RisK Assessment and Safeguarding Statement

St Patrick’s Girls’ National School

Roll 15253N

Child Safeguarding Statement

And

Risk Assessment

24^th August 2021

Section 1

Child Safeguarding Statement 24^th August 2021

This statement is displayed in every classroom, staffroom, office and entrance areas.

This statement will be reviewed in August 2022.

Child Safeguarding Statement & Risk Assessment

24^th August 2021

Child Safeguarding Statement

St Patrick’s Girls’ National School is a primary school providing primary education to pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class

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 St Patrick’s Girls’ National School 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 2017 as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is __MRS ANNE SMITH (PRINCIPAL)
The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is_MRS DENISE RAMSAY (ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL)_
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.

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 2017 and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for school staff which are published on the DE 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 DE 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 2017, 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 abovenamed DLP as the “relevant person” (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the schools 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 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 DE 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 _24^TH AUGUST 2021.

This Child Safeguarding Statement was reviewed by the Board of Management on___24^TH AUGUST 2021

Signed: _________________________ Signed: ____________________________

The Very Rev Ivan Tonge Mrs Anne Smith

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

Date: 24/08/2021 Date: 24/08/2021

Section 2

Risk Assessment

24^th August 2021

This statement is displayed in every classroom, staffroom, office and in the entrance area.

This statement will be reviewed in August 2022.

Risk Assessment

Written Assessment of Risk of St Patrick’s Girls’ National School.

In accordance with section 11 of the Children’s 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 St Patrick’s GNS.

List of school activities:

Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils, including staggered drop off and collection due to COVID 19 pandemic.
Recreation breaks for pupils
Classroom teaching
One-to-one teaching
One-to-one counselling (including SCP and St Andrew’s Resource Centre staff)
Outdoor teaching activities
Sporting activities
Sporting activities with outside agencies in yard or in Ringsend Park
School trips and outings
Use of toilet/changing areas in school
Annual sports day in Ringsend Park
Fundraising events including children
Use of off site facilities for school activities
School transport arrangements including the use of buses
Care of children with special educational needs or additional support needs, including intimate care where needed or vulnerable students
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required
Management of the provision of food and drink
Administration of medicine
Administration of First Aid
Circular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe etc
Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate restraint where required
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 such as pupils from minorities/migrants, members of the Traveller community, LGBT children, and pupils perceived to be LGBT, pupils of minority religious faiths, children in care, homeless children or children in other provisions.
Recruitment of school personnel including teachers, SNA’s, Caretaker, secretary, cleaners, sports coaches, external tutors/guest speakers,
volunteer/parents in school activities
Visitors/contractors in school during school hours.
Visitors/contractors during after school activities
Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/instruction external to the school
Use of ICT by pupils in school
Application of sanctions under School’s Code of Behaviour, including detention of pupils, confiscation of phones etc
Students participating in work experience in school
Student teachers on placement in the school
SNA students participating in work experience
Use of video/photography/other media to record school events
Using photography or videoing in school by school personnel or outside agencies
Use of the website to showcase the life of the school
After school use of premises by other organisations
Use of the school premises by other organisation during the school day
Breakfast club
After-school club or Homework Club
Summer camps
School Summer Provision Activities for children with complex needs.
Distance learning via Aladdin, Seesaw, Zoom and email during Covid 19 related lockdowns
Use of iPads, laptops or chromebooks in school

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

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 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 child 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 platforms – such as an univited person accessing the lesson link or students being left unsupervised by parents for long periods of time
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/ASN who have particular 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
Risk of harm when going on a message around the school
Risk of harm during fire and fire drills
Risk of harm during concerts in the hall
Risk of harm when walking to Mass
Risk of harm due to voluntarily leaving the building or grounds during the school day
Risk of harm as a result of COVID 19 and the procedures put in place throughout the school
Risk of harm through using apps/portals for distance learning (Seesaw, Aladdin, Zoom, email)

