The following Terms and Conditions are designed to ensure that STEMtacular is conducted as safely, fairly and as efficiently as possible. All participants are asked to read, understand and accept these terms.
 
Participating in STEMtacular
 
Projects

1. We will endeavor to showcase all projects submitted however if capacity becomes an issue a selection process may need to be used.
2. Only project investigations submitted by teachers on behalf of their classes will be accepted. We cannot accept project submissions from parents on behalf of individual children.
3. Projects are to be carried out by individuals or groups of no more than four children
4. If a group is made up of students in different classes, these students should be entered into the oldest member’s group.

 
Presentation of projects
Whether presenting your work to judges, other classes, parents etc:

1. Students are encouraged to present a visual display that is bright, colourful and easy to read. Students are encouraged to use pictures, charts, diagrams, models, interactive exhibits etc. to communicate their work.
2. The following must not be used as part of the presentation: any dangerous equipment or open flames; any toxic, flammable, explosive or irritant chemicals; any pathogenic, toxigenic or allergenic organism (animals/insects, plant or microorganisms); sharp objects such as syringes or needles; or agar plates containing micro-organisms.
3. Live mammals, birds, amphibians or reptiles may not be presented.​
4. STEMtacular will NOT accept responsibility for damage to, or loss of, exhibits or personal belongings. Exhibitors are advised to remove valuable equipment from unattended stands.

 
Judging

1. The judges' decision in all matters relating to the award of prizes will be final.
2. If a project has not adhered to all the rules and regulations of this competition the judges have the right to withhold awards or exclude the project at any stage during the judging process.
3. STEMtacular reserves the right to rescind an award at any time subsequent to the making of the award if it is established that the project has not adhered to all the rules and regulations of the competition.
4. The judges’ decision is final - STEMtacular has no influence on the judging decision.

 
Project Withdrawal:

1. STEMtacular must be notified of any project withdrawal

 
Capture and Use of Images:

1. It is the policy of STEMtacular, that where STEMtacular may capture and use an image (photography or videography), consent is obtained
2. It is recommended that participants (teachers, adults, children, judges) are aware of and adhere to the STEMtacular Code of Behaviour for Interacting with Children/Young People when participating in STEMtacular

 
Appendix 1 – Child Safeguarding Statement
STEMtacular has a Child Safeguarding Statement. STEMtacular is a programme for primary school-aged children to develop and showcase their class work. It seeks to create a positive learning environment for children. STEMtacular is committed to safeguarding children and creating a safe environment. The responsibility for children rests with their supervising adult, e.g. teacher, parent or guardian. STEMtacular has completed a risk assessment for the event
STEMtacular has procedures in place to keep children safe from harm in line with the Children First Act 2015. The Act defines harm of a child as ill treatment, neglect, assault, or sexual abuse, and explains what to do if you are concerned.
 
 STEMtacular has a Designated Liaison Person..
This statement will be reviewed every 2 years.
Louise Gallagher is the Designated Liaison Person, and can be contacted by mobile at 0861925895
 
Appendix 2 – Code of Behaviour (Conduct) for Interacting with Children/Young People at STEMtacular
The purpose of a code of behaviour is to establish acceptable boundaries of behaviour and to clarify how to communicate/interact with children and young people in a way which respects their right to be listened to, valued, respected as individuals and treated fairly. While recognising that the primary responsibility for children rests with parents, guardians or supervising adults (e.g. teachers), STEMtacular is committed to safeguarding children and young people who participate in or visit projects and events organised by the Society. Breaches of the code of behaviour will be treated seriously. This code of behaviour will be displayed on the STEMtacular website.
For the protection of all concerned, when interacting with children/young people, please be mindful of the following guidelines (this list is by no means exhaustive):

• always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child at all times;
• always act within professional boundaries – ensure all contact with children is essential to the programme / project / activity you are working on.
• you should not take or use photographs of children without prior written consent from a parent/guardian;
• never lose sight of the fact that you are with children – behave appropriately and use appropriate language at all times;
• do not verbally chastise a child in an aggressive manner, avoid shouting or using a harsh tone of voice;
• 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 persons concerned (generally, the consent of the child should be sought in relation to physical contact). It should only be in response to the needs of the child and should be appropriate to the age and the level of development of the child.  There may be times in an emergency or a dangerous situation where there is unavoidable physical contact e.g. to prevent physical injury of the child/other children/visitors or staff/yourself or to prevent damage to valuable property);
• no child should ever be physically punished. STEMtacular will not tolerate the physical chastisement of children by a parent or accompanying adult;
• do not single out a particular child for unfair criticism, favouritism or ridicule;
• treat children and young persons with dignity, sensitivity and respect;
• remember they are children first, and contributors or participants second.

It is recommended that you:

• do not travel alone with children or young people (two adults, one of which must be female should accompany a child). If a child is lost or left unattended, you should approach the child, explain calmly to them who you are. He/she should be accompanied by the two adults to the designated lost children’s area or the Gardai if they are on the premises.  If there is no designated lost children’s area or Gardai, the child should be accompanied to the organiser’s office or customer service area. Contact with the parent should be attempted if the child knows the telephone number);
• do not attend to any intimate care of children, such as toileting. This is the responsibility of the accompanying parent, caregiver or supervisor (e.g. teacher);
• do not spend time with a child on his/her own.  If you find yourself in a situation where you are alone with a child, ensure that you can be clearly observed or seen by others.

Ultimately, if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or feel someone is behaving inappropriately around children, you have a duty to report your concern.

Appendix 3 - Photography & Videography Policy

1. Consent for Photography & Videography
   By attending STEMtacular, you acknowledge that photography and videography may take place during the event for promotional, educational, and documentation purposes.
2. Adult Consent
   STEMtacular seeks explicit consent from all adult participants, including speakers, judges, exhibitors, and attendees, before capturing or using their images. Consent is collected at the time of registration and may be withdrawn at any time by contacting the event organisers at [email protected]
3. Use of Images
   Images and recordings captured during STEMtacular may be used in promotional materials, social media, websites, press releases, and future event documentation. No images will be sold or used for commercial purposes outside of STEMtacular’s direct marketing and educational activities.
4. Opt-Out Procedure
   If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify event staff upon arrival and/or wear the designated opt-out lanyard/sticker available at the registration desk. We will make reasonable efforts to respect and accommodate your preference.
5. Child Protection
   STEMtacular follows strict child protection guidelines. Photography or videography of minors is only conducted with prior parental/guardian consent, as outlined in our Child Protection Policy.
6. Third-Party Media
   External media and press attending STEMtacular must adhere to our photography and filming guidelines. Any concerns regarding media coverage should be directed to event staff.

 
Why does STEMtacular and its partners need images?
STEMtacular is seeking consent from organisers, volunteers, participants and visitors to use the images resulting from photography, videography and any reproductions or adaptions of same to help publicise and promote the event, especially to other primary schools who might consider participating the following year.
Promotional use includes (but is not limited to) posters, leaflets, brochures, adverts, display materials, emails, e-newsletters, blogs, web pages, social media posts, presentations, speeches, research or policy reports, media releases, media work and any other media or materials.
Media may be present at the event and therefore the event may be subject to audio and visual recording and photography by third parties including media outlets and broadcasters. These images and recordings may be published by these third parties.
 
Consent applies for three years.
 
Please note we cannot withdraw images already published.

Please find media consent form below to be completed by parents and retained in schools
 

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