CCE Fred Finn Policies & Codes of Conduct

1.Enrolment Policy

All fees are due in advance and must be paid by the third week of term. Failure to pay fees in good time may result in forfeiture of place. Fees will not be refunded if a student cancels lessons during the term. Fees may be paid directly to CCE Fred Finn on the registration evening or in the school during the first week of each term.

3. Instrument Rental Policy

The branch has a number of instruments for hire on a termly basis, subject to availability.Children need to be playing the tin-whistle for at least a year, before progressing to other instruments.Instruments available for rental are: Harps, concertinas, concert flutes/ fiddles/Button Accordions/ Uilleann Pipes/ Banjo.Child must be registered and attending Fred Finn classes to be eligible to participate in rental scheme.Child must be able to play to at least polka standard on a whistle or other instrument before rental.Child’s name is added to a list and applications are assessed based on criteria.A child needs to be enrolled in Fred Finn classes for one term prior to rental of an instrumentInstruments are available for rental for a maximum of two terms. (At that point, instruments must be returned to branch).It is the responsibility of the Instrument Hirer to arrange for the return the Instrument on time.Instrument rental form must be filled & terms/conditions of rental accepted (See form for details).Parents are fully responsible for the care and upkeep of rented instruments. Any damages are the full responsibility of the renter.

4. Examinations

CCE Fred Finn assists parents / guardians in preparing students for the SCT exams. There is one exam session per year. Exam fees for the SCT must be paid on time. Failure to pay the fees by the closing date means students will not be entered for the exam. Exam fees are non-refundable and times/schedule is arranged by CCE head office.

5. Missed classes and punctuality

Students must attend their lessons at scheduled times. Teachers are not obliged to reschedule lessons missed by students or give extra time to absent or late students. If a teacher is unable to atte nd a lesson a deputy teacher may be appointed – if none are available, the class will be made up at a mutually convenient time or the fee credited.

6. Use of Electronic Devices during in-person classes

Electronic devices such as iPads, iPods, tablets, smartphones, etc. are only permitted for recording tunes, dance and only on the guidance of the tutor.

7. Photography

From time to time photographs and/or video may be taken of students for publicity purposes. Unless otherwise stated, submission of signed enrolment forms, with relevant boxes ticked will be regarded as permission for use.

8. Child Protection

CCE Fred Finn is fully committed to providing a safe environment for children and young people, and to safeguarding the wellbeing of our young students and disadvantaged adults, both within the school and at offsite branch activities. Branch faculty, administrative staff should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of students and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the branch.CCE Fred Finn has adopted the Comhaltas National Child Protection Policy and this is available to read on www.comhaltas.ie or by contacting the current Branch Secretary or DLP.CCE Fred Finn has developed its own Child Safeguarding statement which is available on www.fredfinn.ie

9. Codes of Behaviours for Teachers, Children, Parents/Guardians:

1.) Teachers2.) Children3.) Parents / Guardians

9.1 CODE OF BEHAVIOUR FOR teachers

  • Teachers must abide by the branch policies in place in areas such as GDPR data protection, child protection the data protection etc.

  • Children are to be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect.

  • Teachers must be sensitive to the risks involved in interacting with children in a one-to-one setting.

  • While physical contact may be necessary to instruct a child how to hold/play an instrument, it should be appropriate to the lesson or class, and only take place when it is acceptable to all concerned.

  • While physical contact is a valid way of comforting, reassuring and showing concern for children, it should only take place when it is acceptable to all concerned.

  • Teachers should never physically punish or be in any way verbally abusive to a child, nor should they tell jokes of a vulgar or sexual nature in the presence of children.

  • Teachers should be sensitive to the possibility of developing favouritism, or becoming over involved or spending a great deal of time with any one child.

  • Children should be encouraged to report cases of bullying to either the Deputy Liaison Person (DLP) or a staff member of their choice. Complaints will be brought to the attention of the organising committee.

