the best practice international teaching model, aims to take your child from Levels 1 to 12 teaching them a range of aquatic skills including all four swimming strokes, whilst also building their fitness and endurance as they progress from level to level.
Classes run for 40mins in 11 week blocks.
OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS
A midterm review takes place on week 6 of lessons. This offers an opportunity for parents to speak to swim teachers about their child's progress.
Swim teachers will make themselves available for a few minutes after the class on week SIX to speak to parents.
Formal swim assessments take place on the last day of lessons (Week 11). This comprises of a test to see if your child is ready to move to the next level.
If they meet ALL the criteria on the assessment then they are ready to progress. Should children require more time to achieve the appropriate level of ability, they stay in that level and are automatically re-enrolled into the same time slot. All children progressing from Ducklings must be 5 years of age before moving to Level 1 regardless of ability.
LESSON REGISTRATION
CHILDREN ALREADY IN LESSONS
Children already in our lesson programme re-register on the last day of their current course of lessons for the following term. Those moving to the next level must book-in and pay at reception immediately after their class. Those remaining in the same level are automatically re-enrolled back into that time slot and payment must be made at reception or over the phone within 24 hours. If the payment is not received within the stated time the place is forfeited.
If you cannot attend registration and your child moves to the next level then you must nominate someone to attend in person and register for you. You cannot under any circumstances register in advance.
Children in our swim lesson programme have preference over the general public.
If you wish to skip a term of lessons, you no longer have preference for places and you can only register again when bookings are open to the public.
We do not keep waiting lists for classes.
SIBLINGS
Siblings of children in our swim lesson programme have preference over the general public. If you wish to register a sibling, you can do so once they have been assessed AND when everyone already in lessons has re-registered.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD - GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Please ensure that your child is on time and appropriately dressed for their lesson, with swimming togs hat and goggles. Body suits/tee shirts are not suitable swimwear as they make swimming more difficult. Swim socks may be worn but should be removed before entering the water as they hamper
progress. All children must shower prior to entering our pool. This allows us to continue to keep high levels of cleanliness within our pool and changing areas.
All personal belongings must be placed in the lockers provided and not left in the changing cubicles during lessons.
Parents must not hold changing cubicles while their child is in their swimming lesson.
PLEASE NOTE:
Refunds are ONLY issued for medical reasons and on presentation of a medical certificate. Missed classes cannot be taken on any other day.
Should you have any queries in relation to your child's progress please do not hesitate to contact reception who will ensure it is possible to speak to your child's teacher.
From the second week of lessons it is not possible to enrol a new child or change days/times of lessons.
CHILDREN NEW TO THE LEISURE PARK PROGRAMME
All children new to our swimming lesson programme MUST be assessed by a qualified teacher in order to identify the level best suited for their ability. This takes just TEN minutes and is FREE of charge. Please book an assessment at reception.
Registration for new children takes place once all the children currently in our lesson programme have registered. Following the registration week any remaining places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
WATER SAFETY
For persons aged 12 yrs and over who are able to swim at least 4 consecutive lengths of our 25m pool or have achieved Level 9 of our swim lesson programme.
This structured Irish Water Safety programme is delivered by appropriately qualified instructors, who are Garda Vetted and have received Child Protection Training. Water safety classes teach skills in rescue, survival and resuscitation
Registration takes place at the beginning of each block of classes. Classes run for 1 hour in 12 week blocks.
CHILD SUPERVISION
* Parents/Guardians MUST remain on the premises during their child's lesson.
* Children are not permitted to enter the changing rooms until 10 mins before the start of their lesson. The gate to the pool area will be opened at the start of the lesson to allow all children to enter the pool. At the end of the lesson your child will be returned to the shower/changing area where they should be collected immediately.
* Children should not be left unsupervised in the shower area or in the changing rooms.
PARENTS
In order to help ensure children/young people's safety & welfare we ask you to:
* Bring and collect children on time for the activities. Westport Leisure Park is not responsible for children outside of programmed hours.
* Give us any relevant information: (e.g. medical, learning difficulties/disabilities, emergency contact etc).
* Follow directions of staff (facilitators/leaders) when requested.
* Respect Teachers and Lifeguards.
* Complete and sign registration and consent forms for programmes as requested.
CHILDREN
In order to help ensure children/young people's safety and welfare we ask them to:
* Respect fellow swimmers, teachers, lifeguards and other facility users.
* Play fairly, do their best and have fun!
* Listen to their Swim Teacher.
* Adhere to the pool rules...no pushing, no jumping, no running on pool deck etc.
COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCE
Should you have a complaint/grievance, please to speak to a member of staff or complete a comment card.
Should you wish to speak to a manager please ask at reception. If however, a manager is not available, please leave your name and phone number and they will contact you at the earliest opportunity.
SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION
Westport Leisure Park is committed to providing a safe environment for all users and particularly children and young people.
Children's safety and welfare is our top priority.
We comply with the Children First National Guidelines for Child Protection and Welfare.
To help us achieve this, we have a Child Protection Policy and Procedures which guide our work.
Copies of our Child Protection Policy is available on request.
