Child Safety Statement

St. Mary’s Senior School, Dunmanway is a primary school providing primary education children in classes from Second Class to Sixth class and two SEN classes (Multiple Disabilities and Autism).

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(revised 2023) and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of [insert school name] has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

1        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

2        The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Mairéad Twohig

3        The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Clíona Sweeney

4        The Relevant Person is Mairéad Twohig

(The relevant person is one who can provide information in respect of how the child safeguarding statement was developed and will be able to provide the statement on request. This person can also be the DLP)

5        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, 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:

·         recognise 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 minimise 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.

6        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 PostPrimary Schools (revised 2023) and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for school staff which are published on the gov.ie 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 Department of Education and available on the gov.ie 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-

Ø  Has provided each member of staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement

Ø  Ensures all new staffare provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement

Ø  Encourages staff to avail of relevant training

Ø  Encourages Board of Management members to avail of relevant training

Ø  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 PostPrimary Schools (revised 2023), including in the case of registered teachers, those in relation to mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015.

·         All registered teachers employed by the school are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015.

·         In accordance with the Children First Act 2015 and the Addendum to Children First (2019), 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 included with the Child Safeguarding Statement.

·         The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the gov.ie 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 shallalso include in this section such other procedures/measures that are of relevance to the school in question.

7        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.

8        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 22.09.2025.

This Child Safeguarding Statement was reviewed by the Board of Management on 22.09.2025

Signed: John Martin                                       Signed: Mairéad Twohig

Chairperson of Board of Management                  Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Date: 22.09.2025                                                  Date:22.09.2025

September 2025

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment for St. Mary’s Senior School

In accordance with section 11 of the Children First Act 2015 and with the requirements of Chapter 8 ofthe Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023), the following is the Written Risk Assessment of St. Mary’s Senior School

1.      List of school activities

1.        Crossing the road to/from the school

2.        Daily Arrival and arrival to Christmas concerts   and Graduation

3.        Arrival and dismissal at Christmas concerts and   Graduation

4.        Supervision during Sos and Lón (yard)

5.        Supervision during Sos and Lón (indoor)

6.        One-to-one Teaching

7.        Classroom Teaching

8.        Sick children

9.        School Tours/Outings/Matches

10.    Swimming: walking to pool

11.    Swimming: Changing for pool

12.    Swimming: Swimming Session

13.    Use of Toilet (mainstream)

14.    Use of Toilet (SEN)

15.    Changing clothes due to toileting accident

16.    Annual Co-operative Games Day/Sports Day

17.    School Transport (mainstream)

18.    School Transport (SEN)

19.    Administration and Storage of Medicine

20.    Administration of First Aid

21.    Curriculum Provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay   Safe

22.    Bullying among Pupils

23.    Training of Existing Staff in Child Protection   Procedures

24.    Training of New Staff in Child Protection   Procedures

25.    Use of external personnel to supplement the   curriculum or supply; provide sports and

other extra-curricular activities.

26.    Recruitment of School Personnel

27.    Participation in Religious Ceremonies &   Practices in Church

28.    Use of ICT and remote learning

29.    Use of video/photography to record school events

30.    Use of ICT: Remote Learning

31.    After School Use of School Premises by Other   Organisations

32.    Use of school premises by other organisation   during school day

33.    A disclosure from a child: Evidence of harm   happening at home

34.    Physical Contact between School Personnel and   Child (to calm or assist a child)

35.    Inappropriate Language/Conversation and or media   exposure

36.    Children travelling in Staff Cars

37.    Children travelling in Other Parents’ Cars

38.    Teacher leaving class in an emergency

39.    Inschool Visit from Psychologist, Social Worker,   etc.

40.    Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/   needs e.g. from ethnic minorities/migrants

from the Traveller community /of   minority religious faiths/ Pupils perceived to LGBT/