  • All complaints and allegations will be dealt with according to the branch policy.

  • Everyone involved in teaching should respect the personal space, safety and privacy of individuals.

  • If a teacher is unable to attend a lesson a deputy teacher may be appointed. This teacher is appointed by CCE Fred Finn from an approved list of suitable teachers.

  • Teachers are not permitted to collect personal data directly eg phone numbers, addresses from children or parents. All communications are made centrally by the branch.

  • Teachers are required to attend teacher planning meetings, usually one in Sep and one after Xmas for class planning and other meetings if deemed necessary.

  • Any material recorded at Fred Finn classes must be under the direction of the teacher & recorded material should not contain any identifying features of children. Material recorded cannot be shared on any social media platform.

9.2 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS

Parents are expected to:

  • Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from their designated room for music lessons.

  • Ensure the child has vacated the premises no more than 5 minutes after their lesson has finished. In the case where a parent is waiting on a sibling or friend they must ensure the child is properly supervised at all times. Ensure the code of conduct for young students is strictly adhered to.

  • Detail any health concerns pertaining to the child on the consent form. Any changes in the state of the child's health should be reported to the teacher.

  • Parents should inform Fred Finn CCE of any other special needs, requirements, or directions that would be helpful for the teacher to know about.

  • To inform the teacher prior to departure from the lesson if child is to be collected early.Please note that the above measures are requested solely with the intention of ensure the safety of your child in so far as it is possible to implement with the facilities we have.

  • Encourage their child to play and practice by the routines set out by the tutors and teach them that they can only do their best i.e. focus on effort and fun rather than performance.

  • Show appreciation and support the teacher.

  • Ensure their child is punctual.

  • Be realistic.

  • Accept the tutor’s judgement.

  • Acknowledge the importance and role of the tutor’s who often provide their time free to ensure children’s participation in the class.

  • Promote their child’s participation in playing music for fun.

  • Not ignore or dismiss complaints expressed by a child.

  • Not treat the school as a minding service.

  • Any material recorded at Fred Finn classes must be under the direction of the teacher & recorded material should not contain any identifying features of children. Material recorded cannot be shared on any social media platform.

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

  • Know their child is safe.

  • Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their children.

  • Be informed if their child is injured.

  • Have their consent sought for issues such as trips.

  • Complain if they have concerns about the standard of teaching. Persistent concerns or breaches will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend lessons if their attendance is detrimental to the child’s welfare. The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may mean CCE Fred Finn regrettably asking the child to leave the school.

9.3 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS:

The young student will:

  • Play to the best of their ability and have fun.

  • Abide by the rules set down by teachers.

  • Behave appropriately in class, by listening to and following instructions of the teacher.

  • Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the branch into disrepute.

  • Respect the school building, school property and grounds. No running or play of any nature in the corridors or classrooms. No rough play or climbing of trees, railings or walls in the grounds.

  • Ensure they use the correct access routes (footpath or via St. Mary’s access path and alleyway).

  • Respect tutors / volunteers and accept their decisions.

  • Talk to the DLP if you have concerns.

  • Refrain from the use of bad language and inappropriate gestures.

  • Refrain from abuse of instruments and school property.

  • Never use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage.

  • Never use bullying tactics to isolate another student

  • Never pass on gossip about another student, adult or teacher.

  • Never make false allegations about another student, adult or teacher.

  • Never keep secrets about anyone who has caused you harm.

  • Any material recorded at Fred Finn classes must be under the direction of the teacher & recorded material should not contain any identifying features of children. Material recorded cannot be shared on any social media platform.CHILD/ YOUTH MEMBER HAS THE RIGHT TO:

  • Be safe.

  • Be listened to.

  • Be respected.

  • Privacy.

  • Enjoy your lesson in a protective environment.

  • Be referred to professional help if needed.

  • Be protected from abuse by other students or outside sources.

  • Participation in examinations appropriate to their ability.

  • Experience competition and the desire to achieve.

  • Be believed.

  • Ask for help