Féile Ceol na Locha

Traditional Irish Music Summer School

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that all participants —adults, young people, staff, tutors, and volunteers— experience a safe, respectful, inclusive, and enjoyable environment throughout the summer school.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Adult participants
• Children and young people aged 5–16
• Parents/guardians
• Tutors, staff, and volunteers
• Visitors and guest performers

It covers all activities associated with the summer school, including classes, rehearsals, performances, social events, and excursions.

3. Core Principles

All participants are expected to:

• Treat others with respect, dignity, and kindness
• Promote a positive and inclusive atmosphere
• Respect Irish culture, traditions, and language
• Follow instructions from staff and tutors
• Act responsibly and safely at all times

4. Behaviour Expectations – All Participants

Participants must:

• Behave in a respectful and cooperative manner
• Refrain from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or exclusion
• Use appropriate language at all times
• Respect personal boundaries
• Respect property, instruments, and venues
• Follow health and safety guidance

The following behaviours are not acceptable:

• Aggressive, threatening, or abusive behaviour
• Bullying (verbal, physical, or online)
• Discriminatory behaviour
• Damage to property or theft
• Disruptive behaviour that interferes with classes and activities

5. Additional Guidelines for Children and Young People (Ages 5–16)

Children and young people are expected to:

• Attend classes on time
• Stay within designated areas unless supervised
• Follow instructions
• Show respect to others
• Take care of their instruments and belongings

Children must not:

• Leave the venue without permission or without adult supervision
• Engage in unsafe behaviour
• Use mobile phones unless requested by the tutor for the purposes of their classwork.

6. Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians must:

• Ensure children are registered and signed in/out where required
• Provide emergency contact details
• Inform organisers of any medical or additional needs
• Ensure children follow this Code
• Show respect to all participants

If somebody else apart from the child’s parent/guardian is collecting child they must: - Inform member of the committee in advance. List of committee members names and contact details are displayed at entrance hallway.

7. Guidelines for Adult Participants

Adults are expected to:

• Act as positive role models
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with children
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption during official events
• Comply with child protection policies

8. Child Protection

• Féile Ceol na Locha is committed to the welfare and protection of all children.

• All tutors and Ceol na Locha Committee members who have contact with children must be Garda Vetted in accordance with Irish law.

• The festival follows the principles of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (Tusla).

• A Designated Liaison Person (DLP) will be appointed to handle any concerns.

• Any concerns regarding a child’s welfare must be reported immediately to the DLP.

• All adults must maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.

9. Health & Safety

Participants must: - Follow safety instructions - Report any hazards or injuries - Use equipment safely

10. Digital and Social Media

• Images or videos must not be shared without consent

• Online behaviour must meet the same standards

• Online bullying will be treated as a breach of this Code

11. Breaches of the Code

Possible consequences include: - Verbal warning - Removal from an activity - Contact with parents - Removal from the summer school without refund - Further action if necessary

12. Agreement

All participants (and parents/guardians) must agree to this Code in advance.

13. Review

This Code will be reviewed every two years.