Designated Liaison Person:
Westport Leisure Park, in accordance with section 3.3.1 of the 'Children First - National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children' (2011), has selected and appointed a Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
The Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) for Westport Leisure Park are:
Paul Feeney - (098) 29160 or at feeney@westportleisure.com
If the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is unavailable, the Deputy Designated Liaison Person (D-DLP) is:
Yvonne Byrne - (098) 29160 or at byrne@westportleisure.com
In the unlikely event that both the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and the Deputy Designated Liaison Person (D-DLP) are unavailable, please contact the General Manager: Dermott Langan at 098-50400 or at dlangan@mayococo.ie
ADULT LESSONS - LEVELS 1 – 4
For persons age 16 years and over. This structured programme, which is also based on the best practice international teaching model, is designed for all levels of ability, from complete beginners to lengths swimmers. Assessment and re-registration take place on week 8.
Classes run for 40 mins in 8 week blocks.
Westport Leisure Park Child Protection Policy
POLICY STATEMENT
Westport Leisure Park is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of all its members with the welfare of children as paramount
Westport Leisure Park aims to foster and develop swimming disciplines and to promote the development of physical and social qualities that come from swimming and associated sports
Westport Leisure Park is committed to the promotion of the teaching and practice of swimming associated disciplines in accordance with current best practice
Every individual in the organisation should at all times show respect and understanding for each member’s rights, overall development, safety and welfare
Every individual should conduct themselves in a way that embraces the ethos and principles of Westport Leisure Park
Every individual should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles contained in the following documents:
- Westport Leisure Parks Child Protection Procedures
- Swim Ireland Children Policies and Procedures
Staff Training
Training: NOP, Child Protection Area: Child Protection Reporting
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Child abuse is complicated and can take different forms, but usually consists of one or more of the following:
Neglect: Where a child’s needs for food, warmth, shelter, nurturance and safety are not provided, to the extent that the child suffers significant harm
Emotional abuse: Where a child’s needs for affection, approval and security are not being met and have not been met for some time by their parent or carer
Physical abuse: where a child is assaulted or injured in some way that is deliberate
Sexual abuse: Where a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT THAT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED?
It can be difficult to know whether or not your suspicions about child abuse are real. Before you act on them, you need to consider whether any alternative explanation might exist and ask yourself these questions:
● Is there any other reason why the child or parent might be behaving in a particular way?
● Is there a pattern to this type of occurrence?
● Did you or anyone else see what was happening?
● Has the child said anything to indicate that he or she is being harmed?
● Could injuries or signs have been caused another way?
If you have considered these questions and you are still concerned, it is likely that you have reasonable grounds to take some action.
WHAT ACTION SHOULD I TAKE?
Every organisation that provides services to children should have somebody who is responsible for dealing with suspected or actual child abuse. You should go to that person, or if there is no designated person, go to the manager and tell them of your suspicions. If they are reluctant to take it further, and you still feel concerned, you should report it to your local health board yourself. If it is an emergency and outside health board hours, you should report your concern directly to An Garda Síochána. Under the law, you cannot be penalised for reporting suspected child abuse to the health board or An Garda Síochána as long as your report is made in good faith and is not malicious.
Paul Feeney and Yvonne Byrne are the designated liaison persons at Westport Leisure Park.
WHAT IF I AM MISTAKEN?
Don’t worry – if in doubt talk to the social worker anyway, and they will decide whether or not your suspicion needs to be followed up. Under the law, nobody will be penalised for making a report of child abuse to the health board or An Garda Síochána as long as the report is not malicious and made in good faith.
CAN I REPORT SUSPECTED OR ACTUAL CHILD ABUSE WITHOUT GIVING MY NAME?
All reports will receive attention. However, experience shows that it is much harder to help children when reports are made anonymously, or through a third party. It is much more useful if you telephone, or better still, go to see the social worker personally. The health board will not normally reveal the names of members of the public who report suspected child abuse unless they have permission to do so. The health board social worker will know the right questions to ask. You should give as much information as you can about the child and their family, along with detailed reasons for your suspicion or concern. If a professional, e.g. a GP, hospital or clinic staff member, or teacher is reporting suspected or actual child abuse, they should tell the family so beforehand, unless doing so would put the child in danger.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT THAT SOMEONE I AM WORKING WITH IS ABUSING CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE?
Follow the advice offered in the earlier question dealing with action to take if you suspect child abuse.
WHAT WILL THE HEALTH BOARD SOCIAL WORKER DO WITH THE INFORMATION I GIVE THEM?
The health board social worker will consider your information and will assess the situation. If they feel it needs to be followed up they may look for more information from other sources and may contact the child and their parent/s. They will try to establish what is going on, and will act to protect the child in whatever way is necessary.
WILL THE GARDAÍ BE TOLD? Physical abuse, sexual abuse and willful neglect are crimes and must be reported by the health board to An Garda Síochána. Likewise, An Garda Síochána must report any child abuse that comes to their attention to the health board. The Gardaí and the health board will work together as sensitively as possible and take any action necessary to protect the child, or any other children from future harm.
WILL THE CHILD BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEIR PARENTS?
Very, very few children are removed from their parents because of child abuse. It is much more likely that the health board, together with other services who work with children, will try to help the children and families, and attempt to prevent the abuse happening again. They will provide advice, counselling, family support and practical help wherever they can. Children and parents are separated only as a last resort when other measures to help them have failed.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD ABUSE?
You can get a free summary of the national child protection guidelines from your local health board. A full edition of the guidelines, entitled ‘Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children’ may be purchased from the Government Publications Office at Molesworth St., Dublin 2.
Your health board will have information about local procedures and services, which are aimed at promoting the safety and welfare of children
