Ballyshannon
National School Child Protection Policy
This document is a response to recent changes
in legislation and takes account of the provisions of each of the following
pieces of legislation
·
Freedom of Information Act 1997
·
The Education Act 1998
·
The Child Welfare Act 2000
·
Children First Act 2015
·
Child Protection Procedures for
Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017
·
Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (updated
2017).
The new procedures are based on the
recently published Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and
Welfare of Children( updated 2017), and Child Protection Procedures for
Primary and Post-Primary Schools (Dept of Education & Skills, 2017)
References
·
Children First (Dept of Children and Youth Affairs) updated in 2017
·
Child Protection Procedures for
Primary and Post Primary Schools (Dept of Education & Skills, 2017).
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.
Therefore, 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 Ballyshannon National School has agreed the
following child protection policy.
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. It was updated and ratified at a meeting of the Board of
Management on May 7th, 2019.
Child Protection Policy 2019
- Ballyshannon National School has an obligation
to provide pupils with the highest possible standard of care in order to
promote their well-being and protect them from harm. School personnel are
especially well placed to observe changes in behaviour, failure to develop
or outward signs of abuse in children.
- Mindful of this primary duty of care, The
Board of Management of Ballyshannon National School, Kilcullen fully
endorses “Children First:
National Guidance for the
Protection and Welfare of Children”, the designated guidelines for the protection and welfare of
children, first issued by the Department of Health and Children, September
1999 and updated in 2017 and “Child Protection Procedures for Primary
and Post Primary Schools” issued by the Department of Education and
Science in 2017.
- The B.O.M. nominated and appointed Lorraine McGovern as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) to act as a liaison
with outside agencies such as H.S.E./Gardai and as a resource person to
any staff having child protection concerns.
- In the absence of Lorraine McGovern, Lisa Sullivan will act as Deputy DLP.
Definition of Child Abuse:
Child Abuse can be categorised into four different
types: neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
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. Neglect generally
becomes apparent in different ways over a period of time rather than at one
specific moment. Staff must inform the DLP if he/she is concerned or suspicious
that a child is being neglected.
Emotional Abuse: occurs when a child’s need for affection, approval, consistency and
security are not met. Emotional abuse can be manifested in terms of the child’s
behavioural, cognitive, affective or physical functioning. A child may be
affected by an event in his/her life and staff must inform the DLP if he/she is
concerned or suspicious that a child's emotional needs are being neglected.
Physical Abuse: is any form of non-accidental injury or injury which results from wilful
or neglectful failure to protect a child. Staff must inform the DLP if he/she
is concerned or suspicious that a child may have been physically abused.
Sexual Abuse: occurs when a child is used by another person for his/her gratification
or sexual arousal or for that of others. Staff must inform the DLP if he/she is
concerned or suspicious that a child may have been sexually abused.
Basis for Reporting to a Health Board
A health board should always be informed when a
person has reasonable grounds for concern that a child may have been abused, or
is being abused, or is at risk of abuse. With regard to emotional abuse and/or
physical neglect, consistent indication, over a period of time that a child is
suffering from emotional neglect or physical neglect would constitute
reasonable grounds for concern.
Procedures in dealing with a disclosure/suspicion
from a child/third party:
- Teachers
who suspect child abuse/neglect should report their concerns to the DLP at
the first instance and carefully record their observations over a period
of time.
- Disclosures
of Child Abuse/neglect from a third party will be reported to the DLP. If
a third party starts to tell a teacher about an alleged child abuse
incident the teacher will ask them to speak to the DLP. If the person does
not inform the DLP the teacher will do so.
- Where a
child discloses alleged abuse/neglect to a staff member, the person
receiving that information should listen carefully and supportively. IT IS
NOT THE ROLE OF ANY STAFF MEMBER OR DLP TO INVESTIGATE AN
INCIDENT/ALLEGATION/SUSPICION. HIS/HER ROLE IS TO LISTEN AND RECORD
INFORMATION. Great care must be taken not to abuse the child’s trust. This
should not be a formal interview.
- Listen to
the child
- Do not
ask leading questions or make suggestions to the child
- Offer
reassurance but do not make promises
- Do not
stop a child recalling significant events
- Do not
over-react
- Confidentiality
should be assured – explain that further help may have to be sought.
- Record
the discussion accurately noting:
§ What, where and
when?
§ Descriptions
and possible sketches of physical injuries
§ Explanations of
injuries using direct quotations if appropriate
§ In order to ensure confidentiality the
registration number of the child, the date on which the observation was
recorded, the observation and the teacher’s signature will be entered in the
notebook. Sign and date the record. Retain the record securely
- Whether
cases of abuse/neglect are suspected or confirmed, confidentiality will be
respected. The information on individual cases will be restricted to the
teacher(s) immediately involved with the child and will be on a need to
know basis.
- The DLP
will record the incident. It is not the function of the teacher or the DLP
to investigate the issue.
- If the
suspected abuser is the DLP then the suspicion and any records will be
passed on to the Chairperson who will proceed as per guidelines.
- The
Chairperson of the Board of Managements will be informed of the
disclosure.
- Informal
contact with the designated person in the Western Health Board will be
made, seeking advice as to whether a referral should be made. The DLP will
be explicit that s/he is requesting advice and not making a
report. It is not necessary at this stage for the DLP to disclose
his/her name or the name of the school.
- The advice
given by the Health Board must be acted upon.
- If the
advice is not to refer, the DLP will record this advice as the reason for
non-referral. The chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed.
