Child Protection and Safeguarding Statment 07-10-21 DOWNLOAD

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment and Child Safeguarding Policy Statement

Written Assessment of Risk of Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh, Béal Átha na Slua, Co. na Gaillimhe 19969H

*Please note that this child Safeguarding Risk assessment and Child Safe Guarding Policy should be read in conjunction with our schools Covid-19 Response Plan and Covid -19 Risk assessment – CLICK HERE.

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 Uí Cheithearnaigh.

List of school activities

Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils
Recreation breaks for pupils
Classroom teaching
One-to-one teaching and counselling
Outdoor teaching activities
Sporting Activities
School outings
School trips involving overnight stay
Use of toilet/changing areas in schools
Annual Sports Day
Fundraising events involving pupils
Use of off-site facilities for school activities
School transport arrangements
Care of children with special educational needs, including intimate care where needed,
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required
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
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
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
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
Homework club/evening study/After-school club

The school has identified the following risk of harm in respect of its activities –

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 bullying of child
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
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 appropriate 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

The school has the following procedures in place to address the risks of harm identified in this assessment –

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
The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme
The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum

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 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 DES 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 in place an ICT policy in respect of usage of ICT by pupils
The school has in place a mobile phone policy in respect of usage of mobile phones by pupils
The school has in place a Critical Incident Management Plan
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 and counselling activities.
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
School Visitors Policy
School Transport Policy

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.

This risk assessment has been completed by the Board of Management on 07/03/2018. It shall be reviewed as part of the school’s annual review of its Child Safeguarding Statement.

Signed: Damien Ó Neachtain Date 07/10/21

Cathaoirleach (Chairperson, Board of Management)

Signed Ruairí Ó hAnnluain Date 07/10/21

Príomhoide/Rúnaí (Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management)

Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh – Child Safeguarding Statement

Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh 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 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 Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh 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
tatement

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Aisling Ní Chualáin

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP is Ruairí Ó hAnnluain

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 DES 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 DES and available on the DES 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 above named DLP as the “relevant person” (as defined in the

Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the 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, 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 attached as an appendix to this statement.

The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the DES 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 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 07/03/2018 and was reviewed /07/10/21.

Signed :Damien Ó Neachtain Signed: Ruairí Ó hAnnluain

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

Date: 07/10/2021 Date: 07/10/21

Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement:

The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 require the Board of Management

must undertake a review of its Child Safeguarding Statement and that the following checklist shall be used for this

purpose. The review must be completed every year or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change

in any matter to which the Child Safeguarding Statement refers. Undertaking an annual review will also ensure that

a school also meets its statutory obligation under section 11(8) of the Children First Act 2015, to review its Child

Safeguarding Statement every two years.

The checklist is designed as an aid to conducting this review and is not intended as an exhaustive list of the issues

to be considered. Individual Boards of Management shall include other items in the checklist that are of relevance to

the school in question.

As part of the overall review process, Boards of Management should also assess relevant school policies, procedures,

practices and activities vis a vis their adherence to the principles of best practice in child protection and welfare as set

out in the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, the Children First Act 2015 and the Child Protection Procedures for

Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

	Yes/No
Has the Board formally adopted a Child Safeguarding Statement in accordance with the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’?	yes
As part of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, has the Board formally adopted, without modification, the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’’?	yes
Does the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement include a written assessment of risk as required under the Children First Act 2015?	yes
Has the Board reviewed and updated where necessary the written assessment of risk as part of this overall review?	yes
Has the DLP attended available child protection training?	yes
Has the Deputy DLP attended available child protection training?	yes
Have any members of the Board attended child protection training?	yes
Are there both a DLP and a Deputy DLP currently appointed?	yes
Are the relevant contact details (Tusla and An Garda Síochána) to hand?	yes
Has the Board arrangements in place to communicate the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement to new school personnel?	yes
Is the Board satisfied that all school personnel have been made aware of their responsibilities under the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ and the Children First Act 2015?	yes
Has the Board received a Principal’s Child Protection Oversight Report at each Board meeting held since the last review was undertaken?	yes
Since the Board’s last review, was the Board informed of any child protection reports made to Tusla/An Garda Síochána by the DLP?	yes
Since the Board’s last review, was the Board informed of any cases where the DLP sought advice from Tusla/and as a result of this advice, no report to the HSE was made?	yes
Since the Board’s last review, was the Board informed of any cases where an allegation of abuse or neglect was made against any member of school personnel?	No
Has the Board been provided with and reviewed all documents relevant to the Principal’s Child Protection Oversight Report?	yes
Is the Board satisfied that the child protection procedures in relation to the making of reports to Tusla/An Garda Síochána were appropriately followed in each case reviewed?	yes
Is the Board satisfied that, since the last review, all appropriate actions are being or have been taken in respect of any member of school personnel against whom an allegation of abuse or neglect has been made?*	N/A
Were child protection matters reported to the Board appropriately recorded in the Board minutes?	yes
Is the Board satisfied that all records relating to child protection are appropriately filed and stored securely?	yes
Has the Board been notified by any parent in relation to that parent not receiving the standard notification required under section 5.6 of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’	No
In relation to any cases identified at question 21 above, has the Board ensured that any notifications required section 5.6 of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ were subsequently issued by the DLP?	N/A
Has the Board ensured that the Parents’ Association (if any), has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?	yes
Has the Board ensured that the patron has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?	yes
Has the Board ensured that the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement is available to parents on request?	yes
Has the Board ensured that the Stay Safe programme is implemented in full in the school? (applies to primary schools)	yes
Has the Board ensured that the Wellbeing Programme for Junior Cycle students is implemented in full in the school? (applies to post- primary schools)	N/A
Has the Board ensured that the SPHE curriculum is implemented in full in the school?	yes
Is the Board satisfied that the statutory requirements for Garda Vetting have been met in respect of all school personnel (employees and volunteers)? *	yes
Is the Board satisfied that the Department’s requirements in relation to the provision of a child protection related statutory declaration and associated form of undertaking have been met in respect of persons appointed to teaching and non-teaching positions?*	yes
Is the Board satisfied that, from a child protection perspective, thorough recruitment and selection procedures are applied by the school in relation to all school personnel (employees and volunteers)?*	yes
Has the Board considered and addressed any complaints or suggestions for improvements regarding the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?	Yes
Has the Board sought the feedback of parents in relation to the school’s compliance with the requirements of the child safeguarding requirements of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’	Yes
Has the Board sought the feedback of pupils in relation to the school’s child safeguarding arrangements?	yes
Is the Board satisfied that the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ are being fully and adequately implemented by the school?	yes
Has the Board identified any aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that require further improvement?	yes
Has the Board put in place an action plan containing appropriate timelines to address those aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that have been identified as requiring further improvement ?	N/A
Has the Board ensured that any areas for improvement that that were identified in any previous review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement have been adequately addressed?	yes

*In schools where the ETB is the employer the responsibility for meeting the employer’s requirements rests with the

ETB concerned. In such cases, this question should be completed following consultation with the ETB.

Signed Damien Ó Neachtain Date 07/10/21

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed Ruairí Ó hAnnluain Date 07/10/21

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Notification regarding the Board of Management’s review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

To: Coiste na dTuistí

The Board of Management of Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh wishes to inform you that:

• The Board of Management’s annual review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement was completed at the Board meeting of 15/10/20.

• This review was conducted in accordance with the “Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement” published on the Department’s ‘website www.education.ie

Signed Damien Ó Neachtain Date 07/10/21

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed Ruairí Ó hAnnluain Date 07/10/21

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

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. 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.

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 counselling
Outdoor teaching activities
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
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
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
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 bullying of child
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
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 appropriate 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
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 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 DES 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 in place an ICT policy in respect of usage of ICT by pupils
The school has in place a mobile phone policy in respect of usage of mobile phones by pupils
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