Scoil

Chill

Ru a d h i n

Brooklodge National School, Glanmire, Co Cork,

Tel: 021-4866044, Fax: 021-4866051, e-mail: scr@brooklodgens.net, Website: www.brooklodgens.com

Child Protection Policy

This document was compiled as a response to recent changes in legislation and takes
account of the provisions of each of the following pieces of legislation .This policy
further develops previous policy in this area and takes the following into account

Freedom of Information Act 1997 & 2003

The Education Act 1998
The Child Welfare Act 2000
The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 2003
Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
2011.

The new procedures are based on the recently published Children First National
Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011.
References
Children First (Department of Health and Children 1999)
Our Children Our Church (CORI 2005)
Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures (Department of Education and
Science 2001)
Policy Sources accessed through Internet
The Board of Management (BoM) of Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge recognises that child
protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be
reflected in all of the schools policies, practices and activities. Accordingly, in accordance
with the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills, Child Protection
Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, the BoM of this school has agreed the
following child protection policy.
The BoM has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the
Departments Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools as
part of this overall child protection policy.
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Eoghan OConnor, Principal.
The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Ursula Hedderman, Deputy
Principal.

In its policies, practices and activities, Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge will adhere to
the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare. The school will
recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance,
regardless of all other considerations:

Fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child

protection and welfare matters
Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening
to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks
that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect
Develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental
involvement in the education of their children
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

Certain policies of Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge such as the

Code of
Behaviour/Anti-bullying Policy, the Pupil Attendance Policy and the Supervision of
Pupils Policy will take particular account of this Child Protection Policy. This policy will
also be considered with reference to the participation by pupils in sporting activities,
other extra-curricular activities and school outings. Other practices and activities,
where child protection might have particular relevance, will take due consideration of
the procedures outlined within this policy. The Board has ensured that the necessary
policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the
above listed items.
This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parent Association
and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be made
available to the DES and the patron if requested.
Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
Eoghan OConnor, the Principal, appointed by the BoM, is the DLP. Ursula Hedderman,
the Deputy Principal appointed by the BoM, acts as Deputy DLP. Both teachers will
undertake training from the Child Abuse Prevention Programme at the earliest
opportunity. Training will be regularly made available to the whole school community
(staff, parents and Boards of Management) on the Stay Safe Programme.
The DLP has specific responsibility for child protection and will represent the school in
all correspondence with HSE, An Garda Siochana and other parties in connection with
allegations of abuse. All matters pertaining to the processing or investigation of child
abuse should be processed through the DLP.
Further information on the responsibilities of the DLP can be referred to on page 8,
section 2.2 of Child Protection (DES 2001).
The DLP acts in cases where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion or where an
allegation has been made, as referred to in Child Protection (DES 2001, pages 1112).
The Role of the Board of Management
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The most important consideration to be taken into account by the Board of

Management is the protection of children, and their safety and well-being must be a
priority. However, because of the involvement of school employees, the BoM has
duties in respect of them as well.
As employers, the Board of Management notes that legal advice should always be
sought in these cases.
There are two procedures to be followed:

The reporting procedure in respect of the allegation

The procedures for dealing with the employee

In the case of primary schools, the DLP is responsible for reporting the matter to the
appropriate HSE, while the Chairperson of the BoM, acting in consultation with his/her
Board, is responsible for addressing the employment issues. However, where the
allegation of abuse is against the DLP, the Chairperson of the BoM will assume
responsibility for reporting the matter to the HSE.
The primary aim of the BoM is to protect the children within the school to whom they
have a duty of care. However, school employees may be subject to erroneous or
malicious allegations and therefore any threat of abuse should be dealt with
sensitively, and the employee fairly treated.

Role of Staff Member (teachers, caretaker, SNAs secretary)

It is the role of all staff members to be observant of all pupils in their care and to
report any suspicion of abuse or disclosure immediately to the DLP or in his absence,
the Deputy DLP
When recording any information in writing, it is vital that this is totally factual and
quotes the child exactly
It is also a requirement that all matters pertaining to suspicions of abuse or actual
abuse be treated with the strictest confidence. The child must only be identified by
their number on the school register
Confidentiality
All information regarding concerns of possible child abuse should only be shared on a
need to know basis in the interests of the child. The giving of information to those
who need to have that information is not a breach of confidentiality. This procedure
exists for the protection of a child who may have been or has been abused. The DLP
who is submitting a report to the HSE or An Garda Siochna should inform a
parent/guardian, unless doing so is likely to endanger the child or place that child at
further risk. A decision not to inform a parent/guardian should be briefly recorded
together with the reasons for not doing so.
In emergency situations, where the HSE cannot be contacted, and the child appears to
be at immediate and serious risk, An Garda Siochna should be contacted
3

immediately. A child should not be left in a dangerous situation pending HSE

intervention.
Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse
The protection for persons reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 provides immunity from
civil liability to any person who reports child abuse reasonably and in good faith to
designated officers of HSEs or any member of an Garda Siochna, see Child
Protection (DES 2001, page 6).
Qualified Privilege
People making a report to the DLP in good faith have qualified privilege under
common law, see Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures (DES 2001, page 6).
Reports made to HSEs may be subject to provisions of the Freedom of Information Act,
1997. This act enables members of the public to obtain access to personal information
relating to them which is in the possession of public bodies. However, the act also
provides that public bodies may refuse access to information obtained by them in
confidence.

