Child Protection Policy

Mandatory Template 1: Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment Template (Landscape Version)

Child Safeguarding Statement

Scoil Phádraig, Drumkeen is a primary school providing primary education to pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class.

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Addendum to Children First (2019), the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of [insert school name] has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Ms. Noeleen Scanlan

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Mr. Peter Tooher

The relevant person is Ms. Noeleen Scanlan

The Board of Management recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, procedures, practices and activities. In its policies, procedures, practices and activities, the school will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare:

The school will:

recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;
fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children;
fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters;
adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;
develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children; and
fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.

The school will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability.

The following procedures/measures are in place:

In relation to any member of staff who is the subject of any investigation (howsoever described) in respect of any act, omission or circumstance in respect of a child attending the school, the school adheres to the relevant procedures set out in Chapter 7 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for school staff which are published on the DE website.

In relation to the selection or recruitment of staff and their suitability to work with children, the school adheres to the statutory vetting requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and to the wider duty of care guidance set out in relevant Garda vetting and recruitment circulars published by the Department of Education and available on the DE website.

In relation to the provision of information and, where necessary, instruction and training, to staff in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm (as defined in the 2015 Act) the school-

Has provided each member of staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
Encourages staff to avail of relevant training
Encourages Board of Management members to avail of relevant training
The Board of Management maintains records of all staff and Board member training

In relation to reporting of child protection concerns to Tusla, all school personnel are required to adhere to the procedures set out in the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017, including in the case of registered teachers, those in relation to mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015.

In this school the Board has appointed the abovenamed DLP as the “relevant person” (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the school’s child safeguarding statement.

All registered teachers employed by the school are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015.

In accordance with the Children First Act 2015 and the Addendum to Children First (2019), the Board has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while attending the school or participating in school activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the school’s procedures for managing those risks is included with the Child Safeguarding Statement.

The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the DE website or will be made available on request by the school.

Note: The above is not intended as an exhaustive list. Individual Boards of Management shall also include in this section such other procedures/measures that are of relevance to the school in question.

This statement has been published on the school’s website and has been provided to all members of school personnel, the Parents’ Association (if any) and the patron. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla and the Department if requested.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed annually or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which this statement refers.

This Child Safeguarding Statement was adopted by the Board of Management on 24^th October 2023 [date].

This Child Safeguarding Statement was reviewed by the Board of Management on 15^th May 2024 [most recent review date].

Signed: _________________________ Signed: ____________________________

Chairperson of Board of Management Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Date: __________________________ Date: ___________________

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Written Assessment of Risk of Scoil Phádraig, Drumkeen.

In accordance with section 11 of the Children First Act 2015 and with the requirement of Chapter 8 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017, the following is the Written Risk Assessment of Scoil Phádraig, Drumkeen.

