Child Safeguarding Statement

St. Malachy’s Girls’ School is a primary school providing primary education to pupils from Second Class 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 St. Malachy’s Girls’ School has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

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 Schools2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement.

2. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is: Ms. Bríd Galligan.

3. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is: Mrs. Karen Tuite.

4. 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:

1. recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations
2. fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children
3. fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters
4. 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
5. develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children; and
6. 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. The following procedures/measures are in place:

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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:

1. 1. 1. Has provided each member of staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
      2. Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
      3. Encourages staff to avail of relevant training
      4. Encourages Board of Management members to avail of relevant training
      5. The Board of Management maintains records of all staff and Board member training.

4. 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
5. 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 school’s child safeguarding statement.

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

7. 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 these procedures.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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 15^th October 2018

St Malachy’s Girls’ School Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Written Assessment of Risk of St. Malachy’s GNS

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 St. Malachy’s GNS

1. List of School Activities

• Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils.
• Recreation breaks for pupils.
• Classroom teaching.
• One-to-one teaching.
• Sporting Activities.
• Use of Sporting facilities: School Hall, Youth Centre, Field.
• Use of School Hall and Stage.
• Use of Library.
• School outings/tours.
• Use of toilet/changing areas in schools.
• Annual Sports Day.
• Annual Active Day and Mountain Walk.
• 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.

• Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/needs such as:

• Members of the Traveller community.
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) children.
• Pupils perceived to be LGB.
• Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants.
• Pupils of minority religious faiths.
• Children in care.
• Children on CPNS.

• Recruitment of school personnel including -

• Teachers/SNAs.
• Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners.
• Sports coaches.
• External Tutors/Guest Speakers.
• Volunteers/Parents in school activities.
• Visitors/contractors present in school during school hours.

• After school activities – choir, Speech and Drama, Irish dancing, Music generation lessons and music lessons.
• Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/religious instruction external to the school.
• Swimming lessons in Aura.
• Use of hall by external agencies during school hours.
• Use of external personnel to support sports.
• Use of I.T. 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.
• One-to-one support.
• Transport arrangements including use of staff cars.

2. 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.
• All staff has completed mandatory Children First online training.
• 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 code 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.

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 school 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 was completed by the Board of Management on 15 ^th October 2018.

It shall be reviewed as part of the annual review of its Child Safeguarding Statement.

St. Malachy’s GNS Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

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

Notification regarding The Board of Management Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

To: The parents and staff of St Malachy’s GNS

The Board of Management of St. Malachy’s GNS wishes to inform you that:

• The Board of Management’s annual review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement was completed at the meeting on 15^th October 2018.

• This review was conducted in accordance with the “Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement” published on the Department of Education and Science Website.

APPENDIX A

Child Protection Practices

The staff and BOM of St. Malachy’s Girls’ School have identified the following as areas of specific concern in relation to Child Protection. Following discussion and consultation, the staff and BOM have agreed that the following practices be adopted:

• Physical contact between school personnel and the child should always be in response to the needs of the child and not the needs of the adult.

While physical contact may be used to comfort, reassure or assist a child, the following should be factors in determining its appropriateness:

• It is acceptable to the child
• It is open and not secretive
• The age and developmental stage of the child

School personnel should avoid doing anything of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.

School personnel should never engage in or allow:

• The use of inappropriate language or behaviours
• Physical punishment of any kind
• Sexually provocative games or suggestive comments about or to a child
• The use of sexually explicit or pornagraphic material

All media products (CDs, DVDs etc.) should be checked for their appropriateness with regard to age and suitability.

Visitors/Guest Speakers

Appropriately appointed and screened visiting teachers of varying disciplines, engaged by the BOM of St. Malachy’s Girls’ School to perform specific duties,will be left work with a class alone at the Principal’s discretion

Visitors/Guest speakers should never be left alone with pupils. The school (Principal/ teachers) has a responsibility to check out the credentials of the visitor/guest speaker and to ensure that the material in use is appropriate.

Children with specific toileting/intimate care needs

• In all situations where a pupil needs assistance with toileting/intimate care, a meeting will be convened, after enrolment and before the child starts school, between parents/guardians, class teacher, special needs assistant, Principal and if appropriate the pupil. The purpose of the meeting will be to ascertain the specific needs of the child and to determine how the school can best meet those needs.
• The staff to be involved in this care will be identified and provision will be made for occasions when the particular staff involved are absent. A written copy of what has been agreed will be made and kept in the child’s file.

Two members of staff (Principal, Teacher, SNA) will be present when dealing with intimate care/toileting needs. Any deviation from the agreed procedure will be recorded and notified to the DLP and the parents/guardians.

Toileting accidents

Clean underwear and suitable clothing will be kept in the school so that if a pupil has an ‘accident’ of this nature, they will in the first instance be offered fresh clothing into which they can change.

If the pupil for whatever reason cannot clean or change themselves and the parents/guardians cannot be contacted, the child will be assisted by members of staff

familiar to the child. In all such situations, two members of staff will always be present. A record of all such incidents will be kept and Principal and parents will be notified.

Accidents

While every precaution will be taken under our Health and Safety Statement to ensure the safety of children, we realise that accidents will happen. Accidents will be noted in our Incident book and will be addressed under our Accident Policy as part of Health and Safety.

One-to-one teaching

• It is the policy in this school that one-to-one teaching can sometimes be in the best interest of the child.
• Every effort will be made to ensure that this teaching takes place in an open environment.
• Parents of children who are to be involved in one-to-one teaching will be informed and their agreement sought.
• Work being carried out by Special Needs Assistants will be carried out under the direction of the class teacher in an open environment.

