Welcome to St Lukes National School, Tyrrelstown, Dublin

St. Luke’s NS 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 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. Luke’s NS 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 Vivienne Bourke

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Liam Neary

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.

1 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 DES 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 DES and available on the DES 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; and
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 above named DLP as the “relevant person” (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the 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, 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 attached as an appendix to these procedures.

The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the DES website or will be made available on request by the school.

2 This statement has been published on the school’s website and has been provided to all members of school personnel, the Parents’ Association 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.

3 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 22/3/2019 and will be reviewed as required by the school.

Signed: Michael Broderick Signed:

Chairperson of Board of Management Principal

Date: 22/3/2019 Date: 22/3/2019

Date of next review: As required by the school

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment

(of any potential harm)

List of School Activities	Risk Level	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address risk identified in this assessment
Training of school personnel in Child Protection matters	High	Harm not recognised or reported promptly	Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff DLP& DDLP to attend PDST face to face training All Staff to view Tusla training module & any other online training offered by PDST BOM records all records of staff and board training Propose : September each year Child Protection addressed at Staff Meeting/CP time to ensure all new staff are aware of CP/ current staff refreshed procedures. Update training every three years (2021 review) – upskilled. CPD courses can be under taken by staff – Well being, SPHE, Stay Safe Course, RES courses during CP time.
One to one teaching	Med	Harm by school personnel	School has policy in place for one to one teaching Open doors Table between teacher and pupil Glass in window Child to be collected by teacher and returned by teacher to class.
Care of children with special needs, including intimate care needs	High	Harm by school personnel	Policy on intimate care to be agreed by staff &b BOM Permission from parents to change children Always make sure another adult is present when changing a child. Inform parents of incident. IBP prepared for a child regarding intimate care needs.
Toilet areas	High	Inappropriate behaviour	Usage and supervision policy – Jun/Sen policy that maybe different to gender different toilet First – Sixth. Policy to be agreed by staff & BOM. Only one toilet used during breaktime and SNA monitor toilet a break time One child in the toilet at time. Permission from parents to change children in case of accident –two adults present always.
Curricular Provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay safe.	Med	Non-teaching of same	School implements SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe in full CP time to be used to upskill staff on above.
Managing of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint	High	Injury to pupils and staff	Health & Safety Policy Code Of Behaviour IBP Exit Strategy to get class out of the room if there is extremely challenging behaviour.
Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils	Med	Harm from other pupils, unknown adults on the playground Traffic on avenue	Arrival and Dismissal Policy & Procedures to be agreed by staff and BOM. Supervision Policy to be agreed by staff and BOM. Traffic Management Policy & Procedures to be agreed by staff and BOM. Health & Safety Policy.
List of School Activities	Risk Level	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address risk identified in this assessment
Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils	Med	Harm from other pupils, unknown adults on the playground Traffic on avenue Inappropriate behaviour	Supervision Policy Teachers/SNAs/DLP/DDLP to be agreed by staff and BOM. Traffic Management Procedures in place Health & Safety Policy Child Safeguarding Statement.
Recreation breaks for pupils	High	Injury to pupils/Bullying Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported	Policy & Procedures in place (Pink & green folders) Photographs of high risk children Hi – Viz jackets Health & Safety Policy Code Of Behaviour Child Safeguarding Statement.
Classroom teaching	Low	Personal injuries Allergic reactions Flight risks Bullying Internet Safety	Code of Behaviour Anti-bullying Red folder & medical boxes (administering medication) Health & Safety Policy RSE Policy Acceptable use policy Child Safeguarding Statement.
Outdoor teaching activities	High	Personal injury Unknown adults around Road safety Allergic reactions Bullying Flight risks Lack of supervision	Health & Safety policy Supervision policy to be agreed by staff and BOM. Code of behaviour Anti bullying SPHE policy Red folder & medical boxes (administering medication) Child Safeguarding Statement.
Sporting Activities	High	Personal injury Unknown adults around Road safety Allergic reactions Bullying Flight risks Lack of supervision	Health & Safety policy Supervision policy to be agreed by staff and BOM. Code of behaviour Anti bullying SPHE policy Red folder & medical boxes (administering medication) Child Safeguarding Statement.
Choir	Low	Personal injury Road safety (outings) Chid protection (outings) Bullying	Health & Safety policy SPHE policy Red folder & medical boxes (administering medication) Supervision policy to be agreed by staff and BOM. Code of Behaviour Child Safeguarding Statement.
Sports Coaches	Med	Harm to pupils	Policy & Procedures in place
Students participating in work experience	Low	Harm by student	Child Safeguarding Statement.

