Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment

Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment

Child Safeguarding Statement

(Last review by Board of Management Nov 2023)

Dripsey National School is a primary school providing primary education to pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class including two ASD classes.

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 2017 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of Dripsey has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

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 (Revised 2023) as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Catherine Murray
The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Sarah Lucey
The Board of Management recognizes 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:

Recognize 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 minimize 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 (Revised 2023) 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 (Revised 2023), 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 above named DLP as the ‘Relevant Person’ (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the school’s 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 26^th September 2023

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Written Assessment of Risk of Dripsey National School

In accordance with section 11 of the Children 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 Dripsey National School.

1. List of school activities

2. The school has identified the following risk of harm in respect of its activities

3. The school has the following procedures in place to address the risks of harm identified in this assessment

Lack of training of school personnel in Child Protection matters

Harm not recognised or reported promptly

Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff

DLP& DDLP to receive training

All Staff to view Túsla training module & any other online training offered by PDST

BOM records all records of staff and board training

One to one teaching

Harm by school personnel

Open doors or glass in window in door

Care of Children with special needs, including intimate care needs

Harm by school personnel

Policy on intimate care

Toilet areas

Inappropriate behaviour

Supervision policy (one child coming into toilet from yard at a time, have to ask teacher on yard)

Curricular Provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay safe.

Non-teaching of same

School implements SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe in full

Child going to office for something

Harm by school personnel, harm from unknown adults on the playground.

Two children sent together to the office

Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils

Harm from older pupils, unknown adults on the playground

Arrival and dismissal supervised by ISL Team

Managing of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint

Injury to pupils and staff

Health & Safety Policy

Code Of Behaviour

Sports Coaches

Harm to pupils

Procedures in place – Class teachers to always be present with external coaches.

Visiting coaches to present Tusla certification and/or vetting certificate

Students participating in work experience

Harm by student

Visiting student vetted (if over 16)

Child Safeguarding Statement.

Students never alone with pupils

Recreation breaks for pupils

Harm from other pupils

Supervision policy

Anti bullying policy

Code of Behaviour

Whole Class teaching

Harm by school personnel

All staff vetted and trained in Child Protection

Substitutes to be vetted

Sporting Activities

Harm from unknown strangers, school personnel, other pupils

Anti bullying policy, child protection policy, staff to be vetted and trained in child protection

Swimming

Harm from unknown strangers, school personnel, other pupils

Anti bullying policy, child protection policy, child safeguarding statement, staff to be vetted and trained in child protection

Fundraising events involving pupils

Harm from unknown strangers, school personnel, other pupils

Anti bullying policy, child protection policy, child safeguarding statement, staff to be vetted and trained in child protection, pupils to be under supervision of parents/staff

Administration of Medicine

Administration of First Aid

Misuse of medicines, harm by school personnel

Administrations of medicines policy, first aid training.

Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils

Bullying not identified/dealt with

Anti bullying policy, full implementation of the SPHE Plan

Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum

Harm by external personnel, harm not recognised by external personnel

External personnel to be vetted/provide certificate of Tusla training, Child protection policy, child safeguarding statement

Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as

· Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants

· Members of the Traveller community

· Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) children

· Pupils perceived to be LGBT

· Pupils of minority religious faiths

· Children in care

· Children on CPNS (Child Protection Notification System)

Bullying by other pupils

Harm by others

Anti bullying policy

Child protection Statement

Code of Behaviour

Recruitment of school personnel including –

· Teachers

· SNA’s

· Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners

· Sports coaches

· External Tutors/Guest Speakers

· Volunteers/Parents in school activities

Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported

Harm by school staff

Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff

Staff to view Tusla training module OR any other online training offered by PDST

Vetting Procedures

Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school

Bullying

ICT policy

Anti-Bullying Policy

Code of Behaviour

Student teachers undertaking training placement in school

Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported

Harm by student teacher

Vetting procedures

student teacher to be presented with safeguarding statement

Use of video/photography/other media to record school events

Staff member loses phone

Permission slips, pupils in groups and not named

Photos transferred to Sharepoint folder and deleted

After school use of school premises by other organisations

Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported

Harm of pupils by other personnel

Other organisation to have Child Safeguarding Statement and staff to provide proof of vetting

SEN School Transport

Harm of pupils by Bus Escort

Harm to Bus Escort by pupils

Escorts to complete Child protection Training

Transport Policy

School Therapy Dog

See Appendix 1

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 the general health & safety risk. The definition of harm is set out in Chapter 4 of the Child Protection Procedures

for Primary and Post- Primary Schools (Reviewd 2023)

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.

Examples of Activities, Risks and Procedures
The examples listed in this document are provided to assist schools in undertaking their risk assessment under the Children First Act, 2015. Schools should note that this list of examples is not intended to be exhaustive. It is the responsibility of each school to ensure, as far as possible, that any other risks and procedures that are relevant to its own particular circumstances are identified and specified in the written risk assessment and that adequate procedures are in place to address all risks identified.

It is acknowledged that schools already have in place a range of policies, practices and procedures to mitigate the risk of harm to children while they are participating in the activities of the school and that some school activities will carry low or minimal risks of harm compared to others. In the context of the risk assessment that must be undertaken by schools, the Children First Act, 2015 refers to risk as ‘any potential for harm’. Therefore, it is important that as part of its risk assessment process, each school lists and reviews all of its various activities (which shall include identifying those that may carry low risk of harm as well as those that carry higher risks of harm). Doing so will help the school to (1) identify as required under the Children First Act, 2015 any risks of harm that may exist in respect of the school’s activities, (2) identify and assess the adequacy of the various procedures already in place to manage those risks of harm and (3) identify and put in place any such additional procedures as are considered necessary to manage any risk identified.