Children in care/Children on CPNS

41.     Application   of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of   pupils, confiscation of phones etc.

42.    Work Experience: Transition Year Students, SEN   Experience, Student Teachers

43.    Cycle Sense: Supervised cycling around the town

44.    Lunchtime Football and Basketball leagues

45.    City Sports Trials – walking to pitch and trials   in school field

46.    Accompanying/directing a child with SEN, who   requires support to regulate his/her behaviour/emotion, to a quiet area

47.    Working with a child who requires support to   manage his/her behaviour in the class/yard

48.    Verbal abuse of peer by a child with SEN

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

1.        Unsupervised contact with the traffic warden

2.        Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision

3.        Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision

4.        Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision in   school

5.        Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision in   school

6.        Harm by School Personnel

7.        Harm by School Personnel

8.        Harm to child by school personnel

9.        Harm to child

10.    Harm to child

11.    Harm by School Personnel

12.    Harm to Child

13.    Harm to child due to inadequate code of behaviour

14.    Harm by School Personnel or harm to child due to   inadequate code of behaviour

15.    Harm by School Personnel

16.    Harm to child due to inadequate supervision

17.    Harm to child due to inadequate supervision

18.    Harm to child by school personnel

19.    Harm to child due to inadequate supervision

20.    Harm to child due to inadequate supervision

21.    Child not partaking in RSE and Stay Safe

22.    Risk of harm due to bullying of child

23.    Abuse not detected or properly reported

24.    Abuse not detected or properly reported

25.    Risk of child being harmed in the school by   volunteer or visitor to the school

26.    Harm to Pupils

27.    Harm to Pupils

28.    Bullying and Access to inappropriate material

29.    Risk of harm caused by member of school personnel   accessing/circulating inappropriate

material via social media, texting, digital device   or other manner

30.    Harm to Pupils

31.    Risk of child being harmed in the school by   allowing access to personal details of a child/

Risk to the child from an external   organisation/ a member of school personnel

32.    Risk of child being harmed in school by visitor to   the school

33.    Risk of harm not being recognised by school   personnel or not being reported properly and promptly

34.    Harm by School Personnel

35.    Harm to pupils

36.    Harm by School Personnel

37.    Harm to pupils

38.    Harm to child due to inadequate code of behaviour

39.    Risk of child being harmed in the school by a   visitor

40.    Risk of harm due to bullying of child /Risk  to children with SEN who may not speak up   for themselves/Risk of  being harmed in   the school by a member of school personnel

41.    Risk of child being harmed in the school by a member   of school personnel

42.    Harm to Pupils and/or Work Experience Students

43.    Harm to Pupils

44.    Harm to pupils due to inadequate supervision

45.    Harm to child

46.    Risk to children with SEN who may not speak up for   themselves/risk of being harmed in the school by a member of school personnel

47.    Risk to children with SEN who many not speak up   for themselves/risk of being harmed in the school by a member of school   personnel

48.    Risk to children with SEN who may not speak up for   themselves

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

1.   Crossing the road to/from the school: Unsupervised   contact with the traffic warden: Low

·           A traffic warden has been employed by the Junior   School/Council and is Gárda vetted (arrival and dismissal)

·           Children are instructed in how to cross the road   with a traffic warden during Sept Assembly

2.   Daily Arrival and arrival to Christmas   concerts and Graduation: Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision: Medium

·           Supervision Policy

·           Note to parents sent annually in Sept. not to   allow children to arrive in school earlier than the appointed time of   8.40am.  Children are supervised by the   assigned teacher according to the rota.

·           Children with SEN arriving by bus remain on bus   until an SNA collects them.

·           Note sent to parents prior to concert/school   events to inform parents to send them no sooner than an appointed time.

3.   Arrival and dismissal at Christmas   concerts and Graduation: Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision: Low

·           At dismissal times a teacher is assigned each day to cross children safely

·           Parents are asked to wait in the foyer/in Junior yard for their child.

