Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessement
St Johns NS,
Ballybrack
Roll No: 19960M
St Johns NS is a primary school providing primary education to pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The school also has an Early Start Unit and three Autism specific classes. 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, revised Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2023 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of St Johns NS 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
Designated Liaison Person
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is: Mrs Catherine Coady
The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP is: Mrs Katrina Scanlan
(Ms Fiona Davitt will step in when required)
The Relevant Person is: Mrs. Catherine Coady
Principles of Best Practice in Child Protection and Welfare
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. 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.
Procedures to Safeguard Children
• Disciplinary procedures for School Staff
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 gov.ie website
• Recruitment procedures and requirements for Garda vetting
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 gov.ie website.
• Staff Training
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:
i. Has provided each member of staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
ii. Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
iii. Encourages staff to avail of relevant training
iv. Encourages Board of Management members to avail of relevant training
v. 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 and revised in 2023, including in the case of registered teachers, those in relation to mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015
All registered teachers employed by the school are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015
• Risk Assessment
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 and school summer camps. 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, on the gov.ie website or will be made available on request by the school
Communication, Monitoring, Evaluation, Review by Board of Management
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 of Education 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 26th February 2018
This Child Safeguarding Statement was reviewed following the Addendum to Children First (2019), by the Board of Management on 30th November 2021. This Child Safeguarding Statement was reviewed again on 19th September 2023, following the revised procedures 2023
Signed: __Sarah Cosgrave__ Signed: ___Catherine Coady
Chairperson of BoM Principal/Secretary to the BoM
Date: __18/10/2023____ Date: ___18/10/2023___
Risk Assessment
School activities Risk of Harm Procedures to Address Risk Identified
Recruitment of school personnel including –
• Teachers
• SNA’s
• Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners
• Sports coaches
• External Tutors/Guest Speakers
• Volunteers/Parents in school activities
Harm by school personnel Recruitment procedures
Pre-Appointment Checking Procedures
Garda Vetting Procedures (Circular 31/2016)
Training and Information
Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff
Staff view and provide certification of Tusla training module and any other online training offered by PDST.
Training of school personnel in Child Protection matters:
• Teachers
• SNA’s
• Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners
• Sports coaches
• External Tutors/Guest Speakers Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported
Training and Information
Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff
DLP& DDLP to attend PDST face to face training
Staff view and provide certification of Tusla training module and any other online training offered by PDST.
BOM records all records of staff and board training
Visitors present in school during school hours
• Visitors/contractors
• HSCL courses for adults from the local area
• Use of school premises by other organisation during school day
Harm by visitors
Procedures for Supervision of Pupils
(Pupils should not be left outside the classroom, in corridors, the hall or the yard unattended or unsupervised. Pupils should be sent in pairs on “messages” or to the Principal’s office).
Procedures for Visitors
Sign-in/out procedures in place
Visitor lanyard to be introduced (Feb 2018). Visitors will wear a visitor lanyard which will be presented to them when they sign-in.
Staff to ask anyone without lanyard to state their business
Code release lock to be used on door into main corridor to Junior School to ensure visitors sign in with secretary (To be installed by June 2018)
Open Days with unknown adults and children
• Annual introductory Open Days for incoming Early Start and Junior Infants
• Open day with visiting staff and children from local creches
Harm to pupils Procedures for Open Days
Junior Infant and Early Start parent sign-in register.
Designated staff member to ensure a tour is conducted and all adults return to the designated room(s).
Only staff are allowed to open main doors of the school.
Arrival and Dismissal of Pupils
(Pupils should not be left outside the classroom, in corridors, the hall or the yard unattended or unsupervised. Pupils should be sent in pairs on “messages” or to the Principal’s office).
Fundraising Events involving Pupils Harm to students
Child leaving premises without permission/
informing school
Sharing of photos on social media
Usage and Supervision Policy
Code of Behaviour
Anti-Bullying Policy
Acceptable Use Policy
Garda Vetting for Volunteers
Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum
• Sports Coaches
• Music Teachers
• Sr Mary Library
• School Completion Programme Support Staff Harm to pupils Garda Vetting Procedures (Circular 31/2016)
Training and Information
Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff
Staff view and provide certification of Tusla training module and any other online training offered by PDST.
