Child Safeguarding Statement 2024.pdf

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1 Reviewed October 2024

St. Michael’s N.S.

Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment Template

Child Safeguarding Statement

St. Michael’s N.S. is a primary school providing primary education to pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the

Addendum to Children First (2019), the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023) and Tusla Guidance on the

preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of St. Michael’s N.S. 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 Schools (revised (2023) as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement

2 The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Maria Bourke

3 The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Kathryn Morgan

4 The Relevant Person is Maria Bourke

(The relevant person is one who can provide information in respect of how the child safeguarding statement was developed and will be able to provide

the statement on request. In a school setting the relevant person shall be the designated liaison person.)

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2 Reviewed October 2024

5 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.

6 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 (revised 2023) and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for school

staff which are published on the gov.ie website.

· In relation to the selection or recruitment of staff and their suitability to work with children, the school adheres to the statutory vetting

requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and to the wider duty of care guidance

set out in relevant Garda vetting and recruitment circulars published by the Department of Education and available on the gov.ie 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

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3 Reviewed October 2024

● 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 (revised 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.

· In accordance with the Children First Act 2015 and the Addendum to Children First (2019), the Board has carried out an assessment of any

potential for harm to a child while attending the school or participating in school activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of

risk identified and the school’s procedures for managing those risks is included with the Child Safeguarding Statement.

· The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the gov.ie 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.

7 This statement has been published on the school’s website and has been provided to all members of school personnel, the Parents’ Association (if

any) and the patron. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla and the

Department if requested.

8 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.

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4 Reviewed October 2024

This Child Safeguarding Statement was adopted by the Board of Management on 7th March 2018 .

This Child Safeguarding Statement was reviewed by the Board of Management on 18th October 2024 .

Signed: _________________________ Signed: ____________________________

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

Date: __________________________ Date: __________________-------_

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5 Reviewed October 2024

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Written Assessment of Risk of St. Michael’s N.S.

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 PostPrimary Schools (revised 2023), the following is the Written Risk Assessment of St. Michael’s N.S.

1. List of school activities

(insert list of school activities in this

section)

2. The school has

identified the following

risk of harm in respect

of its activities –(insert

risks of harm identified

in this section

3. The school has the following procedures in place

to address the risks of harm identified in this

assessment -(insert the procedures in place to

address risks of harm in this section)

Training of new school personnel in

Child Protection matters and ongoing

training of existing staff

Harm not recognised or

reported promptly

Child Safeguarding Statement & DES

procedures made available to all staff DLP&

DDLP to attend PDST face to face training

All Staff participated in Túsla training module & any

other online training offered by PDST -

BOM records all records of staff and board training

New Staff have been requested to participate in training

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6 Reviewed October 2024

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

Harm not recognised

properly or promptly

reported

Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures

made available to all staff Staff to view Tusla

training module & any other online training

offered by PDST Vetting Procedures are adhered to

in accordance with Circular 0031/2016 -

Commencement of Statutory Requirements for Garda

Vetting

A Policy for Parents / Volunteer/ Visitors /Contractors

will be planned for in School year 2024/25

School transport arrangements

including use of bus escorts

Harm by Personnel Garda Vetting Procedures in place for all bus escorts

Teaching of the Stay Safe programme to all pupils

Curricular Provision in respect

of SPHE, RSE, Stay safe.

Non-teaching of same Whole school plan for SPHE is in place

Teachers are given plan at start of year

School RSE and Stay Safe in full as part of SPHE plan

A report is given to the BOM with regard to the

implementation of Stay Safe

Classroom teaching Flight risk Care plans if child has SEN needs / Risk assessment