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

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 2017 are made available to all school personnel
School Personnel are required to adhere to the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 and all registered teaching staff are required to adhere to the Children First Act 2015
The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme
2^nd Class – 6^th Class follow the Weaving Wellbeing programme
SSE focus in 2021 – 2022 is wellbeing
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 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, changing rooms etc.
The school has in place a policy and clear procedures in respect of school outings
The school has a Health and 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 an Additional Needs policy.
The school applies to NCSE/the SENO for SNAs as required.
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 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 a policy and procedures for the administration of First Aid
The school has in place a code of behaviour for pupils including suspension and expulsion policy
The school has an AUP in place, to provide provision for online teaching and learning remotely, and has communicated this policy to parents
The school has in place an ICT policy in respect of usage of ICT by pupils and specifically an iPad contract for the children to sign. No smart phones are used by children in school.
The school has in place a mobile phone policy in respect of usage of mobile phones by pupils
The school has in place a Critical Incident Management Plan
The school has in place a Home School Liaison policy and related procedures
The school has in place a policy and procedures for the use of external persons to supplement delivery of the curriculum
The school has in place a policy and procedures for the use of external sports coaches
The school has in place a policy and clear procedures for one-to-one teaching activities
The school has in place a policy and procedures for one-to-one counselling
The school has in place a policy and procedures in respect of student teacher placements
The school has in place a policy and procedures in respect of students undertaking work experience in the school
The school has a COVID 19 school response plan in place
The school has an AUP in place that is updated to include distance learning
The school does not use any live classes for teaching/learning during lockdowns
The school uses Zoom during lockdowns for live wellbeing check ins with the children. Consent is sought through Aladdin for these and access code only given to those who have consented. Parents are advised not to share these codes
Girls have to sign an iPad contract
Staff teach about acceptable use of devices and the internet
Staff supervise use of iPads, laptops and chromebooks
Staff teach about the pros and cons of the internet, social media and internet safety

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 general health and safety risk. The definition

of harm is set out in Chapter 4 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post- Primary

Schools 2017

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.

This risk assessment has been completed by the Board of Management in August 2020. It shall be reviewed as part of the school’s annual review of its Child Safeguarding Statement.

Signed _____________________________________ Date ___15^th August 2020__

The Very Rev Ivan Tonge, Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed _____________________________________ Date ___15^th August 2020__

Mrs Anne Smith, Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

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 risk of harm compared to others. In the context of 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 a 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 20219 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 of Continuity of School 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.

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

SECTION

Checklist for review of the Child safeguarding Statement

August 2021

This review is displayed in every classroom, staffroom, office and in the entrance areas.

This policy will be reviewed in August 2022.

Mandatory Template 3: Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

St Patrick’s Girls’ National School, Cambridge Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4

August 2021

The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 require the Board of Management must undertake a review of its Child Safeguarding Statement and that the following checklist shall be used for this purpose. The review must be completed every year or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the Child Safeguarding Statement refers. Undertaking an annual review will also ensure that a school also meets its statutory obligation under section 11(8) of the Children First Act 2015, to review its Child Safeguarding Statement every two years.

The checklist is designed as an aid to conducting this review and is not intended as an exhaustive list of the issues to be considered. Individual Boards of Management shall include other items in the checklist that are of relevance to the school in question.

As part of the overall review process, Boards of Management should also assess relevant school policies, procedures, practices and activities vis a vis their adherence to the principles of best practice in child protection and welfare as set out in the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, the Children First Act 2015 and the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.