Procedures for Supervision of Pupils
(A teacher’s duty of care is not removed when non-permanent personnel such as teachers for P.E., dance or games teachers take over the tuition of the class. The Class teacher must be in a supervisory role during these lessons.)
School Transport Arrangements including Use of Bus Escorts Harm to student by adult Usage and Supervision Policy
Work Experience Students
• Student teachers undertaking training placement in school
• Students participating in work experience (DIT, Fetac, Transition Year)
Harm by student Garda Vetting Procedures
Work Experience Policy
Procedures for Supervision of Pupils
(“a teacher’s duty of care is such that all categories of student are expected to work under the direction of the teacher to whom they are assigned. Therefore the class teacher needs to be in a supervisory role during all lessons given by the student teacher. Under no circumstances should a student teacher be left unsupervised in the class by the class teacher)
Behaviour Management
• Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required Harm by staff
Safety, Health and Welfare Statement
Parents/guardians, are duly expected to observe the rules in their own interests and that of their children
The school’s code of behaviour will apply during Summer Camp
Code of Behaviour (only use physical intervention as a last resort, in the interest of safety for the child and others. Staff intervening with children will seek assistance from other members of staff at as early a stage as possible.)
The school’s code of behaviour will apply during Summer Camp
Teaching and Learning
• Supervision of children
,
• Toilet areas
• Curricular Provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay safe.
• Recreation breaks for pupils
• One to one teaching
• One to one with Principal Physical injury.
Inappropriate behaviour.
Bullying
Inappropriate behaviour
Bullying
Non-teaching of same
Inappropriate behaviour
Bullying
Physical injury
Harm by staff Arrival and Dismissal of Pupils The class teacher is responsible for the pupils in their class from the time the class is collected from the yard, until all pupils are collected by parent/guardian. Each teacher is responsible for their assigned 12 pupils throughout each day of Summer Camp
Procedures for Supervision of Pupils
Class teachers are responsible for their pupils throughout the school day. During Summer Camp, each teacher is responsible for their 12 pupils throughout the day.
If a teacher has to leave the classroom during the school day, please alert a neighbouring teacher or the principal teacher to ensure that adequate supervision is maintained. If an SNA is working in the class, a neighbouring teacher still needs to be informed)
For the purpose of School Summer Camp, teachers will maintain 12:1 pupil teacher ratio and use adjacent rooms.
Curricular Provision
School implements SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe relating to Child Protection in full.
Procedures for Supervision of Pupils
All incidents recorded in Yard notebooks
During Summer Camp, each teacher is responsible for their 12 pupils throughout the day, including on the yard
Anti-bullying Policy
Consistent recording, investigation and follow up of bullying behaviour (including use of established intervention strategies)
Code of Behaviour
The yard is well supervised and any child who is hurt physically or emotionally by another child must tell any member of staff immediately. Parents need to reassure their child that the teacher on yard duty will listen to them and if a serious incident occurs, the class teacher will further investigate summer camp. Under no circumstances should parents encourage their child to hit back.
The school’s code of behaviour will apply during Summer Camp
Garda Vetting Procedures(Circular 31/2016)
All small teaching rooms have glass window in door. Door to principal’s office always left open
Bullying
• Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
• Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as
Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants
Members of the Traveller community
Lesbian, gay, bisexuaor transgender (LGBT) children
Pupils perceived to be LGBT
Pupils of minority religious faiths
Children in care/ on CPNS
• Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school
• Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour
Bullying
Once off Inappropriate behaviour
Cyber Bullying
Anti-Bullying Policy
The Board of Management confirms that appropriate supervision and monitoring policies and practices are in place to both prevent and deal with bullying behaviour and to facilitate early intervention where possible. The supervision and monitoring policies and practices to both prevent and deal with bullying apply during Summer Camps
Code of Behaviour
Staff use sanctions to prevent inappropriate behavior so that all children and staff can operate safely and happily in a relatively disruption free environment.
The school’s code of behaviour will apply during Summer Camp
ICT Acceptable Use Policy
Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils Harm from older pupils, unknown adults on the playground Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
All pupils are accompanied to the yard by parent/guardian at the start of the school day and collected by a parent/guardian at the end of the school day. These procedures apply during Summer Camps. At a parent’s/guardian’s discretion, a pupil from 1st or 2nd is allowed to go home on his/her own at the official closing time. However, the parent must write to the school, stating this request. This letter is kept in the office and the name of the child allowed to leave without an adult must be left in a prominent place so that a substitute teacher is aware of the arrangement.