List of School Activities	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address identified risks
Training of school personnel in Child Protection matters	-Risk of harm not being recognised by school personnel or reported promptly and properly by school personnel	Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff DLP& DDLP to attend PDST face to face training All Staff to view and complete Túsla training module & any other online training offered by PDST BOM records all records of staff and board training
One to one teaching	-Risk of child being harmed in the school by a member of school personnel	School SEN policy that includes one to one teaching is currently being developed, as of February 2018. Glass in window
Care of Children with special needs, including intimate care needs	-Risk of child being harmed by school personnel, while child is receiving intimate care	Policy on Special Needs Assistant that includes intimate care needs Anti-bullying policy Special Educational Needs Policy Supervision policy Individual Care Plan of the child
Toilet areas	-Risk of harm due to inappropriate behaviour of other pupils	Supervision policy Code of Behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy
Toilet accidents	-Risk of child being harmed in the school by a member of school personnel	Parents are contacted to come and change Failing this, 2 adults will supervise changing. A note to inform parents of this happening.
Curricular Provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay safe.	Non-teaching of same	School implements SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe in full
LGBT Children/Pupils perceived to be LGBT	-Risk of harm due to bullying of child	Anti-Bullying Policy Code of Behaviour Policy Equal Opportunities Gender Equality Policy
Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils	-Risk of harm from older pupils, -Risk of harm from unknown adults on the playground -Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision during arrival and dismissal	Arrival supervised by Principal or Deputy Principal and 3 Special Needs Assistants Dismissal supervised by teachers and S.N.A.
Managing of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint	-Risk of harm due to the possibility of injury to pupils and staff	Health & Safety Policy Code Of Behaviour policy
Sports Coaches	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of staff from another organisation	Safeguarding statement and reporting mechanisms in place Sports personnel are Garda vetted All sports activities are supervised by teachers
Students participating in work experience	-Risk of child being harmed by student on work experience	Child Safeguarding Statement. Students must be over the age of 16 and also be Garda vetted, with parental consent Students are supervised by teachers
Recreation breaks for pupils	– Risk of child being harmed by older pupils – Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults on yard	Breaks are supervised by teachers Supervision policy
Classroom teaching	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils	School personnel are Garda vetted Safe-guarding statement Teachers must follow a code of conduct as outlined by the Teaching Council Anti-bullying Policy
Outdoor teaching activities	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults in the area	Supervision policy School personnel are Garda vetted
Sporting activities in the school	– Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel – Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision – Risk of child being harmed by other pupils	Supervision policy School personnel are Garda vetted Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy
Swimming	– Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel – Risk of child being harmed by a member of swimming pool staff – Risk of child being harmed by other pupils – Risk of child being harmed by unknown persons	Swimming policy is being developed as of Feb 2018 School pupils have access to the pool at this time Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy Appropriate supervision by teachers Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff
School outings	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils -Risk of child being harmed by unknown persons in the area -Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision	Appropriate ratio of adult-child supervision Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy
Use of toilet areas in schools, for changing into sports wear	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils	Pupils change individually in the classroom toilet Supervision policy
Annual Sports Day	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils -Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults in the area	Adequate supervision by school personnel Visiting adults are in designated area Anti-bullying policy Code of behaviour policy
Fundraising events involving pupils	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils -Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults in the area	Adequate supervision by school personnel Visiting adults are in designated area Anti-bullying policy Code of behaviour policy
Use of off-site facilities for school activities e.g. the hall	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils -Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults in the area	Adequate supervision by school personnel Visiting adults are in designated area Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy
School transport arrangements	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by other pupils -Risk of child being harmed by a member of staff from another organisation -Risk of child being harmed by unknown persons	Adequate supervision by school personnel Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy
Administration of Medicine	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel	Glass panel in secretary’s office All permanent staff are first aid trained and in how to administer the epi-pen Parents of pupils with medical needs fill out indemnity forms Enrolment forms seek permission to administer first aid when necessary
Administration of First Aid	-Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel	Glass panel in secretary’s office Policy on first aid All permanent staff are first aid trained Enrolment forms seek permission to administer first aid when necessary
Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils	-Risk of child being harmed by other pupils	Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy
Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum	-Risk of child being harmed by external personnel	All activities are supervised by teachers All visiting adults are Garda vetted
Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrantsMembers of the Traveller community Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) childrenPupils perceived to be LGBTPupils of minority religious faithsChildren in careChildren on CPNS	-Risk of harm by exclusion -Risk of harm by bullying -Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision	Supervision policy Code of behaviour policy Anti-bullying policy Equal Opportunities Gender Equality Policy
Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school	-Risk of harm due to bullying	ICT policy Anti-Bullying Policy Code of Behaviour
Recruitment of school personnel including – TeachersSNA’sCaretaker/Secretary/CleanersSports coachesExternal Tutors/Guest Speakers Volunteers/Parents in school activitiesVisitors/contractors present in school during school hours Visitors/contractors present during after school activities	-Risk of harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported by school personnel -Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults	Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff School personnel to view and complete Tusla training module & any other online training offered by PDST Vetting Procedures
Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of pupils, confiscation of phones etc.	-Risk of child being bullied by school personnel	Safeguarding statement in place Code of behaviour policy Teachers follow a code of conduct as outlined by the Teaching Council
Student teachers undertaking training placement in school	-Risk of child being harmed by student teacher	Student teachers are Garda vetted through colleges Student teachers are supervised by teachers at all times Student teachers receive a copy of the safe-guarding statement, the code of behaviour policy and the anti-bullying policy
Use of video/photography/other media to record school events	-Risk of harm not being recognised by school personnel or reported promptly and properly by school personnel	At public events, it is announced that “All photos taken are for personal use only; not for social media” Permission is obtained from parents on enrolment to take photos that may be used on the school website and Facebook page and these photos may be used in newspapers
After school use of school premises by other organisations (Smart Steps)	-Risk of child being harmed by staff -Risk of child being harmed by unknown adults collecting other children -Risk of child being harmed by other children due to inadequate supervision	Supervision policy Safe-guarding statement is in place All Smart Steps staff are Garda vetted and have undertaken training for child protection

