Child Safeguarding and Risk Assessment Statement September 2023

St Patrick’s BNS 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 [insert school name] 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 2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement
  • The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Ian Lane
  • The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP is Conor Fahy.
  • The Relevant Person is Ian Lane
  • The Board of Management recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, procedures, practices and activities In its policies, procedures, practices and activities, the school will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare:

The school will:

  • recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;
  • fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children;
  • fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters
  • adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;
  • develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children; and
  • fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.

The school will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability.

  • The following procedures/measures are in place:
  • In relation to any member of staff who is the subject of any investigation (howsoever described) in respect of any act, omission or circumstance in respect of a child attending the school, the school adheres to the relevant procedures set out in Chapter 7 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for school staff which are published on the DES website. 
  • In relation to the selection or recruitment of staff and their suitability to work with children, the school adheres to the statutory vetting requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and to the wider duty of care guidance set out in relevant Garda vetting and recruitment circulars published by the DES and available on the DES website.
  • In relation to the provision of information and, where necessary, instruction and training, to staff in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm (as defined in the 2015 Act) the school-
  • Has provided each member of staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
  • Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
  • Encourages staff to avail of relevant training
  • Encourages Board of Management members to avail of relevant training
  • The Board of Management maintains records of all staff and Board member training
  • In relation to reporting of child protection concerns to Tusla, all school personnel are required to adhere to the procedures set out in the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017, including in the case of registered teachers, those in relation to mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015.
  • In this school the Board has appointed the abovenamed DLP as the “relevant person” (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the schools child safeguarding statement.
  • All registered teachers employed by the school are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015.
  • In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, the Board has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while attending the school or participating in school activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the school’s procedures for managing those risks is attached as an appendix to these procedures.
  • The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the DES website or will be made available on request by the school.

Note:  The above is not intended as an exhaustive list. Individual Boards of Management shall also include in this section such other procedures/measures that are of relevance to the school in question. 

  • This statement has been published on the school’s website and has been provided to all members of school personnel, the Parents’ Association (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. 
  • 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 _________________ [date].

Signed: _________________________                   Signed: ____________________________

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

Date:     __________________________                 Date:    __________________­­­­­­­_

Risk Assessment

Written Assessment of Risk of St Patrick’s BNS.

In accordance with section 11 of the Children’s 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 Patrick’s BNS.

  1. List of school activities:
  2. Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils
  3. Recreation breaks for pupils
  4. Classroom teaching
  5. One-to-one teaching
  6. One-to-one counselling including SCP/St Andrew’s Resource Centre Staff/Play Therapy etc
  7. Outdoor teaching activities
  8. Sporting activities in school and elsewhere
  9. School trips
  10. Use of toilet/changing areas in school
  11. Annual sports day
  12. Fundraising events
  13. Care of children with special educational needs
  14. Administration of medicine
  15. School transport/buses
  16. Administration of First Aid
  17. Circular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe etc
  18. Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
  19. Management of challenging behaviour by pupils including appropriate use of restraint where appropriate
  20. Training of school personnel in child protection matters
  21. Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum
  22. Use of external personnel to support sports and other extra-curricular activities
  23. Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities such as pupils from minorities/migrants, members of Traveller community, LGBT children, and pupils perceived to be LGBT, pupils of minority religious faiths, children in care, children in CPNS.
  24. Recruitment of school personnel including teachers, SNA’s, Caretaker, secretary, cleaners, sports coaches, external tutors/guest speakers,
  25. volunteer/parents in school activities
  26. circular provision in respect of SPHE,RSE, Stay Safe etc
  27. management of the provision of food and drink
  28. Visitors/contractors in school during school hours.
  29. Visitors/contractors during after school activities
  30. Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/instruction external to the school
  31. Use of ICT by pupils in school
  32. Application of sanctions under School’s Code of Behaviour.
  33. Students participating in work experience in school
  34. Student teachers and SNAs on placement in the school
  35. Use of video/photography to record school events
  36. Use of website to show school life
  37. After school use of premises by other organisations
  38. Breakfast club
  39. After-school club
  40. Summer Camps and Complex Needs Camps/July Provision if in school
  41. Distance learning-zoom etc
  42. Use of electronic devices such as chromebooks
  • 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
  • Risk of harm as a result of Covid 19
  • Risk of harm through use of apps for distance learning – zoom etc
  • The school has the following procedures in place to address the risks of harm identified in this assessment:
  • All school personnel are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
  • The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 are made available to all school personnel
  • School Personnel are required to adhere to the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 and all registered teaching staff are required to adhere to the Children First Act 2015
  • The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme
  • The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum and uses Weaving Wellbeing programme
  • The school has an Anti-Bullying Policy which fully adheres to the requirements of the Department’s Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools
  • The school has a yard/playground supervision policy to ensure appropriate supervision of children during, assembly, dismissal and breaks and in respect of specific areas such as toilets, changing rooms etc.
  • The school has in place a policy and clear procedures in respect of school outings 
  • The school has a Health and safety policy 
  • The school adheres to the requirements of the Garda vetting legislation and relevant DES circulars in relation to recruitment and Garda vetting
  • The school has a codes of conduct for school personnel (teaching and non-teaching staff)
  • The school complies with the agreed disciplinary procedures for teaching staff
  • The school has a Special Educational Needs policy and applies to NCSE/SENO for SNAs as required
  • 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 including suspension and expulsion
  • The school has in place an ICT policy in respect of usage of ICT by pupils as well as an AUP policy which includes distance learning
  • 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 a Covid 19 school response plan in place
  • Internet safety lessons are given each year
  • Staff teach pupils about acceptable online behaviour, use of devices and digital citizenship
Important Note:  It should be noted that risk in the context of this risk assessment is the risk of “harm” as defined in the Children First Act 2015 and not general health and safety risk.  The definition  of harm is set out in Chapter 4 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post- Primary  Schools 2017

In undertaking this risk assessment, the board of management has endeavoured to identify as far as possible the risks of harm that are relevant to this school and to ensure that adequate procedures are in place to manage all risks identified.  While it is not possible to foresee and remove all risk of harm, the school has in place the procedures listed in this risk assessment to manage and reduce risk to the greatest possible extent.

