St. Cronan's Senior School Child Protection Policy
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, practices and activities. Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, the Board of Management of St Cronan’s SNS has agreed the following child protection policy:
1. 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 as part of this overall child protection policy.
2. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Loreto Desmond
3. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Suzanne Doyle
4. In its policies, practices and activities, St Cronan’s Senior 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 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.
5. School policies, practices and activities that are particularly relevant to child protection:
Education and links to other policy areas
The Stay Safe programme is the main resource used in the school in the education of children on abuse prevention. Formal lessons are taught in 3rd and 5th classes in accordance with the school plan for SPHE. Staff will make every effort to ensure that the messages of the programme are reinforced whenever possible and are reflected in school life. This will be done in conjunction with the school’s Anti Bullying policy outlined in the Code of Behaviour.
Issues involving Health and Safety are addressed in the Health and Safety Statement.
Garda Vetting
All staff employed in St Cronan’s SNS, who have contact with the pupils of the school, will be Garda vetted. The Teaching Council arrange teacher vetting for newly qualified teachers. Staff will be asked for copies of their vetting forms and these will be kept on file in the principal's office. All substitute teachers are required to submit a copy of their statutory declaration which will be kept on file.
Visitors
All visitors to the school must do so via the front door and report to the school secretary.
Supervision of pupils
School supervision policy and routines will be followed by all staff to ensure that there is comprehensive supervision of children at all times.
Behaviour
Children are to be encouraged at all times to play co-operatively and inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under our Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policy.
Sporting activities/school outings
Children are brought by bus to the swimming pool/matches and are accompanied by teachers/SNA staff. Children are supervised in the changing rooms at all times by two adults – two female and two male. Children are expected to dress and undress themselves for games and swimming. Where they are unable to this the parent/guardian will be invited to accompany the child for the activity/outing.
Children travelling in staff cars
Teachers/SNAs will not carry children alone in their cars. At least two children must travel with the teacher in the car or another adult and child.
Induction of teachers and ancillary staff
The DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary staff of this policy and the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). Training of all staff will occur annually.
Dealing with children on a one-to-one basis
If a staff member/visiting professional such as Speech and Language therapist/ Occupational therapist has to work/deal/communicate with children on a one-to-one basis, they are requested to leave the classroom door open if there is not a glass partition fitted on the door.
Pupil attendance strategy
Pupil attendance will be monitored by their class teacher, the attendance coordinator and by the principal. In regard to child protection, particular attention will be paid to trends in non attendance. These will be examined and correlated with signs of neglect/ physical/ emotional abuse. The relevant authorities will be notified of poor attendance which is a cause of concern.
Personal care needs
Adults working with children with intimate care needs will always make sure that any physical contact is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the child. Adults will always respect the dignity of the child.
In all cases where a pupil needs assistance with toileting/intimate care, a meeting will be held between parents/guardians, teacher, SNA, principal and the child (if it is deemed appropriate). The specific needs of the child will be addressed and a decision made on how best to meet those needs. A written copy of what is agreed will be kept on file in the school.
The Board has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.
6. This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parents’ Association and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.
7. This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on 14 December, 2011
Date of next review: March 2012
1. 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 as part of this overall child protection policy.
2. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Loreto Desmond
3. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Suzanne Doyle
4. In its policies, practices and activities, St Cronan’s Senior 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 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.
5. School policies, practices and activities that are particularly relevant to child protection:
Education and links to other policy areas
The Stay Safe programme is the main resource used in the school in the education of children on abuse prevention. Formal lessons are taught in 3rd and 5th classes in accordance with the school plan for SPHE. Staff will make every effort to ensure that the messages of the programme are reinforced whenever possible and are reflected in school life. This will be done in conjunction with the school’s Anti Bullying policy outlined in the Code of Behaviour.
Issues involving Health and Safety are addressed in the Health and Safety Statement.
Garda Vetting
All staff employed in St Cronan’s SNS, who have contact with the pupils of the school, will be Garda vetted. The Teaching Council arrange teacher vetting for newly qualified teachers. Staff will be asked for copies of their vetting forms and these will be kept on file in the principal's office. All substitute teachers are required to submit a copy of their statutory declaration which will be kept on file.
Visitors
All visitors to the school must do so via the front door and report to the school secretary.
Supervision of pupils
School supervision policy and routines will be followed by all staff to ensure that there is comprehensive supervision of children at all times.
Behaviour
Children are to be encouraged at all times to play co-operatively and inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under our Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policy.
Sporting activities/school outings
Children are brought by bus to the swimming pool/matches and are accompanied by teachers/SNA staff. Children are supervised in the changing rooms at all times by two adults – two female and two male. Children are expected to dress and undress themselves for games and swimming. Where they are unable to this the parent/guardian will be invited to accompany the child for the activity/outing.
Children travelling in staff cars
Teachers/SNAs will not carry children alone in their cars. At least two children must travel with the teacher in the car or another adult and child.
Induction of teachers and ancillary staff
The DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary staff of this policy and the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). Training of all staff will occur annually.
Dealing with children on a one-to-one basis
If a staff member/visiting professional such as Speech and Language therapist/ Occupational therapist has to work/deal/communicate with children on a one-to-one basis, they are requested to leave the classroom door open if there is not a glass partition fitted on the door.
Pupil attendance strategy
Pupil attendance will be monitored by their class teacher, the attendance coordinator and by the principal. In regard to child protection, particular attention will be paid to trends in non attendance. These will be examined and correlated with signs of neglect/ physical/ emotional abuse. The relevant authorities will be notified of poor attendance which is a cause of concern.
Personal care needs
Adults working with children with intimate care needs will always make sure that any physical contact is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the child. Adults will always respect the dignity of the child.
In all cases where a pupil needs assistance with toileting/intimate care, a meeting will be held between parents/guardians, teacher, SNA, principal and the child (if it is deemed appropriate). The specific needs of the child will be addressed and a decision made on how best to meet those needs. A written copy of what is agreed will be kept on file in the school.
The Board has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.
6. This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parents’ Association and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.
7. This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on 14 December, 2011
Date of next review: March 2012