Changing for games/PE/Swimming

Pupils will be expected to dress and undress themselves for Games/PE/Swimming. Where assistance is needed, this will be done in the communal area and with the consent of parents. Under no circumstances will members of staff/volunteers be expected to or allowed to dress/undress a child unsupervised in a cubicle/private area. In such situations where privacy is required, the parents/guardians of the child will be asked to assist the child.

The BOM of St. Malachy’s Girls’ School has requested that all swimming volunteers apply to be vetted. In the interim, a Volunteer Form approved by the CPSMA will be in use. At all times there must be adequate supervision of pupils. While every effort will be made to adhere to best practice as agreed and outlined above, in the event of an emergency where this is not possible or practicable, a full record of the incident should be made and reported to the Principal and parents.

Attendance

Our school attendance will be monitored as per our attendance policy. With regards to child protection, we will pay particular attention to trends in non-attendance. We will also monitor non-attendance in correlation with signs of neglect/physical/emotional abuse.

Behaviour

Children are encouraged at all times to play co-operatively and inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under our Code of Behaviour. If an incident occurs which we consider to be of a sexualised nature, we will notify the DLP who will record it and respond to it appropriately.

Bullying

Bullying behaviour will be addressed under our Anti-Bullying policy. If the behaviour involved is of a sexualised nature or regarded as being particularly abusive, then the matter will be referred to the DLP.

Children travelling in staff cars

Members of the school staff will not carry children alone in their cars at any time.

Communication

Every effort will be made to enhance pupil-teacher communication. If pupils have concerns they will be listened to sympathetically. The SPHE/Oral Language/RE programmes allow for open pupil-teacher communication, which is hoped will aid the pupil-teacher relationship. If teachers have to communicate with pupils on a one-to-one basis, they are requested to leave the classroom door open or request a colleague to attend. Further details on communications are found in the school’s Communication Policy.

Induction of Staff

The DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary staff of the Child Protection Procedures (DES, 2011) and Children First Guidelines (2011), but particularly the recently published Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). All new teachers are expected to teach the appropriate SPHE objectives for their class. A member of staff, once trained, will be responsible for the mentoring of new teachers and will be responsible for supporting new teachers as they implement the SPHE objectives.

Induction of Pupils

All parents and children will be made aware of attendance rules and their implications as laid down in the Education Welfare Act (2000). All parents will be informed of the programmes in place in the school that deal with personal development e.g. RSE, Walk Tall, Stay Safe and SPHE. All new parents will be given a copy of the school’s enrolment policy, which outlines the procedures parents and children should use when contacting the school if there are absences or concerns of an educational/personal/family matter. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with the class teacher/principal if they wish to discuss their child’s progress. All parents will be given a copy of the school’s Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies.

Internet Safety

It is the intention of the Principal and Staff at St. Malachy’s Girls’ School to ensure that child protection concerns will be addressed in the school’s Acceptable Use Policy as part of its Information and Communication Technology policy. The Stay Safe lessons in each classroom may be supplemented with appropriate resources. There will also be annual meetings during which parents will be invited to attend a session with an invited speaker to stay abreast of the ever-changing situation regarding internet access.

Record Keeping

Teachers will keep records on each child’s reports using St. Malachy’s Girls’ School Record Keeping Sheets. These records are kept in the drawer of each teacher’s desk. Roll books will be updated daily. Sensitive information regarding children will be shared on a need-to-know basis. All educational files of pupils who no longer attend this school are kept in the filing cabinet in the office. Further details on record keeping will be found in the school’s Record Keeping Policy.

Supervision

The school’s supervision policy will be followed by all staff to ensure that there is comprehensive supervision of children at all breaks. A rota will be displayed to cover morning and lunchtime breaks. See Supervision Policy for agreed rules around break-times and procedures around teacher absences.

Visibility

Teachers will ensure that children are visible in the school playground. Children will not be allowed to spend time in classrooms, toilets or sheds where they would not be under adult supervision. They are not to leave the school playground or to engage with adults who are outside of the school playground.

Appendix C

Dear parents/guardians,

In recent years, as a society, we have become very aware of the problem of child abuse through neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

Each one of us has a duty to protect children and Children First, the National Guidelines, for the Protection and Welfare of Children noted that teachers, who are the main care givers to children outside the family, are particularly well placed to observe and monitor children for signs of abuse.

In response to this, the Department of Education and Skills published procedures for all schools in relation to child protection and welfare. These guidelines promote the safety and welfare of all children and are to be welcomed.

The Board of Management of St. Malachy’s Girls’ School has adopted these guidelines as school policy. Consequently, if school staff suspect or are alerted to possible child abuse, they are obliged to refer this matter to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE will then assess the situation and provide support for the child concerned.

Children First, the National Guidelines for the Protection of Children may be assessed on the website of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.(www.dcya.ie) and the Department of Education and Skills Child Protection Procedures can be read on the Department’s website ( www.education.ie). Parents/Guardians are also welcome to look through the guidelines here at the school.

Yours sincerely,

Principal

Child Protection Contacts

Designated Liaison Person

Ms. Bríd Galligan

Deputy DLP

Mrs. Karen Tuite

Garda Station

Telephone: 0429335577

Local Contact For ‘The Children and Family Social Services of the HSE’

TELEPHONE: 042 9392200

Address:

Tusla Offices,
Louth Co. Hospital Campus,
Dublin Rd.,
Dundalk.
Co. Louth.