Our Lady’s Secondary School

Child Protection Policy

 This policy was created in accordance with Our Lady’s Vision Statement.

Our Lady's Secondary School is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary School operating according to the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy.  As such we are a holistic centre of development and learning where each person is special and treated as such.  We, the staff and students, enjoy working together to realize our full potential in a healthy, safe, stimulating and friendly environment where the atmosphere is one of mutual respect, cooperation and challenge.  Christian community is our heritage and goal, the Good News of the Gospel is our story.

Introduction

1 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, practices  and activities. Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools, the Board of Management of Our Lady’s Secondary School has agreed the following child protection policy:

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 as part of this overall child protection policy.

2.      2 The Designated Liaison Person (D.L.P.) is  Gerard McGuill (Principal).

3.      3The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (deputy D.L.P.) is Finbarr Brohan (Deputy Principal).

4.      4 In it’s policies, practices and activities, Our Lady’s Secondary 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 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.

1.      5 The school policies which are particularly relevant to child protection are:

a.       Code of Behaviour 

b.      Anti-Bullying Policy

c.       Health and Safety Policy

d.      Attendance Policy

e.       Pastoral Care Policy

f.       School Tour Policy 

The Board has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.

2.      6 This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parent’s Association and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be forwarded to Ceist and will be available to Department of Education and Skills on request.

3.      7 This policy will be reviewed by the Board of management once in every school year.

This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on_____________________.

Signed: Sr. Columba Gargan (Chairperson B.O.M.)

________________________________________  

Date:________________________

Date of next review:_________________________