4.   Supervision during Sos and Lón (yard):   Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision in school: Low

·           On first day of the September term, pupils are informed which toilet is the designated toilet and no more than two children   uses the toilet at a time

·           The school has a yard/playground supervision policy to ensure appropriate supervision of children during assembly,   dismissal and breaks and in respect of specific areas such as toilets.

·           SNA personnel are on yard to supervise children with SEN

5.   Supervision during Sos and Lón   (indoor): Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision in school: Medium

·           The assigned teacher monitors children in their classrooms

·           Structured games and/or DVDs are provided

·           Supervision Policy

6. One-to-one Teaching: Harm by School   Personnel: High

·           Glass panel in door, table between teacher and child, door is kept ajar in the SEN classroom

·           Take small groups where possible

·           SEN and One-to-One Teaching Policy

·           Gárda vetting is in place for all teachers

7. Classroom Teaching: Harm by Staff   Personnel: Low

·           All staff is gárda vetted and have professional   training suitable to their positions.

·           All staff is made aware of the school ethos and   values which promote respect, good manners and understanding.

·           Door remains open/ajar if teacher talking to an   individual pupil

·           Pupils with homework/work to complete does so on   the yard

8.Sick Children: Harm to Child by Staff   Personnel: Low

·           A child who is unwell and must remain indoors at   break sits outside staff room with a classmate.  

·           In the case of children from our SEN classes, two   adults must remain with the child.   If   necessary another adult will be sought to ensure adequate supervision on   yard.

9.School Tour/Outings/Matches: Harm to   child: Low

·           The school has in place a regularly revised Code   of Behaviour for staff and pupils.

·           School outings are planned carefully to minimise   risk with an appropriate adult/pupil ratio

·           Destinations for school outings adhere to Health   and Safety Standards

·           Ensure there are adequate seatbelts and seats

·           Teacher has contact details of all children so   parents can be contacted in case of an injury

10.Swimming: Walking to Pool: Harm to Child:   Low

·           Ensure adult/child ratio is appropriate. This   ratio will vary depending on the nature of the trip and the age of the   students participating

·           Teacher regularly conducts a head count, children   stop at designated stop points along the journey, pupils from Rang 6 are   placed at the front

11.Swimming: Changing for Pupil: Harm by   School Personnel: High

·           Pupils change themselves if able in a communal area

·           If assistance is required in the main communal area, ensure it is done in an open environment with door open/ajar

·           If assistance is required for children using the disability changing room, two adults will assist if personnel allows.

·           If a child needs to retrieve something from the changing room e.g. goggles, we will endeavor to ensure two staff members   accompany the child.

12.Swimming: Swimming Session: Harm to   child: Medium

·           Staff are trained and are gárda vetted

·           Pool meets the Health and Safety Standards under Cork County Council

·           Children are aware of the pool “rules” to ensure safety

13. Use of Toilet (mainstream): Harm by   School Personnel: High

·           The school has a supervision policy to ensure appropriate supervision of children in respect of specific areas such as   toilets.

·           One child uses the toilet at a time and classroom door is left ajar.

14. Use of Toilet (SEN): Harm by School   Personnel: High

·           All staff in our SEN classrooms as gárda vetted

·           Written copy of procedure agreed with parents

·           Endeavour to ensure two staff members are present during intimate care situations

·           No locks are on doors and doors remain “open” but personal privacy is maintained/encouraged, particularly for children using   the toilet independently.

15. Changing Clothes due to toileting   accident: Harm by School Personnel:High

·           Offer fresh clothing to pupil to change themselves

·           Contact/inform parents as agreed

·           Assist child if necessary but endeavour to do so with another staff member present

16.Annual Co-operative Games Day/Sports Day:   Harm to child due to inadequate supervision: High

·           Appropriate adult/pupil ratio is in place

·           Volunteers/coaches are gárda vetted

17.School Transport (mainstream): Harm to   child due to inadequate supervision: Low

·           Teacher is assigned to accompany children during   the evening time.

