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.Columba’s Girls School with Facility for Deaf Children 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 (2011) as part of this overall child protection policy.
- The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Louise Roche.
- The Deputy Designated Liaison Person is Edel Ahern.
- In its policies, practices and activities, St.Columba’s Girls School with Facility for Deaf Children 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 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 Board has ensured that the following policies, protocols and practices are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.
- Child Protection and Welfare Practices.
- Code of Behaviour.
- Safety Statement.
- Addressing an allegation of peer bullying/abuse.
- Procedure for reporting suspected child abuse.
- Addressing an allegation of child abuse against a member of staff.
- Substance use policy.
- The administration of medicines in school.
- Information and communication technology policy.
- Procedure for addressing a complaint against the school.
- This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parents’ Association 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.