List of School Activities	Risk Level	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address risk identified in this assessment
Educational Trips/Matches	High	Heightened exposure to risk because of different environment.	Teachers will follow the school tour protocol.
Use of toilet in class	Med	Inappropriate Behaviour, risk heightened particularly when breaks are being taken indoors/class teacher not present	Rule for use of toilet – one child per toilet at a time Use of toilet requires permission from supervising adult.
Use of toilet outside of class	High	First aid toilet - room 49 and SET rooms	Use of nearest classroom Toileting policy to be agreed by staff and BOM.
Changing for sport activities	High	Exposure to inappropriate behaviour	Supervision policy to be agreed by staff and BOM.
Annual Sports Day	High	Heightened exposure to risk because of different environment.	Sports day policy to be agreed by staff and BOM.
Annual Art Exhibition	N/A	Heightened exposure to risk because of different environment.	N/A
Annual Science Exhibition	N/A	Heightened exposure to risk because of different environment.	N/A
Extra-curricular activities taking place on school premises led by external facilitators eg cycling	Low	Heightened exposure to risk because of different environment.	Class teacher always present and supervising during activity.
Use of off-site facilities for school activities	High	Heightened exposure to risk because of different environment.	Teachers will follow the school tour protocol.
School transport arrangements including use of bus escorts	Med	Harm to pupils Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported	N/A
Intercultural day	High	New foods, New visitors to school	Garda Vetting Visitor badges to be agreed by staff and BOM.
Volunteers/Parents	Med	Harm to pupils	Vetting Procedures Policy for Parents/Volunteers to be agreed by staff and BOM.

List of School Activities	Risk Level	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address risk identified in this assessment
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required	High	Physical harm	Child Behaviour Policy Code of Discipline Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff
Administration of First Aid	High	Inaccessible equipment Non functioning equipment Out of date equipment Lack of adequate provisions e.g. ice packs	Provision of defibrillator Health & Safety Policy Training courses in relevant equipment e.g. EpiPens, defibrillator, First Aid
Administration of Medicine	High	Allergic reaction to medicines administered Unnecessary medication	Red boxes & red folders provided in all classrooms Written consent from parents Administration of Medicine Policy
Curricular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe	Med	Non-teaching of same	School implements SPHE, RSE and Stay Safe in full SPHE Policy RSE Policy
Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils	High	Increased anxiety Physical harm Low self esteem	Child Behaviour Policy SPHE Policy Anti-Bullying Policy Cyber Bulling Policy
Training of school personnel in child protection matters	Low	Oversight of children at possible risk	Inservice training on relevant legislation e.g. Child First 2015
Use of external personnel to supplement curriculum	High	Non vetted people interacting with the children Non implementation of school’s policies e.g Child Behaviour Policy Disclosure of confidential information	Staff supervision of external personnel Training of external personnel in school policies Garda Vetting Policy Non disclosure agreement for external school personnel to be agreed by staff and BOM.
List of School Activities	Risk Level	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address risk identified in this assessment
Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants Members of the Traveller community Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) children Pupils perceived to be LGBT Pupils of minority religious faiths Children in care Children on CPNS	High	Inappropriate behaviour Injury to pupils Bullying Harm not recognised or properly or promptly reported Harm by school personnel Harm by other adults Discrimination on access to enrolment Anti-bullying policy Implementation of Stay Safe, RSE and SPHE programmes Code Of Behaviour Arrival and dismissal Policy & Procedures Supervision Policy Teachers/SNAs Child Safeguarding Statement & DES procedures made available to all staff Confidential record keeping Admissions policy
List of School Activities	Risk Level	The School has identified the following Risk of Harm	The School has the following Procedures in place to address risk identified in this assessment
Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school	High	Bullying Staff not following policies & procedures Youtube access (Filtering not sufficient) Children having smartphones/watches	ICT policy Anti-Bullying Policy Code of Behaviour Acceptable Usage Policy Mobile phone policy to be agreed by staff and BOM. Phones collected by teacher at start of day
Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including, yellow and red cards, confiscation of phones** etc.	Med	Excessive reaction and repercussion at home. Children’s safety on journey home if phone confiscated.	Refer to DLP before applying sanction. Parents contacted if phone confiscated.(parents to collect phone) Mobile phone policy to be agreed by staff and BOM.
Students participating in work experience in the school	Med	No Garda Vetting Use of devices, social media. Unaware of school policies and code of behaviour, anti-bullying etc. How to react to a situation that arises with a placement student. Injured in the grounds/building.	Visitor/volunteer/work-experience policy to be agreed by staff and BOM.
Student teachers undertaking training placement in school	Low	Following correct procedures and policies. Student teacher receiving a disclosure.	Class teacher to supervise, advise and guide student teacher.
Use of video/photography/other media to record school events	Low	Schools media designated	Parents sign permission slip for pupils on admission to school Photographs of children only taken in groups

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 on 22/3/2019 It will be reviewed as part of the school’s annual review of its Child Safeguarding Statement.

Signed Michael Broderick Date 22/3/2019

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed Date 22/3/2019

Principal/Secretary Board of Management