SCHEDULES First Schedule. s. 3. Guiding principles in the implementation of the Act. 1. Welfare principle. Whenever the State, a court, a local authority or any person determines any question with respect to— (a) the upbringing of a child; or (b) the administration of a child’s property or the application of any income arising from it, the child’s welfare shall be of the paramount consideration. 2. Time being of the essence. In all matters relating to a child, whether before a court of law or before any other person, regard shall be had to the general principle that any delay in determining the question is likely to be prejudicial to the welfare of the child. 3. Criteria for decisions. In determining any question relating to circumstances set out in paragraph 1(a) and (b), the court or any other person shall have regard in particular to— (a) the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child concerned considered in the light of his or her age and understanding; (b) the child’s physical, emotional and educational needs; (c) the likely effects of any changes in the child’s circumstances; (d) the child’s age, sex, background and any other circumstances relevant in the matter; (e) any harm that the child has suffered or is at the risk of suffering; (f) where relevant, the capacity of the child’s parents, guardians or others involved in the care of the child in meeting his or her needs. 4. Rights of the child. A child shall have the right— (a) to leisure which is not morally harmful and the right to participate in sports and positive cultural and artistic activities;