Following a review of our arrival and dismissal policy, the collection of children on half days when all classes leave at the same time will be staggered, with 1st and 2nd classes leaving 10 mins after infant pupils are collected.
After school activities
• organised by staff members
• organised by non -teaching staff Dismissal after activities
Unknown adults in the school at these times Staff will draft recommendations in relation to child safety for after school activities, if and when these activities apply.
Any staff member who provides these after school activities must be aware of dismissal policies for both Junior and Senior schools.
Outdoor teaching activities
• School outings
• Annual Sports Day
• Use of off-site facilities for school activities
• School transport
• Use of video/photography/other media to record school events
Harm from others
Unknown adults attending school events
Children unsure as to who they need to go to, teacher or parent
Photos of children Procedures for Supervision of Pupils
Class teachers are responsible for their pupils throughout the school day.
School Tour Policy
To ensure that the outing is a positive experiences for all, a framework for good practice needs to be in place to cover all practical possibilities and thus reducing the exposure of health and safety risks to children on outings.
Stay Safe Programme taught in school
Off-site Procedures
clear communication to parents about who is responsible for children during off-sight events, including sign out procedures.
Designated members of staff accompany children to the toilet during off-sight events.
At all school events the principal reminds parents not to record and publish photos or video on social media
First Aid and Administration of Prescribed Medicine
• Administration of First Aid
• Administration of Medicine
Intimate place may require first aid
First Aid Policy
A note must be sent home to the parents/guardians informing them that their child received first aid.
This applies during Summer Camp
Training and Information
Parents instruct school as to medication
Staff have had training of epi pen.
All medication labelled and bagged with photo of child and stored in staff room
List of students with allergies etc. is visible for all staff to see
Parents sign indemnity
(all the above apply during Summer Camp provision)
Care of Children with special needs, including intimate care needs Harm by school personnel Intimate Care Policy
The Intimate Care policy applies during Summer Camp
After school use of school premises by other organisations
Harm by unknown adults to children not collected at official school times Parents contacted immediately if child is not collected, supervised by principal and/or deputy principal until parent arrives.
Overnight School Tour Harm to students
Accidents or Illness
Unsupervised risk of mobile phone Usage and Supervision Policy
Mobile Phone Policy
Code of Behaviour
Anti-bullying Policy
Acceptable Use Policy
Procedure for Wandering and Absconding Student Behaviour
Online Teaching and Learning Remotely Harm to students
Risk of information being posted on Social Media Remote Teaching Policy
Acceptable Use Policy
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 18th October 2023. It will be reviewed as part of the school’s annual review of its Child Safeguarding Statement.
Signed _Sarah Cosgrave______________ Date _____18/10/2023___________
Chairperson, Board of Management
Signed ___Catherine Coady____ Date _____18/10/2023__
Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management
Appendix 1
Child Protection Guidelines Checklist for School Employees
If a child discloses information to you:-
• Don’t panic
• Remember that the safety and well-being of the child come before the interests of any other person
• Listen to the child and accept what the child says
• Look at the child directly, but do not appear shocked
• Don’t seek help while the child is talking to you
• Reassure them that they did the right thing by telling someone
• Assure them that it is not their fault and you will do your best to help
• Let them know that you need to tell someone else
• Let them know what you are going to do next and that you will let them know what happens
• Be aware that the child may have been threatened
• Write down what the child says in their own words – record what you have seen and heard also
• Make certain you distinguish between what the child has actually said and the inferences you may have made. Accuracy is paramount in this stage of the procedure
• Tell your DLP or DDLP as possible
• As a mandated person, you must make a report to Tusla, or the Gardaí immediately. This can be done in conjunction with the DLP/DDLP
• After making the referral look after yourself. Discuss the matter with your DLP/DDLP or relevant person
Important Notes
The same action should be taken if the allegation is about abuse that has taken place in the past, as it will be important to find out if the person is still working with or has access to children
Dealing with an allegation that a colleague on the school staff has abused a child is difficult but must be taken seriously and dealt with carefully and fairly
Appendix 2 Checklist for Annual Review of the Child Protection Policy
Yes/No
1. Has the Board formally adopted a Child Safeguarding Statement in accordance with the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (revised 2023)?