Code of Behaviour

Flight Risk (abscondment) Procedures was formulated in

school year 2021/22

High Vis Jackets to be worn for breaks

Exit doors to be kept shut

New fencing around door A planned for 2023/24

Support plan in place for child by class teacher in

consultation with parents

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One to one teaching Harm by school personnel Teachers are reminded of good practic with regard to 1:1

teaching

Table between teacher and pupil and door open where

possible

Glass in window

Windows were put in doors where there was none

One-to-one teaching on 3rd Floor

especially on occasions when

no other adult is around

Risk of harm to teachers

and students

Teachers are reminded of good practice

with regard to 1:1 teaching Glass was

put into doors

Timetabling to ensure other adults are around will be

considered especially in Nurture Room

Where possible teachers will use SET rooms in 1st and 2nd

floor

Sports Coaches Harm to pupils Correct Garda Vetting procedures will be

adhered to before coaching begins A member of

teaching staff to be present at all times

Use of external personnel to

supplement curriculum

Harm to children Garda Vetting Procedures

Teacher always present

Door to be left open

Student teachers undertaking

training placement in school

Unknown Personnel in

the school –risk of

harm to

children

Safeguarding Statement will be given to them

Ensuring vetting procedures are followed

Supervision of student teachers by school staff

Students participating in work

experience in the school

risk of harm to children Child Safeguarding Statement.

Ensuring vetting procedures are followed

Supervision of Work experience students by school staff

Over 16s only allowed to participate so vetting can take

place

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Toilet areas Inappropriate behaviour

Communal Toilets may lead

to inappropriate behaviour

from older pupils

Toilet cubicles are assigned to individual classes

Code of behaviour

Anti-Bullying Policy

Doors clearly marked Boys/Girls

Care of Children with special

needs, including intimate

care needs

Harm by school personnel Staff will be reminded of good practice when dealing with

such circumstances Another staff member will assist

SNA/Teacher if taking care of intimate care needs or

toileting accidents.

Toileting Accidents will be recorded by staff members

dealing with it -recording template on the drive

Home to be informed

Class teachers will keep a record of toileting accident

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

Lack of capacity to report

e.g. language barrier

Bullying

Anti-Bullying

Code of Behaviour

Inclusive Education Policy

Staff will look at opportunities to celebrate difference

more e.g. intercultural day, Autism awareness Day.

Promoting Christian Values as a whole school

Regular check -in with children from minority groups etc

Use of toilet/changing/shower

areas in schools/ swimming

pool

Inappropriate behaviour Appropriate Supervision

Code of Behaviour

Anti-Bullying policy

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Toilet opposite Principal’s office. Unknown adults on premises Signs put on doors stating staff and visitor toilets

St. Raphael’s management have been asked to

accompany any visiting adults from their school if

using toilet.

Parent’s toilet in children’s toilet. All adults in the parents’

room can use these toilets

while children are using

them also.

Toilets to become student only. Adults to use toilets

across from Principal’s Office. HSCL are informed of

change of practice

Children not to use toilets unless accompanied by a staff

member due to proximity to Shared Parents room

Parent’s room (Courses, Coffee

mornings etc.)

Adults from parents’ room

can access rest of school -

potential risk for children

Schools across campus will be informed of

concerns

Parent s must be accompanied by HSCL when using

Parentsroom

Only visitors with visitors badges will be allowed through

the school, all other adults will be reported to the office

People walking through from St.

Raphael’s

Harm to students There are no adults permitted from St. Raphael’s yard

during school day unless office informed

Gates will be installed between the two playgrounds -

oct 2024

Dogs not allowed on school grounds - parents to be

reminded

Adults walking around the

school in the

mornings/afternoons. -

Harm to students and

teachers

Entry doors should be closed at 9am. Pupils can enter

after these hours through the Front Office door

4 external doors have been coded

1 internal door was coded

Senior management, ISM , teaching staff will supervise

on school grounds from 8.40-8.50

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After school use of school

premises by other

organisations

Unknown personnel on

school grounds could pose

risk to children

Child protection policy followed

Proper Garda Vetting

Use of off-site facilities for school

activities

Unknown individuals /setting Appropriate Supervision

School outings Strangers taking photos of

students and unknown use

of photos

Exposure to anti-social

behaviour

Abduction by known and

unknown persons

A school Tours policy was formed in 2022/23

Appropriate supervision and adult: pupil/ teacher ratio

Sporting Activities Harm to child Adequate supervision

Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils Harm from older pupils,

unknown adults on the

playground

Pupils from 1st to 6th will be encouraged to enter school

grounds without an adult as morning supervision is

now provided from 8.40am

School doors un-coded and also

school gates open between

different home times.