Definition and Recognition of Child Abuse

Child abuse can be categorised into four different types:
Neglect
Emotional abuse
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Each of these categories is defined in full in Children First (Dept Health and Children
1999, pages 31-33) but for the purpose of this policy attention is drawn to the stated
definition of neglect.
Neglect can be defined in terms of an omission, where the child suffers significant
harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth,
hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection
from adults, medical care.
Guidelines for Recognition of Child Abuse
A list of child abuse indicators is contained in Appendix 1 Children First (DHC 1999,
pages 31-33). This policy draws particular attention to persistent evidence of
neglect, including indicators such as no lunch, lack of uniform, no homework, poor
attendance, persistent health problems, lack of sleep indicating inappropriate
television viewing late at night and other evidence that would indicate lack of
supervision in the home. All signs and symptoms must be examined in the total
context of the childs situation and family circumstances.
There are commonly three stages in the identification of child abuse:
1. Considering the possibility
2. Looking out for signs of abuse
3. Recording of information
4

Each of these stages is developed in Children First (DHC 1999, pages 34-35).
Handling Disclosures from Children
Child Protection (DES 2001, page 9) gives comprehensive details of how disclosures
should be approached. Staffs are advised to deal with each situation sensitively,
reassure the child but not to make promises that cannot be fulfilled.
The adult should not ask leading questions or make suggestions. They should explain
that further help may have to be sought. The discussion should then be recorded
accurately.
The record should include reference to what was observed with sketches of physical
injury where necessary. It should also record when the alleged incident took place.
Records should be kept in a secure place. The information should then be conveyed to
the school DLP.
If the reporting person and the DLP are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for
the suspicion/allegation, the procedures outlined in Children First (DHC, page 38) will
be adhered to. Standardised reporting forms should be used (Appendix B). The
content of the report should follow the guidelines on page 39 of Children First. The
Chairperson of the BoM will be informed before the DLP makes contact with the
relevant authorities.
Allegations or Suspicions in relation to School Employees
The Chairperson and the DLP are primarily concerned with the protection of the
children in their care. However, employees must be protected against false and
malicious claims.
Legal Advice should be sought by the board in relation to the employee. If the
allegation is against the DLP, the BoM Chairperson will assume the responsibility for
reporting the matter to the HSE.
Reporting
When an allegation of abuse is made against a school employee, the DLP should act in
accordance with the procedures outlined in Child Protection (DES 2001, page 11). A
written statement of the allegation should be sought from the person/agency making
the report. A parent/guardian may make a statement on behalf of a child. The DLP
should always inform the Chairperson of the BoM.
School employees, other than the DLP, who receive allegations against another school
employee, should immediately report the matter to the DLP. School employees who
form suspicions regarding conduct of another school employee should consult with the
DLP. The procedures outlined in Child Protection (DES 2001, page 16) should be
referred to.
The Chairperson and the DLP should make the employee aware privately:
a. That an allegation has been made against him/her
b. Of the nature of the allegation
c. Whether or not the HSE or Garda has been informed.
The employee should be given a copy of the written allegation and any other relevant
documentation. The employee should be requested to respond to the allegation in
5

writing to the BoM within a specified period and told that this may be passed to the
Garda, HSE and legal advisers.
The Chairperson must take the necessary steps to protect the child and may consult
the BoM in this matter. The BoM may direct that the employee take administrative
leave with pay and avoid suspension, thus removing any implication of guilt. The DES
should be immediately informed.
Further follow-up procedures should be observed as outlined in Child Protection
Guidelines and Procedures (page 17).
School Measures Taken to Protect the Children in Our Care
There are a number of areas where common sense in our school should prevail in
order to protect the children in the school and the staff who care for them. In relation
to this, certain points should be noted:

Scoil Chill Ruadhin Broklodge will fully implement the Stay Safe programme

A copy of the schools child protection policy, which includes the names of the
Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Deputy DLP, will be made available to all
school personnel and the Parents Association and is readily accessible to
parents on request

.The name of the DLP and other relevant support services are displayed in a
prominent position near the main entrance to the school

In addition to informing the school authority of those cases where a report

involving a child in the school has been submitted to the HSE, the DLP shall also
inform the school authority of cases where the DLP sought advice from the HSE
and as a result of this advice, no report was made. At each BoM meeting, the
Principals Report shall include the number of all such cases and this shall be
recorded in the minutes of the board meeting.

Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge will undertake an annual review of its Child
Protection Policy and its implementation by the school. A checklist, to be used in
undertaking the review (included at Appendix 1). The Board of Management
shall make arrangements to inform school personnel that the review has been
undertaken. Written notification that the review has been undertaken shall be
provided to the Parent Association. A record of the review and its outcome shall
be made available, if requested, to the patron and the DES.

Staff who take classes swimming should make sure that there are two adults in
attendance at all times. The dressing rooms and pool area should be well
supervised

Staff involved in after school activities or in out of class activities during the
school day should always ensure that there are at least two adults present at all
times

Staff should not be alone in a classroom with one child or detain a child on their
own after school. In the case of special needs pupils where resource hours and
6

assistance are sanctioned on an individual basis all of the occupants should be

visible at all times

Children with physical disabilities who may require assistance in toiletry matters
will be aided by a Special Needs Assistant who has met the necessary screening
requirements when being employed by the school.

Staff Cars: At the conclusion of after school activities not taking place in school
children will be brought back to the school, and should be collected promptly by
the parent at pre-arranged time. Staff will not deliver children to their homes.

If a child is ill, parents will have to provide an alternative phone number for
someone who will collect the child from school.

School Staff should always ensure that there are least two children in their car
on any occasion that they use their own car.

Special Needs: The Stay Safe Programme will be taught each year. Where there
are children with limited academic ability, the content and activities of the
lesson will be differentiated to help them to understand the message of the
lesson.

It should be noted that children with disabilities may be more at risk of abuse
due to a number of reasons (see list outlined on page 99 of Children First
Guidelines). Parents, teachers and all staff involved in services for children with
disabilities need to be familiar with the indicators of abuse and to be alert for
signs of abuse.

Supervision: During breaks, all pupils are supervised by teachers in the school
yard. To access toilets on the corridor, children must have permission of the
supervising teacher.

Parents must sign out a childs being removed from the premises during the
school day and sign the child back in if the child returns to school that day

Ratification of Policy
The guidelines outlined in this policy are implemented with immediate effect. This
policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on March 8th 2012

Signed: _________________________
Signed: __________________________
Chairperson of Board of Management
Principal
Date:

March 8th 2012

Date: March 8th 2012

7

The Board further endorses the Principal, Eoghan OConnor as the school DLP and
Ursula Hedderman as Deputy DLP.
_______________________________ (Chairperson) Date: March 8th 2012
Appendix A: Checklist for Annual Review of the Child Protection Policy
The Board of Management must undertake an annual review of its Child Protection Policy
and the following checklist shall be used for this purpose.
The checklist is designed as an aid to conducting this review and is not intended as an
exhaustive list. The BoM may wish to include other items in the checklist that are of
particular relevance to [Insert School Name] and reserves the right to do so if/when the
need occurs.
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

As part of the overall review process, Boards of Management should

YES
also assess other school policies, practices and activities vis a vis their
adherence to the principles of best practice in child protection and
welfare as set out in the schools Child Protection policy
Has the Board formally adopted a child protection policy in accordance with
YES
the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools?
As part of the schools child protection policy, has the Board formally
YES
adopted, without modification, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary
and Post Primary Schools?
Are there both a DLP and a Deputy DLP currently appointed?
YES
Are the relevant contact details (HSE and An Garda Sochna) to hand?
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
Has the schools child protection policy identified other school policies,
YES
practices and activities that are regarded as having particular child protection
relevance?
Has the Board ensured that the Departments Child Protection ProceduresYES
for Primary and Post Primary Schools are available to all school personnel?
Does the Board have arrangements in place to communicate the
YES
schools child protection policy to new school personnel?
Is the Board satisfied that all school personnel have been made aware of YES
their responsibilities under the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and
Post Primary Schools?
Since the Boards last annual review, was the Board informed of any child YES
protection reports made to the HSE/An Garda Sochna by the DLP?
Since the Boards last annual review, was the Board informed of any
YES
cases where the DLP sought advice from the HSE and as a result of this
advice, no report to the HSE was made?
Is the Board satisfied that the child protection procedures in relation to
YES
the making of reports to the HSE/ An Garda Sochna were
8

NO

NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO

appropriately followed?
16. Were child protection matters reported to the Board appropriately
recorded in the Board minutes?
17. Is the Board satisfied that all records relating to child protection are
appropriately filed and stored securely?
18. Has the Board ensured that the Parents Association has been provided
with the schools child protection policy?

