Child Protection

Child Protection Policy for St Paul’s Secondary School

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, 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 Board of Management of St Paul’s Secondary School has agreed the following child protection policy:

  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 as part of this overall child protection policy.
  1. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Brian Bergin (Principal)
  1. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Mary Mullally (Deputy Principal)
  1. In its policies, practices and activities, St Paul’s 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; 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.

  1. The following school policies, practices and activities are particularly relevant to child protection

The Code of Behaviour Policy

Anti-bullying Policy,

Pupil Attendance Strategy

Supervision of Pupils

Sporting Activities/School Outings/Pupil Work Placements

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.

  1. This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parents’ Council and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.
  1. 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 7th of October 2015

 

 

Signed:                   Noel Merrick                                                       Signed:                   Brian Bergin

Chairperson of Board of Management                                          Principal

 

Date:                      7-10-15                                                                  Date:                      7-10-15

 

 

Date of next review:           7-10-15