·           Bus Company is responsible for ensuring drivers   are Gárda vetted

18. School Transport (SEN): Harm by School   Personnel: High

·           All Bus Escorts are gárda vetted and have received   training in Child Protection

·           The bus/taxi will not move if a child removes   his/her seatbelt

19. Administration and Storage of Medicine:   High

·           Administration and Storage of Medicine Policy

·           Expiry dates of emergency medicines regularly   checked

·           Parents inform school if medication is required   e.g. Strepsels– kept in teacher’s desk

20. Administration of First Aid: Medium

·           The school has in place a policy and procedures   for the administration of First Aid.

·           Staff have had training in First Aid and are   encouraged to have refresher courses

·           Contents of First Aid checked annually and first   aid helper training when available given to 6th Class

21. Curriculum Provision in respect of   SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe: Low

·           Teachers have all received training in SPHE and   related programmes

·           Teachers note the lessons taught in Stay Safe and   topics taught in RSE in their cuntas míosiúil.

22.   Bullying among Pupils: Risk of harm   due to bullying of child: Medium

·           Send note to parent to remind parents when Stay   Safe and RSE will be taught and use of Home/School Links pages

·           Inform parents if school nurse is offering RSE   visit – keep any notes from parents who choose to opt out of the lesson/s

·           Focus on bullying prevention during Friendship   Week

23.Training of Existing Staff in Child   Protection Procedures: Abuse not detected or properly reported: High

·           The school has a Bí Cineálta olicy which fully   adheres to the requirements of the Department’s Bí Cineálta Guidelines

·           The school provides a Bí Cinneálta questionnaire   annually to pupils and a bullying box is available to pupils also

·           Staff undertake training in Child Protection a   minimum of every three years to ensure all are aware of their roles and   responsibilities in safeguarding children and/or reporting concerns

·           A Whistleblowers Policy is in place to ensure staff   can report concerns in confidence.

24.Training of New Staff in Child Protection   Procedures: Abuse not detected or properly reported: Low

·           Training offered/provided to ALL school staff –   all newly appointed staff to complete the Túsla training module

·           Provision of digital folder with Child Protection   Procedures and Safety Statement and copied to Teachers’ Laptops

·           Substitute teachers are provided a copy of the   Child Protection Safety Statement

·           School Safeguarding Statement on display in   prominent position in school

25.   Use of external personnel to   supplement the curriculum or supply; provide sports and other extra-curricular activities:   Risk of child being harmed in the school by volunteer or visitor to the school: Medium

·           Provision of digital folder with Child Protection   Procedures and Safety Statement and copied to Teachers’ Laptop

·           School Safeguarding Statement on display in   prominent position in school

·           Children are not left alone with an external   visiting provider of supplementary education.

26.   Recruitment of School Personnel: Harm   to pupils: Low

·           Vetting Procedures are followed

·           References are checked

27.   Participation in Religious Ceremonies   & Practices in Church: Harm to Pupils:    Low

·           The school adheres to the requirements of the   Garda vetting legislation and relevant DES circulars in relation to   recruitment, contacting of referees and Garda vetting.

·           Ensure adequate pupil/adult ratio is in place.   This ratio will vary depending on the nature of the trip and the age of the   students participating

·           If a child needs to go to toilet during practice   sessions, three children should accompany an adult

·           If during a ceremony, a child needs to go to the   toilet, two adults should accompany the child

28.   Use of ICT: Bullying and Access to   inappropriate material: Medium

·           ICT, Mobile Phone & AUP Policies, Assistive   Technology Policy, Anti-bullying Policy and Code of Behaviour

·           Use of NCTE filtering service on pupil and teacher   laptops and pupils supervised while using ICT

29.   Use of video/photography to record   school events: Risk of harm caused by member of school personnel   accessing/circulating inappropriate material via social media, texting,   digital device or other manner: High

·           ICT Policy/Mobile Phone Policy

·           The school has a policy on the use of cameras and   publication of pictures taken in school – referred to in enrolment form and   during school events.