YES NO
YES NO
YES NO

APPENDIX B
Child Protection Practices
The staff and BoM of this 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
Vetted guest speakers and visiting teachers of varying disciplines, employed by the
BoM of Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge to perform specific duties, will not be left work
with a class alone.
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 childs file
10

Two members of staff 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 should 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 is in the best interest of
some pupils
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 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.
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
11

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-toone basis, they are requested to leave the classroom door open or request a colleague
to attend. Further details on communications are found in the schools Communication
Policy.
Induction of Staff
The DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary staff of the
Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures (DES, 2001) and Children First Guidelines
(1999), but particularly the recently published Children First National Guidance for
the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). The DLP will give a copy of the Child
Protection Guidelines and Procedures, Chapters 3 & 4 and Appendix 1 of Children First
and this Child Protection Policy to all new staff. All new teachers are expected to teach
the designated 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. Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge
is responsible for ensuring that new teachers know how to fill in the roll book correctly
and informing the teacher of record keeping procedures within the school.
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 schools
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 childs progress. All
parents will be given a copy of the schools Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying
policies.
Internet Safety
It is the intention of the Principal and Staff at Scoil Chill Ruadhin Brooklodge to
ensure that child protection concerns will be addressed in the schools Acceptable Use
Policy as part of its Information and Communication Technology policy. The Stay Safe
lessons in each classroom will be supplemented with a lesson from the Webwise
Resource Pack.
Record Keeping
Teachers will keep their own personal records on each pupils in a safe secure
place.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
12

this school are kept in the filing cabinet in the office. Further details on record keeping
will be found in the schools Record Keeping Policy.
Supervision
The schools supervision policy will be followed by all staff to ensure that there is
comprehensive supervision of children at all breaks.
Visibility
Teachers will ensure that children are visible in the school playground. Children are not
be allowed to spend time in classrooms where they are 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
Reporting Form for Child Protection and Welfare Concerns to a HSE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Date of Report
Name of person reporting
Address of person reporting
Relationship of reporting person with the child concerned
Method of report (telephone call, personal call to office)
Family Details

Details of Child Concerned

13

Surname
Forename
DOB
Male/female
Alias (known as)
Address:
Correspondence address (if different)
Telephone number
7. State whether you consider your report to indicate (a) suspected or actual child
abuse or (b) need for family support, giving reasons
Physica Sexua
l
l
Abuse Abuse
Suspec

t
Actual

Emotion
al
Abuse

Neglec
t

8. Details of other family members/household members

Name

Ag
e

Relationship
to child

Employment/Scho
ol

Location

In cases of emergency, or outside HSE hours, reports should be made to An Garda

Sochna.
9. Name of Other Professionals Involved with Child/ren and/or Parents/Carers.
Public health nurse:
School:
General practitioner:
Any other agency or professional involved (please describe the nature of
any involvement):
Report Details.
14

10. Describe, as fully as possible the nature of the problem or incident being
reported, giving details of times and dates of individual incidents, the
circumstances in which they occurred, any other persons who were present at the
time, and their involvement

11. Has any explanation been offered by the child, and/or parents/carers, which
would account for the current problem or incident? (Details)

12. As far as possible, describe the state of the child/rens physical, mental and
emotional well-being.

13.

If child abuse is being alleged, who is believed to be responsible for causing it?

Include (if known)

Name:
Address:
Degree of contact with child:
Degree of contact with other children:
14. Describe (in detail) any risks to which the child/ren in this situation is/are
believed to be exposed.

15.

How did this information come to your attention

16.

What has prompted you to report your concern at this time?

17.

What evidence of harm exists at present?

15

18. Are there any factors in the child and/or parents/carers present situation, which
may have relevance to the current concern? (for example, recent illness,
bereavement, separation, addiction, mental health problem or other difficulty)

19. Are there any factors in the child and/or parents/carers situation which could be
considered protective or helpful (for example, extended family or community
support)?

20. Has any action been taken in response to the current concern or incident
(Details)

21. Are the childs parents/ carers aware that this concern is being reported to the
HSE?

22.

Is there a need for urgent protective action at this point?

23.

Any other comments.

Signed: ____________________
Date: ____________

Appendix D
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
16

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 Guidelines and
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 [Insert School Name] 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 Health and Children (www.dohc.ie) and the
Department of Education and Skills Child Protection Guidelines can be read on the
Departments 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

Eoghan OConnor
Deputy DLP

Ursula Hedderman
Grda Sochna Glanmire
0214821002
17

Local Contact For

The Children and Family Social Services of the HSE
TELEPHONE: 021 4927000

North Lee Social Work Department

Blackpool
Cork

18