Important Note: It should be noted that risk in the context of this risk assessment is the risk of “harm” as defined in the Children First Act 2015 and not general health and safety risk. The definition of harm is set out in Chapter 4 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post- Primary Schools 2017

In undertaking this risk assessment, the board of management has endeavoured to identify as far as possible the risks of harm that are relevant to this school and to ensure that adequate procedures are in place to manage all risks identified. While it is not possible to foresee and remove all risk of harm, the school has in place the procedures listed in this risk assessment to manage and reduce risk to the greatest possible extent.

Examples of activities, risks and procedures

The examples listed in this document are provided to assist schools in undertaking their risk assessment under the Children First Act, 2015. Schools should note that this list of examples is not intended to be exhaustive. It is the responsibility of each school to ensure, as far as possible, that any other risks and procedures that are relevant to its own particular circumstances are identified and specified in the written risk assessment and that adequate procedures are in place to address all risks identified.

It is acknowledged that schools already have in place a range of policies, practices and procedures to mitigate the risk of harm to children while they are participating in the activities of the school and that some school activities will carry low or minimal risks of harm compared to others. In the context of the risk assessment that must be undertaken by schools, the Children First Act, 2015 refers to risk as “any potential for harm”. Therefore, it is important that, as part of its risk assessment process, each school lists and reviews all of its various activities (which shall include identifying those that may carry low risk of harm as well as those that carry higher risks of harm). Doing so will help the school to (1) identify, as required under the Children First Act, 2015, any risks of harm that may exist in respect of the school’s activities, (2) identify and assess the adequacy of the various procedures already in place to manage those risks of harm and (3) identify and put in place any such additional procedures as are considered necessary to manage any risk identified.

The Addendum to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children published in January 2019 clarifies that organisations providing relevant services to children should consider the specific issue of online safety when carrying out their risk assessment and preparing their Child Safeguarding Statement.

The Guidance on Continuity of Schooling for primary and post-primary schools (April 2020) advises of the importance of teachers maintaining the safe and ethical use of the internet during distance learning and assisting parents and guardians to be aware of their role also. Schools should ensure that their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) informs and guides remote or distance learning activity.

Important Note: It should be noted that risk in the context of this risk assessment is the risk of “harm” as defined in the Children First Act, 2015 and not general health and safety risk. The definition of harm is set out in chapter 4 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

Examples of School Activities

Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils
Recreation breaks for pupils
Classroom teaching
One-to-one teaching
One-to one learning support
One-to-one counselling
Outdoor teaching activities
Online teaching and learning remotely
Sporting Activities
School outings
School trips involving overnight stay
School trips involving foreign travel
Use of toilet/changing/shower areas in schools
Provision of residential facilities for boarders
Annual Sports Day
Fundraising events involving pupils
Use of off-site facilities for school activities
School transport arrangements including use of bus escorts
Care of children with special educational needs, including intimate care where needed,
Care of any vulnerable adult students, including intimate care where needed
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required
Management of provision of food and drink
Administration of Medicine
Administration of First Aid
Curricular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe
Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
Training of school personnel in child protection matters
Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum
Use of external personnel to support sports and other extra-curricular activities
Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as
Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants
Members of the Traveller community
Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) children
Pupils perceived to be LGBT
Pupils of minority religious faiths
Children in care
Children on CPNS
Children with medical needs
Recruitment of school personnel including –
Teachers/SNA’s
Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners
Sports coaches
External Tutors/Guest Speakers
Volunteers/Parents in school activities
Visitors/contractors present in school during school hours
Visitors/contractors present during after school activities
Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/religious instruction external to the school
Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school, including social media
Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of pupils, confiscation of phones etc.
Students participating in work experience in the school
Students from the school participating in work experience elsewhere
Student teachers undertaking training placement in school
Use of video/photography/other media to record school events
After school use of school premises by other organisations
Use of school premises by other organisation during school day
Breakfast club
Homework club/evening study