·           On our website and publications names are not put   together with photographs, except with specific permission and children are   taken in groups, not individually.

·           Parents may opt out of having their child’s photo   published in print or on the website/Facebook page should they so wish.

·           Adequate supervision is in place during such   events.

30.   Use of ICT: Remote Learning: Low

·           ICT, Mobile Phone & AUP Policies, Assistive   Technology Policy, Anti-bullying Policy and Code of Behaviour

·           Parents asked to remain in the room during a zoom   call, call is password protected and the room is locked once the call has   commenced

31.After School Use of School Premises by   Other Organisations:Risk of child being harmed in the school by allowing access to personal   details of a child/ Risk to the child from an external organisation/ a member of   school personnel:  Low

·           Vetting Procedures are followed

·           Licensing agreement with the Diocesan Office   regarding rooms that can be accessed

·           The school adheres to the requirements of the   Garda vetting legislation in relation to Garda vetting of staff.

·           The school may be used after school for drama/fitness   classes.  Staff for these activities is   vetted.

·           Classroom doors are locked after school on these   days to ensure there is no access to children’s personal information.  Children are discouraged from entering   school building before/after school hours

·           On open parent/child afternoons parents are   expected to provide or arrange supervision.

·           The school is used by the Board of Management in   the evening when no children are present.

32.   Use of school premises by other   organisation during school day: Risk of child being harmed in school by visitor to the   school: Low

·           The Board of Management has allowed the setting up   of a pre-school on the premises. This is on the agreement that the same   health and safety standards exist in the preschool as in the primary school

·           All staff are Gárda vetted

33. A disclosure from a child: Evidence of   harm happening at home: Risk of harm not being recognised by school personnel   or not being reported properly/promptly: Medium

·           All school personnel are provided with a copy of   the school’s Child Safeguarding   Statement and Risk Assessment

·           The Child   Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools(revised 2023) are made   available to all school personnel

·           Principal provides oversight report to the Board   of Management at each BOM meeting

·           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

·           Staff have looked at the video on  “Risk Assessment and Development of a   Child Safeguarding Statement” on the PDST website and the Túsla Online   module and understand they must record and report all observations/concerns

34.   Physical Contact between School   Personnel and Child (to calm or assist a child): Harm by School Personnel: Medium

·           Ensure it’s in response to the needs of the child   and not the adult

·           Ensure it is in line with the child’s SSP and/or   Behaviour Plan as relevant

·           Endeavour to have another adult present if   possible

·           Ensure it’s acceptable to the child, open and not   secretive, age/developmentally appropriate

35.   Inappropriate Language/Conversation   and or media exposure: Harm to pupil: Low

·           Staff are made aware that inappropriate language   and expletives are not to be used in the presence of children

·           Dignity at Work policy emphasises the importance   of all staff modeling respectful behaviour by speaking to pupils in a calm   voice, ensuring that they are not discussed in a derogatory manner in their   presence or in a public space such as the staffroom.

·           Check all media products are age/developmentally   appropriate

36.   Children travelling in Staff Cars:   Harm by School Personnel: Not applicable

·           Staff is not insured to take children and have   been requested to refrain from doing so.

37.   Children travelling in Other Parents’   Cars: Harm to pupils: Low

·           Contact parents to seek permission

·           Ensure another child travel in the car

38. Teacher leaving class in an emergency:   Harm to child due to inadequate code of behaviour: Low

·           Inform nearest adult to supervise the class

·           Assign a structured task at their desk

39.Inschool Visit from Psychologist, Social   Worker, etc.: Risk of child being harmed in the school by a visitor: High

·           Personnel should be Gárda vetted and social   workers complete a record of their visit.