- If the
advice from the Health Board is to refer the case, the DLP will do so.
However, prior to referring, the DLP will inform the parent of her
intention to refer, unless this course of action is injurious to the
child.
- Following
referral and the completion of the standard form, the school will have no
further part to play in the investigation.
- If a case
conference is required, the DLP will be invited to attend.
All records
will be held in a central, securely locked location.
Allegations
against an employee:
- Procedures
followed are similar to those of a disclosure
- Employee
is made aware of the allegation against him/her
- Employee
will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation in writing and
at a meeting of the Board of Management
- BOM
meeting to review the allegation, giving due consideration to any advice
given by Health Board and Gardaí
- The BOM
will consider placing the employee on administrative leave, with full pay,
pending the outcome of investigations by the Health Board and Gardaí.
- On
conclusion of any investigation the BOM will then determine the employment
status of the employee.
Organisational Implications and Prevention of Child
Abuse
- The Board will ensure that appropriate and ongoing
training as necessary will be available for the DLP and deputy DLP.
- The Board fully endorses arrangements for the
vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff as outlined in Circular
0094/2006 from the Department of Education and Science.
- Recognising the safety and well-being of
children attending the school is a priority and the Board undertakes to
include (a) Child Protection and (b) Health and Safety matters as items on
the agenda of all Board of Management meetings and staff meetings.
- The Board will ensure that all school staff,
teaching and non-teaching, are aware of their obligations under the
guidelines detailed in “Children First” and the procedures to be
followed in the event of concern.
- The Board of Management will ensure that all
school personnel have the necessary familiarity with the Child Protection
Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 to enable them to
fulfil their responsibilities
- The Board recognises that it has two duties of
care. The primary duty is the protection, safety and welfare of the pupils
attending Ballyshannon National School. The Board as an employer, also has
duties and responsibilities towards its employees.
- As an employer the Board may seek legal advice
if an allegation of abuse is made against a school employee.
- The Board will adhere to the protocol outlined
in “Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures, Department of
Education and Science, 2017 to authorise any actions required to protect
children in its care. The Board notes that school employees may be subject
to erroneous or malicious allegations. Any allegation of abuse should be
dealt with sensitively. The employee should be treated fairly, which
includes the right not to be judged in advance of a full and fair enquiry.
The Board accepts that the principles of natural justice and fair
procedures must be adhered to.
- The Board believes that the academic, personal
and social development of children flourishes in a culture where good
relationships are encouraged, people feel valued and respected and
appropriate support is available for those in difficulty.
- All pupils in the school will be made aware
that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are
worried. Opportunities will be included in the curriculum through the
S.P.H.E. programme and anti-bullying policy for children to develop the
skills they need to keep them safe. Ballyshannon National School teaches
the “Stay Safe” programme to all pupils.
- The Board of Management undertakes to
circulate this policy to parents at the time of enrolment of pupils. This
policy statement and “Children First” will also be available for
parents to examine at the school office.
- This policy statement regarding Child
Protection at Ballyshannon National School applies to all staff, members
of the Board of Management, volunteers and contractors working in our
school. It is Ballyshannon National School policy that all adults
interested in working with children in a voluntary capacity in the school
must be subject to Garda Vetting. Application forms for this are
available from the school office.
- This policy statement will be reviewed
annually.
Supervision
School supervision policy and routines will be
followed by all staff to ensure that there is comprehensive supervision of
children at all breaks.
Behaviour
Children are to be 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.
Visibility
Teachers will ensure that children are visible in
the school yard. Children will not be allowed to spend time in classrooms,
toilets or sheds where they would not be under adult supervision. They are not
to leave the school yard or to engage with adults who are outside of the school
yard.
Visitors
Teachers on yard duty will be aware of visitors
entering the school yard and will ascertain their intentions. They will be
supervised in the discharge of their business. All school entrance/exit doors
are locked after the children enter the school. Visitors cannot enter the
school without contacting the office by using the bell and intercom (fitted at
the two main entrance doors) and giving their reason for entry.
Swimming
Children will travel to the swimming pool under the
teacher’s direction. All adults assisting with supervision in the changing
rooms will act in ‘loco parentis’ and as such will act as prudent parents
helping children to return to school as dry as possible.
Children travelling in staff cars
Teachers will not carry children alone in their
cars. At least two children must travel with the teacher in the car or another
adult and child.
Induction of Teachers and Ancillary Staff
The DLP will be responsible for informing all new
teachers and ancillary staff of this policy and the Children First Guidelines
Dealing with children on a one-to-one basis
If a staff member/visiting professional such as
Speech and Language therapist/ Occupational therapist has to
work/deal/communicate with children on a one-to-one basis, they are requested
to leave the classroom door open if there is not a glass partition fitted
on the door.
Attendance
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.
Toileting Accidents
Adults working with children with
intimate care needs will always make sure that any physical contact is for the
purpose of meeting the needs of the child. Adults will always
respect the dignity of the child.
DVDs
Staff will always ensure that any DVD
shown to the children is age appropriate. Ballyshannon National School is a
primary school and as such the following are the only DVDs that should be shown
to children:
General Viewing (G)
Parental Guidance (PG)
12 A (for children who are twelve years
old with adult supervision)
No DVDs rated as suitable for 15year
olds, 18year olds or adults will be shown to the children.
Signed:
_____________________
Chairperson of the B.O.M.
_________________
Designated Liaison person.