Guidelines of Best Practice in Relation to Child Protection

The following is a draft on what could be considered best practice in relation to Child Protection. Its aim is to provide staff with clear and transparent procedures in dealing with a variety of different situations.

Class/School:

  • Teachers should not speak to a child on their own with the door of the classroom closed. When speaking with a child individually (an often important task), the door should be open. Or if speaking to the child in the corridor, keep the door of the classroom open.
  • The Resource and Learning Support rooms have clear glass which should be kept clear when with individual pupils.

Toilet Issues:

  • If a child has an accident and needs cleaning or change of clothes, adult needs to do that in presence of another adult or sibling. Parent should be informed of accident.
  • If child requires assistance in bathroom, again two adults should be present if possible and parent informed of the issue.
  • If child has special needs in this area with an SNA requirement, a specific policy will be drawn up in conjunction with the parents

First Aid:

  • When administering first aid the adult must do so in an open and transparent area.
  • If injury is in an area that might cause issues or wariness, then advice should be sought before administering help.
  • In case of reasonably serious injury specifically head injury that concerns teacher, then principal and parents should be informed.
  • In the case of a serious accident, the incident book should be filled in.

P.E./Swimming:

  • The school has a clear policy in relation to swimming changing rooms. Male staff may be present in boys’ changing room and female staff in girls. This is to ensure safety of all pupils.
  • If a teacher is helping a smaller child getting dressed it should be done in an open environment.
  • If one gender of staff only present, they stand outside door and knock to encourage children to get changed.
  • There is no perfect solution to swimming changing rules but aquatics is an essential part of the school curriculum.
  • With regard to sports injuries, treatment again should be carried in an open environment,  in the presence of another adult if possible and depending on the nature of the injury, parents informed.

Visitors/Guest Speakers:

  • When a guest speaker comes into speak to pupils, they do so under the supervision of the teacher. The visitor is never left with any pupils without supervision at any time.
  • Any coach who comes in for session must be Garda Vetted by an organisation that the Board of Management deems acceptable.

Collection Of Children:

  • All children who are collected before going home time must be signed off at the office.
  • It must be stated that it is not always possible for staff to identify who has collected every child at going home time. If there are any queries with regard to this from the person collecting, the principal should be contacted.
  • If the adult is under the influence of a mind/mood altering substance, the child should not be released into their care and the principal contacted immediately.
  • With regard to separated parents, clear instructions will be sought from parents on who is responsible for collecting on each day. If there is a change from this agreement, the principal should be notified.

Substitute/New Staff:

  • All substitute staff must provide I.D., Garda Vetting and Teacher Council Registration.
  • They are provided with a folder and the Code of Behaviour is emphasised by the Principal.

New staff meets with principal to discuss all policies in detail.