·           If personnel needs to be alone with a child,   ensure that room has a window pane in door/door is left ajar

·           A sign stating “Are You a Visitor?  Have you signed in?” is displayed on the   SEN classroom doors due to the high number of professional visitors e.g. OTs,   S&LTs

40.   Care of pupils with specific   vulnerabilities/ needs e.g. from ethnic minorities/migrants from the Traveller community /of   minority religious faiths/ Pupils perceived to LGBT/ Children in care/Children on   CPNS: Risk of harm due to bullying of child /Risk  to children with SEN who may not speak up   for themselves/Risk of being harmed in the school by a member of   school personnel: Low

·           The school teaches a full SPHE curriculum.

·           The school has a code of behaviour.

·           The school has a Bí Cineálta which fully   adheres to the requirements of the Department’s Bí Cineálta.

·           Teachers make themselves aware of sensitivities   among their pupils.

41.   Application of sanctions under the   school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of pupils, confiscation of   phones etc.: Risk of child being harmed in the school by a member of school   personnel: Low

·           The school has a Bí Cineálta Policy which fully   adheres to the requirements of the Department’s Bí Cineálta.

·           The school has a Code of Conduct in place.

·           If a pupil is asked to complete lunchtime work,   they do so on the yard.

42.Work Experience: Transition Year   Students, SEN Experience, Student Teachers: Harm to Pupils and/or work   experience students; Low

·           Students are supervised as they do their work.

·           Transition Year students and student teachers are   now gárda vetted through their colleges (must be 16 years minimum) before   coming to the school and are also asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement

43. Cycle Sense: Harm to Pupils: Low

·           Instructors are trained and gárda vetted.

·           Students are supervised by class teacher

·           Ensure adequate pupil/adult ratio is in place.   This ratio will vary depending on the nature of the trip and the age of the   students participating.

·           School contacts the County Council to ensure the route   will be free from obstacles/diversions

·           Pupils wear the appropriate safety gear i.e.   helmets

44. Lunchtime Football and Basketball   leagues: Harm to Pupils due to inadequate supervision: Low

·           Leagues take place on the school pitch or on   court, away from remaining pupils to ensure safety

·           An assigned teacher, other than the teacher   supervising the yard, is responsible for refereeing the matches and another   teacher monitors children when they return to change after the match

·           Pupils wear appropriate footwear and gum shields   (where applicable)

·           SNA persoonel are near to pupils with SEN who are   participating in the leagues

45. City Sports Trial – walking to pitch and   trials in school: Harm to Pupils: Low

·           Ensure adult/pupil ratio is appropriate.  

·           Teacher regularly conducts a head count (if   necessary), children stop at designated stop points along the journey, pupils   from Rang 6 are placed at the front.

·           Teacher has contact details of all children to   ensure that parents can be contacted in the case of an injury.

46. Accompanying/directing a child with SEN,   who requires support to regulate his/her behaviour/emotion, to a quiet or   safe area: Risk to children with SEN who may not speak up for themselves/risk   of being harmed in the school by a member of school personnel

·           Glass panel in door, door is kept ajar

·           All support is in line with the child’s behaviour   plan and/or positive handling plan

·           Physical restraint is avoided (ref. Policy for   Physical Intervention with Pupils). If non-routine physical restraint it   used, it is recorded in the Significant Incident Form and the Board and   parents are to be informed.

·           Staff are gárda vetted

47. Working with a child who requires support to manage his/her behaviour   in the class/yard

·           Utilise positive behaviour strategies (e.g. ignoring   if the child is safe, distraction, providing choice, first/then approach,   etc.)

·           All staff have attended training in positive   behaviour management and are gárda vetted

·           Staff are informed to seek the assistance of   another adult if required.

48. Verbal abuse of peer by a child with SEN:   Harm to Children with SEN who may not speak up for themselves

·           Focus on “helpful/nice talk” through the use of   social stories/role play

·           Code of Behaviour in place

Scroll to Top