	Yes/No
Has the Board formally adopted a Child Safeguarding Statement in accordance with the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’?	YES
Is the Board satisfied that the Child Safeguarding Statement is displayed in a prominent place near the main entrance to the school?	YES
As part of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, has the Board formally adopted, without modification, the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’?	YES
Does the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement include a written assessment of risk as required under the Children First Act 2015 ? (This includes considering the specific issue of online safety as required by the Addendum to Children First)	YES
Has the Board reviewed and updated where necessary the written assessment of risk as part of this overall review?	YES
Has the Risk Assessment taken account of the risk of harm relevant to online teaching and learning remotely?	YES
Has the DLP attended available child protection training?	YES
Has the Deputy DLP attended available child protection training?	YES
Have any members of the Board attended child protection training?	SOME
Are there both a DLP and a Deputy DLP currently appointed?	YES
Are the relevant contact details (Tusla and An Garda Síochána) to hand?	YES
Has the Board arrangements in place to communicate the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement to new school personnel?	YES
Is the Board satisfied that all school personnel have been made aware of their responsibilities under the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ and the Children First Act 2015?	YES
Has the Board received a Principals Child Protection Oversight Report (CPOR) at each Board meeting held since the last review was undertaken?	YES
Since the Board’s last review, did each CPOR contain all of the information required under each of the 4 headings set out in sections 9.5 to 9.8 inclusive of the procedures?	YES
Since the Board’s last review, has the Board been provided with and reviewed all documents relevant to the CPOR?	YES
Since the Board’s last review, have the minutes of each Board meeting appropriately recorded the records provided to the Board as part of CPOR report?	YES
Have the minutes of each Board meeting appropriately recorded the CPOR report?	YES
Is the Board satisfied that the child protection procedures in relation to the making of reports to Tusla/An Garda Síochána were appropriately followed in each case reviewed?	YES
Is the Board satisfied that, since the last review, all appropriate actions are being or have been taken in respect of any member of school personnel against whom an allegation of abuse or neglect has been made?*	YES
Where applicable, were unique identifiers used to record child protection matters in the Board minutes?	YES
Is the Board satisfied that all records relating to child protection are appropriately filed and stored securely?	YES
Has the Board been notified by any parent in relation to that parent not receiving the standard notification required under section 5.6 of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’?	NO
In relation to any cases identified at question 21 above, has the Board ensured that any notifications required under section 5.6 of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ were subsequently issued by the DLP?	YES
Has the Board ensured that the Parents’ Association (if any), has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?	NO
Has the Board ensured that the patron has been provided with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?	YES
Has the Board ensured that the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement is available to parents on request?	YES
Has the Board ensured that the Stay Safe programme is implemented in full in the school? (applies to primary schools)	YES
Has the Board ensured that the Wellbeing Programme for Junior Cycle students is implemented in full in the school? (applies to post- primary schools)	N/A
Has the Board ensured that the SPHE curriculum is implemented in full in the school?	YES
Is the Board satisfied that the statutory requirements for Garda Vetting have been met in respect of all school personnel (employees and volunteers)? *	YES
Is the Board satisfied that the Department’s requirements in relation to the provision of a child protection related statutory declaration and associated form of undertaking have been met in respect of persons appointed to teaching and non-teaching positions?*	YES
Is the Board satisfied that, from a child protection perspective, thorough recruitment and selection procedures are applied by the school in relation to all school personnel (employees and volunteers)?*	YES
Has the Board considered and addressed any complaints or suggestions for improvements regarding the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement?	YES
Has the Board sought the feedback of parents in relation to the school’s compliance with the requirements of the child safeguarding requirements of the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’?	NO
Has the Board sought the feedback of pupils in relation to the school’s child safeguarding arrangements?	NO
Is the Board satisfied that the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017’ are being fully and adequately implemented by the school?	YES
Has the Board identified any aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that require further improvement?	NO
Has the Board put in place an action plan containing appropriate timelines to address those aspects of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and/or its implementation that have been identified as requiring further improvement ?	N/A
Has the Board ensured that any areas for improvement that were identified in any previous review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement have been adequately addressed?	YES

*In Schools where the ETB is the employer the responsibility for meeting the employer’s requirements rests with the ETB concerned. In such cases, this question should be completed following consultation with the ETB.

Signed _____________________________________ Date _24/8/21________

The Very Rev Ivan Tonge

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed _____________________________________ Date __24/8/21____

Mrs Anne Smith

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Note: Where a school is undertaking its first review, references in this checklist to the “last review” shall be taken to refer to the date on which the Child Safeguarding Statement was first put in place.

Mandatory Template 4: Notification regarding the Board of Management’s review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

St Patrick’s Girls’ National School, Cambridge Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4

August 2021

To:__Archbishop’s House, Dublin Diocese______

The Board of Management of _St Patrick’s Girls’ National School wishes to inform you that:The Board of Management’s annual review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement was completed at the Board meeting of _15^th August 2020.

This review was conducted in accordance with the “Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement” published on the Department’s ‘website www.education.ie

Signed _____________________________________ Date _24^th August 2021___

The Very Rev Ivan Tonge, Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed _____________________________________ Date __24^th August 2021____

Mrs Anne Smith, Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management