Child Protection & Safeguarding
Child Protection Ethos
We have a responsibility for the Pastoral Care, general welfare and safety of the children in our care and we will carry out this duty by providing a caring, supportive and safe environment, where each child is valued for his or her unique talents and abilities, and in which all our young people can learn and develop to their full potential.
All staff, teaching and non-teaching should be alert to the signs of possible abuse and should know the procedures to be followed.
Any safeguarding concerns/queries should be directed to the Designated Teacher Miss H Cleary, in the first instance.
The following principles form the basis of our Child Protection Policy.
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It is a child’s right to feel safe at all times, to be heard, listened to and taken seriously.
- We have a pastoral responsibility towards the children in our care and should take all reasonable steps to ensure their welfare is safeguarded and their safety is preserved.
- In any incident the child’s welfare must be paramount, this overrides all other considerations.
- A proper balance must be struck between protecting children and respecting the rights and needs of parents and families; but where there is conflict the child’s interest must always come first.
The Role of Parents
Parents should play their part in Child Protection by:
- telephoning the school on the morning of their child’s absence, or sending in a note on the child’s return to school, so as the school is reassured as to the child’s situation.
- informing the school whenever anyone, other than themselves, intends to pick up the child after school.
- letting the school know in advance if their child is going home to an address other than their home.
- reporting to the school office when they visit school.
- providing the school with written evidence i.e. a Court Order to support any request to the Principal for changes to arrangements for contact with their child;
- •informing the school of any changes of address, contact details or living arrangements for their child e.g. child going to live with a relative;
- familiarising themselves with the School’s Pastoral Care, Anti Bullying, Positive Behaviour, Internet and Child Protection Policies;
- raising any concerns they have in relation to their child with the school.
If you are concerned about your child's safety, follow the following steps:
Talk to the class teacher
- If I am still concerned, I can talk to the designated teacher for child protection
Miss Helen Cleary or the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection Miss Sharon Donnelly - If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Principal Mrs. Joanne McCaffrey
- If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Niall McGandy
REMEMBER:
At any time a parent can talk to:
A social worker at the Gateway Team (Western Trust) Tel: 028 71314 090
Out of Hours Emergency Tel:0800 197 9995 (after 5:00 pm each evening at weekends, and public/bank holidays)
NSPCC Tel: 0808 800 5000
Childline Tel: 0800 11 11