The Addendum to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children published in January 2019 clarifies that organisations providing relevant services to children should consider the specific issue of online safety when carrying out their risk assessment and preparing their Child Safeguarding Statement.

The Guidance on Continuity of Schooling for primary and post-primary schools (April 2020) advises of the importance of teachers maintaining the safe and ethical use of the internet during distance learning and assisting parents and guardians to be aware of their role also. Schools should ensure that their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) informs and guides remote or distance learning activity.

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 the general health & safety risk. The definition of harm is set out in chapter 4 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

Examples of School Activities:

Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils
Recreation breaks for pupils
Classroom teaching
One-to-one teaching
One-to one learning support
Outdoor teaching activities
Online teaching and learning remotely
Sporting Activities
School outings
Use of toilet/changing/shower areas in schools
Annual Sports Day
Fundraising events involving pupils
Use of off-site facilities for school activities
School transport arrangements including use of bus escorts
Care of children with special educational needs, including intimate care where needed
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required
Management of provision of food and drink
Administration of Medicine
Administration of First Aid
Curricular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe
Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
Training of school personnel in child protection matters
Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum
Use of external personnel to support sports and other extra-curricular activities
Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as:
- Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants
- Members of the Traveller community
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) children
- Pupils perceived to be LGBT
- Pupils of minority religious faiths
- Children in care
- Children on CPNS
- Children with medical needs
Recruitment of school personnel including:
- Teachers/SNA’s
- Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners
- Sports coaches
- External Tutors/Guest Speakers
- Volunteers/Parents in school activities
- Visitors/contractors present in school during school hours
- Visitors/contractors present during after school activities
Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/religious instruction external to the school
Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school
Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of pupils, confiscation of phones etc.
Students participating in work experience in the school
Student teachers undertaking training placement in school
Use of video/photography/other media to record school events
After school use of school premises by other organisations
Use of school premises by other organisations during the school day
Breakfast club
After School club

Examples of Risks of Harm:

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 a 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 the child is participating in out of school activities e.g. school trip, swimming lessons
Risk of harm due to inappropriate use of online remote teaching and learning communication platform such as an uninvited person accessing the lesson link, students being left unsupervised for long periods of time in breakout rooms
Risk of harm due to bullying of child
Risk of harm due to racism
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, including medical 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

Examples of Procedures to Address Risks of Harm:

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 (Revised 2023) are made available to all school personnel
School Personnel are required to adhere to the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (Revised 2023) and all registered teaching staff are required to adhere to the Children First Act 2015
The school implements the Stay Safe Programme
The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum
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 yard/playground supervision procedures 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 clear procedures in respect of school outings
The school has a Health & 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 Code 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
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 the 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 procedures for the administration of First Aid
The school has in place a Code of Behaviour for pupils
The school has in place a Critical Incident Management Plan
The school has in place procedures for the use of external persons to supplement the delivery of the curriculum
The school has in place clear procedures for one-to-one teaching activities
The school has in place procedures in respect of student teacher placements
The school has in place procedures in respect of students undertaking work experience in the school

Appendix 1: Therapy Dog – Risk Assessment

The value of pet ‘therapy’ is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication. Studies have shown that the presence of therapy dogs can improve the well-being of students and lower the rate of anxiety, simply by making the environment happier and more relaxed. This also helps with their social and emotional develop.

The risk assessment below is a working document and will be reviewed regularly by key staff and the governing body.

HAZARD	WHO IS AFFECTED/AT RISK	RISK RATING (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH)	ACTIONS/CONTROL MEASURES	PERSON RESPONSIBLE
Bites and scratches	Staff and students	Low	· The dog is vaccinated, wormed, and treated for fleas. · All staff and students are required to wash their hands after contact with the dog. · The member of staff in charge of the dog clears up urine and faeces · promptly and dispose of this safely. · Dogs are not taken anywhere near food preparation areas	Dog Handlers
Allergies	Staff and students	Low	· We seek parental permission for students to interact with the dog. · The dog is an Irish Doodle. The breed is hypoallergenic and non-shedding.	All staff to know which children are permitted to interact
Phobias	Staff and students	Low	· All parents have been notified that we have a dog in school. · The dog is kept on a lead around school.	All staff to know which children are permitted to interact
Dog getting over excited when interacting with students.	Staff and students	Low	· The dog will always be in the care of a responsible adult and will never be allowed to roam freely around the school premises. · Students will not be left unsupervised with the dog. · A responsible adult will clean up after the dog. · School staff will remove students who misbehave or upset the dog. · The dog attends training sessions every week to ensure he responds to specific commands and remains calm at all times.	Dog Handlers
Students inadvertently upsetting the dog	Students and dog	Low	· The dog attends training sessions weekly. · Students are told in advance what to expect and how to behave around the dog. · The dog is always supervised by an adult when he is interacting with students. · School staff are ready to remove students who inadvertently upset the dog.	Dog Handlers
Damage caused to school materials, equipment or the school site	Dogs	Low	· The dog remains on a lead at all times. · The dog is always handled by an adult.	Dog handlers