Examples of Risks of Harm

Risk of harm not being recognised by school personnel
Risk of harm not being reported properly and promptly by school personnel
Risk of child being harmed in the school by a member of school personnel
Risk of child being harmed in the school by another child
Risk of child being harmed in the school by volunteer or visitor to the school
Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel, a member of staff of another organisation or other person while child participating in out of school activities e.g. school trip, swimming lessons
Risk of harm due to inappropriate use of online remote teaching and learning communication platform such as an uninvited person accessing the lesson link, students being left unsupervised for long periods of time in breakout rooms
Risk of harm due to bullying of child
Risk of harm due to racism
Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children in school
Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children while attending out of school activities
Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult
Risk of harm due to children inappropriately accessing/using computers, social media, phones and other devices while at school
Risk of harm to children with SEN who have particular vulnerabilities, including medical vulnerabilities
Risk of harm to child while a child is receiving intimate care
Risk of harm due to inadequate code of behaviour
Risk of harm in one-to-one teaching, counselling, coaching situation
Risk of harm caused by member of school personnel communicating with pupils in an inappropriate manner via social media, texting, digital device or other manner
Risk of harm caused by member of school personnel accessing/circulating inappropriate material via social media, texting, digital device or other manner

Examples of Procedures to address risks of harm

All school personnel are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 are made available to all school personnel
School Personnel are required to adhere to the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 and all registered teaching staff are required to adhere to the Children First Act 2015 and it’s Addendum (2019)
The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme
The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum
The school implements in full the Wellbeing Programme at Junior Cycle
The school has an Anti-Bullying Policy which fully adheres to the requirements of the Department’s Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools
The school undertakes anti-racism awareness initiatives
The school has a yard/playground supervision policy to ensure appropriate supervision of children during, assembly, dismissal and breaks and in respect of specific areas such as toilets, changing rooms etc.
The school has in place a policy and clear procedures in respect of school outings
The school has a Health and safety policy
The school adheres to the requirements of the Garda vetting legislation and relevant DE circulars in relation to recruitment and Garda vetting
The school has a codes of conduct for school personnel (teaching and non-teaching staff)
The school complies with the agreed disciplinary procedures for teaching staff
The school has a Special Educational Needs policy
The school has an intimate care policy/plan in respect of students who require such care
The school has in place a policy and procedures for the administration of medication to pupils
The school –
- Has provided each member of school staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
- Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
- Encourages staff to avail of relevant training
- Encourages board of management members to avail of relevant training
- Maintains records of all staff and board member training
The school has in place a policy and procedures for the administration of First Aid
The school has in place a code of behaviour for pupils
The school has an Acceptable Use Policy in place, to include provision for online teaching and learning remotely, and has communicated this policy to parents
The school has in place a policy governing the use of smart phones and tables devices in the school by pupils as per circular 38/2018
The school has in place a Critical Incident Management Plan
The school has in place a Home School Liaison policy and related procedures
The school has in place a policy and procedures for the use of external persons to supplement delivery of the curriculum
The school has in place a policy and procedures for the use of external sports coaches
The school has in place a policy and clear procedures for one-to-one teaching activities
The school has in place a policy and procedures for one-to-one counselling
The school has in place a policy and procedures in respect of student teacher placements
The school has in place a policy and procedures in respect of students undertaking work experience in the school
The school has in place a policy and procedures in respect of pupils of the school undertaking work experience in external organisations