Harm to children and staff Increased coding on doors as above -change regularly

Gates are closed except for drop-off and collection times

Children being left at the school

gate.

Unaccompanied Children

at risk as lots of adults

around at drop-off time

Parents regularly reminded through Aladdin and

newsletters that children must be under their

supervision before 8.40am and collected at finishing

time

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11 Reviewed October 2024

Doors being left open after

morning time collection

Easy access of unknown

adults. Risk to staff and

children

All staff members to be aware of issue and

be more vigilant in the area. Preschool staff

will be made aware of this also

Doors will be closed from 9am. Pupils to enter thorough

front office door after this time

Fundraising events involving pupils Unknown Situations Appropriate Supervision

Managing of challenging

behaviour amongst pupils

Injury to pupils and staff Health & Safety Policy

Code of Behaviour

Individual Care/behaviour plans and risk assessments to be

carried out where necessary

Prevention and dealing with

bullying amongst pupils

Risk of harm due to bullying of

child

Anti-Bullying Policy

Code of Behaviour

Whole school teaching of STAY Safe Programme

SCP/SET involvement in whole class initiatives –

Friendly Kids, Friendly classrooms More Teachers

trained in Friends Programme

Staff to avail of training where available

Staff received Whole School CPD on Anti Bullying

Anti Bullying Week and Kindness week to be celebrated

each year

Bí Cinealta Guidelines and framework to be implemented

Application of sanctions under the

school’s Code of Behaviour

including detention of pupils,

confiscation of phones etc.

Risk of harm due to inadequate

code of behaviour

Code of behaviour reviewed annually

ISM team co share responsibility for ensuring Code of

Behaviour is supported and adequate

Code of behaviour accessible on drive

Yard breaks for pupils Flight Risk

Bullying

Risk of bullying behaviour

not being detected in less

visible areas of the Yard –

behind prefab, near Infant

Anti-bullying Policy

Code of Behaviour

Behavioural plan/IEP

Gates are Closed

School will assign members of staff to less

visible areas for supervision

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door

Easy access to school

yard beside ours. Risk to

children

Appropriate, vigilant and adequate

supervision by all staff on duty

Staff are made aware of potential Flight Risk pupils and

SNA assigned to minimise risk of flight

More staff on yard due to split breaks

Administration of Medicine Lack of Communication

between home and

school could result in

risk of giving incorrect

dosage

Children with medical issues highlighted on Aladdin

Administration of Medicine Policy followed

Class teacher will keep a record of medicine administered

Update Care plan annually and keep on aladdin

Care Plan to be included on Handover

Administration of First Aid Not all staff are trained All SNAs were trained (March 19) -

11 teachers took part in First Aid Training in

April 2018

A further 10 teachers and SNAs trained in

August 2022 in defib and First Aid

10 trained in 2023

List of trained staff to be held in staffroom

Use of Information and

Communication Technology by

pupils in school

Bullying

Access to inappropriate

content e.g. You Tube

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Summer Camp Staff vetting

Staffing ratio

1:1 teaching

Location

DLP

Policies

Staff vetting - All staff will be taken from St. Michael’s

School and are already Vetted Staffing ratio - Staff will

be employed at a 1:12, staff: pupil ratio -in line with the

Department of Education Guidelines.

1:1 teaching - No 1:1 teaching will take place.

Location - The camp will take place in St. Michaels N.S.

school grounds. Students may take part in some

walk/sport activities in the locality of a local park, where

1:12 ratio will be maintained and large groups of people

will be avoided. Consent will be sought

DLP - School DLP Maria Bourke, Deputy DLP Kathryn

Morgan. DLP Maria Bourke will be onsite, however in

the event she will not be on site both will be

contactable for the duration of the camp.

Policies - The school policies will be used for the summer

camp. A “hard” copy will be available in the office and all

teachers will be emailed a “soft” copy

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 (revised 2023)

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.