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Guidelines for the Management and Organisation of Child Protection in our School
It is the policy of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise to follow the procedures as laid down in Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures DES 2001 in conjunction with Children First, in any case where we suspect, or are alerted to, child abuse, including where a child discloses abuse.
Role of the Board of Management:
It is the primary responsibility of the Board of Management of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise to protect the children within the school to whom they have a duty of care. The responsibilities of the Board of Management are outlined in p.50/51 of the Children First Guidelines and in p. 15/17 of the Child Protection Guidelines (DES)
Planning and implementing a Child Protection Programme
Staff Development
Appointing a Designated Liaison Person and a deputy Designated Liaison Person
Respond to allegations/suspicions of child abuse involving employees
Invoke administrative leave of employee if the nature of the allegation warrants immediate action
Monitor and evaluate the programme and policy
Role of the Staff:
The responsibilities of the staff of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise are as outlined in the Children First Guidelines and the Child Protection Guidelines (DES)
Teaching of a Child Protection Programme – Stay Safe
Recording of and responding to allegations of child abuse as recommended in the Child Protection Guidelines.
Niamh Ní Mhaoláin, a senior member of staff, was appointed by the Board of Management as the Designated Liaison Person (D.L.P.) at our BOM meeting.
Karla Ní Leannáin was also appointed by the Board of Management as the Deputy Designated Liaison Person
The D.L.P. will ensure that all staff are aware of the procedures and guidelines and attend any further training, if provided.
The D.L.P. will ensure that each teacher has a copy of this policy on Child Protection.
Each staff member has a method of recording concerns. We monitor the progress of pupils about whom we have concerns and who may be at risk in a manner consistent with our duty as teachers. These records are maintained confidentially.
e.g.
Registration number of Pupil _____________
Date Observation
Signature
It is the policy of this school to follow the procedures as laid down in the Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures, DES 2001, Chapter 4, in any case where allegations are received against school employees.
Stay Safe:
Organisational and Curricular Issues:
We contribute to the prevention of child abuse through the SPHE curriculum, particularly through the Strand Unit, Safety and Protection. The Child Protection Programme that is to be implemented in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise is the Stay Safe Programme. It will be taught from Infants to Sixth Class and will be taught on alternate years. It will be taught in a 6-week block to maintain the integrity of the Stay Safe programme. Any additional resources selected will be in keeping with the aims of this policy
If children are withdrawn, they will be accommodated in another teacher’s classroom.
In a multi class situation, the younger class will be withdrawn when topics being taught are not age-appropriate.
With regard to matters of a confidential nature, the school cannot take any responsibility for what is discussed in the yard or classroom.
The school cannot guarantee confidentiality if a child asks a question or discloses personal information.
All children with special needs are included and participate in the SPHE programme with their own classes. Teachers will endeavor to adapt and modify activities so that all children can participate. The learning support and resource teachers will supplement the work of the class teachers where either teacher or parent deem it necessary.
The methodologies and approaches used will be as recommended in the SPHE curriculum i.e. active learning, talk and discussion, problem-solving, etc.
Parents are invited to view the curriculum and may speak to the class teacher if they have any concerns.
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