2. Is the Board satisfied that the Child Safeguarding Statement is displayed in a prominent place near the main entrance to the school?
3. 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 (revised 2023)?
4. Does the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement include a written assessment of risk as required under the Children First Act 2015? (This includes considering the specific issue of online safety as required by the Addendum to Children First)
5. Has the Board reviewed and updated where necessary the written assessment of risk as part of this overall review?
6. Has the Risk Assessment taken account of the risk of harm relevant to online teaching and learning remotely?
7. Has the DLP attended available child protection training?
8. Has the Deputy DLP attended available child protection training?
9. Have any members of the Board attended child protection training?
10. Has the school appointed a DLP and a Deputy DLP?
11. Are the relevant contact details (Tusla and An Garda Síochána) to hand?
12. Has the Board arrangements in place to communicate the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement to new school personnel?
13. 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 (revised 2023) and the Children First Act 2015?
14. Has the Board received a Principal’s Child Protection Oversight Report (CPOR) at each Board meeting held since the last review was undertaken?
15. Since the Board’s last review, did each CPOR contain all of the information required under each of the 4 headings set out in sections 9.5 to 9.8 inclusive of the procedures?
16. Since the Board’s last review, has the Board been provided with and reviewed all records relevant to the CPOR?
17. Is the Board satisfied that the records provided are anonymised and redacted as necessary to ensure that the identities of children and any other parties, including school personnel, to whom the concern or report relates are not disclosed?
18. Since the Board’s last review, have the minutes of each Board meeting appropriately recorded the records provided to the Board as part of CPOR?
19. Have the minutes of each Board meeting appropriately recorded the CPOR?
20. 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?
21. 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?*
22. Where applicable, were unique identifiers used to record child protection matters in the Board minutes?
23. Is the Board satisfied that all records relating to child protection are appropriately filed and stored securely?
24. 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 (revised 2023)?
25. In relation to any cases identified at question 20 above, has the Board ensured that any notifications required under section 5.6 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (revised 2023) were subsequently issued by the DLP?
26. Has the Board ensured that the Parents’ Association (if any), has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?
27. Has the Board ensured that the patron has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?
28. Has the Board ensured that the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement is available to parents on request?
29. Has the Board ensured that the Stay Safe programme is implemented in full in the school? (applies to primary schools)
30. Has the Board ensured that the Wellbeing Programme for Junior Cycle students is implemented in full in the school? (applies to post-primary schools)
31. Has the Board ensured that the SPHE curriculum is implemented in full in the school?
32. Is the Board satisfied that the statutory requirements for Garda Vetting have been met in respect of all school personnel (employees and volunteers)? *
33. 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?*
34. 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)?*
35. Has the Board considered and addressed any complaints or suggestions for improvements regarding the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?
36. 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 (revised 2023)?
37. Has the Board sought the feedback of pupils in relation to the school’s child safeguarding arrangements?
38. Is the Board satisfied that the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools Post-Primary Schools (revised 2023) are being fully and adequately implemented by the school?
39. Has the Board identified any aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that require further improvement?
40. 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?
41. Has the Board ensured that any areas for improvement that were identified in any previous review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement have been adequately addressed?
Signed___Sarah Cosgrave____ Date_____18/10/2023
Signed ____Catherine Coady___ Date ____18/10/2023_
Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management
Recommendations__Keep reviewing risk assessments______
Appendix 3 Notification regarding the Board of Management’s review of the Child Safeguarding Statement
To:____Parents/Guardians
The Board of Management of St Johns NS 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 _______________ [date].
This review was conducted in accordance with the “Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement” published on the gov.ie website
Signed ___Sarah Cosgrave__ Date ___18/10/2023__
Chairperson, Board of Management
Signed ____Catherine Coady___ Date ___18/10/2023__
Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management
Appendix 4 Summary of Reporting Procedures
Below is a summary of the actions to be taken by the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in relation to Child Protection Concerns brought to him/her. These give an outline and it is important to take time to consult the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 for details before proceeding. Chapter 5 contains the details of Reporting Concerns.
Allegations of abuse made against school staff may require immediate action involving suspension of the teacher, SNA or member of ancillary staff. The Board of Management (BoM) should always seek comprehensive legal advice before embarking on such action.