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

Signed _____________________________________ Date ________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed _____________________________________ Date ________________

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Mandatory Template 2: Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 require the Board of Management must undertake a review of its Child Safeguarding Statement and that the following checklist shall be used for this purpose. The review must be completed every year or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the Child Safeguarding Statement refers.  Undertaking an annual review will also ensure that a school also meets its statutory obligation under section 11(8) of the Children First Act 2015, to review its Child Safeguarding Statement every two years.  

The checklist is designed as an aid to conducting this review and is not intended as an exhaustive list of the issues to be considered. Individual Boards of Management shall include other items in the checklist that are of relevance to the school in question.

As part of the overall review process, Boards of Management should also assess relevant school policies, procedures, practices and activities vis a vis their adherence to the principles of best practice in child protection and welfare as set out in the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, the Children First Act 2015 and the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

 Yes/No
Has the Board formally adopted a Child Safeguarding Statement in accordance with the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’? Is the board satisfied that the Child Safeguarding Statement is displayed in a prominent position at the front of the school?Y Y
As part of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, has the Board formally adopted, without modification, the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’’?Y
Does the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement include a written assessment of risk as required under the Children First Act 2015? (including online safety update)Y
Has the Board reviewed and updated where necessary the written assessment of risk as part of this overall review?Y
Has the Risk Assessment taken account of the risk of harm relevant to online teaching and learning remotely? Has the DLP attended available child protection training?Y Y
Has the Deputy DLP attended available child protection training?Y
Have any members of the Board attended child protection training?Y
Are there both a DLP and a Deputy DLP currently appointed?Y
Are the relevant contact details (Tusla and An Garda Síochána) to hand?Y
Has the Board arrangements in place to communicate the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement to new school personnel?Y
Is the Board satisfied that all school personnel have been made aware of their responsibilities under the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ and the Children First Act 2015?Y
Has the Board received a Principal’s Child Protection Oversight Report (CPOR) at each Board meeting held since the last review was undertaken?Y
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?Y
Since the Board’s last review, has the Board been provided with and reviewed all documents relevant to the CPOR?Y
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 report?Y
Have the minutes of each Board meeting appropriately recorded the CPOR report?Y
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?Y
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?*Y
Where applicable, were unique identifiers used to record child protection matters in the Board minutes?Y
Is the Board satisfied that all records relating to child protection are appropriately filed and stored securely?Y
Has the Board been notified by any parent in relation to that parent not receiving the standard notification required under section 5.6  of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’NO
In relation to any cases identified at question 21 above, has the Board ensured that any notifications required section 5.6 of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ were subsequently issued by the DLP?Y
Has the Board ensured that the Parents’ Association (if any), has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?Y
Has the Board ensured that the patron has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?Y
Has the Board ensured that the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement is available to parents on request?Y
Has the Board ensured that the Stay Safe programme is implemented in full in the school? (applies to primary schools)Y
Has the Board ensured that the Wellbeing Programme for Junior Cycle students is implemented in full in the school? (applies to post- primary schools)N/A
Has the Board ensured that the SPHE curriculum is implemented in full in the school?Y
Is the Board satisfied that the statutory requirements for Garda Vetting have been met in respect of all school personnel (employees and volunteers)? *Y
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?*Y
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)?*Y
Has the Board considered and addressed any complaints or suggestions for improvements regarding the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?Y
Has the Board sought the feedback of parents in relation to the school’s compliance with the requirements of the child safeguarding requirements of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’Y
Has the Board sought the feedback of pupils in relation to the school’s child safeguarding arrangements?No
Is the Board satisfied that the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ are being fully and adequately implemented by the school?Y
Has the Board identified any aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that require further improvement?No
Has the Board put in place an action plan containing appropriate timelines to address those aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that have been identified as requiring further improvement ?N/A
Has the Board ensured that any areas for improvement that that were identified in any previous review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement have been adequately addressed?Y
Has the Board ensured it has a Covid19 plan for the school?Y

*In schools where the ETB is the employer the responsibility for meeting the employer’s requirements rests with the ETB concerned. In such cases, this question should be completed following consultation with the ETB.

Signed _____________________________________ Date ________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed _____________________________________ Date ________________

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Note: Where a school is undertaking its first review, references in this checklist to the “last review” shall be taken to refer to the date on which the Child Safeguarding Statement was first put in place.

Mandatory Template 4: Notification regarding the Board of Management’s review of    the  Child Safeguarding Statement

To:_____________________________________

The Board of Management of ____________________ 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 Department’s ‘website www.education.ie

Signed _____________________________________ Date ________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed _____________________________________ Date ________________

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management