BOM General Guidebook 2019-24

BOM General Guidebook 2019 – 2024 & Updates

Policy Reviews and Ratification for 2024 / 2025

The following reviews and ratification took place at a Board of Management Meeting on 23rd May 2024:

• The Annual Safeguarding Review and Audit of our Child Safeguarding Statement.

See Updated Child Safeguarding Statement 2024 / 2025 on this website

• The Annual Review of our BOM General Guidebook

No changes or amendments were proposed to the Current BOM Guidebook which will be given to incoming infant families this year.

Admissions Policy Update 2023

Dear Parent(s) / Guardians,

Please find information below regarding required changes to schools’ admission policies to allow for the direction by the NCSE to set up of special classes in schools.

Yours faithfully,

Michelle Uí Churráin

Background

The Department of Education wishes to bring to the attention of school authorities changes that are required to the schools Admissions Statement following the commencement of the Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Act 2022.

Step 1 – Mandatory text to be include in schools admissions statement

All schools must include the below text in the schools admissions statement. The admissions statement is part of the school’s admissions policy.

Dooish N.S. will cooperate with the National Council for Special Education in the performance by the Council of its functions under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 relating to the provision of education to children with special educational needs, including in particular by the provision and operation of a special class or classes when requested to do so by the Council.

Dooish N.S. will comply with any direction served on the patron or the board, as the case may be, under section 37A and any direction served on the board under section 67(4B) of the Education Act.”

Step 2 – Consultation with parents and staff

Section 62 (2) (b) of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 requires schools to consult with the patron, parents of students attending the school and staff of the school where amendments are made to the school’s admission policy. Please bring this legislative change outlined in step 1 to the attention of the above members of the school community for their information and any comment by 28th February 2023.

This policy update will then be sent to the Patron for Approval and will be published on our website in March 2023.

BOM Policy Book was ratified by the Board of Management in August 2021 and will remain as a reference until December 2023. All families have been given a copy. Copies are also available from the school. All policies will be reviewed at the end of each year the and Annual Updates will appear on this page.

Updated Communication Policy 2022 / 2023

Good Home – School communication is important for our pupils to progress.

Oral communication takes place at the Annual Parent – Teacher Meeting and written communication takes the form of end of year report cards for First to Sixth Class which are given to each child at the end of June. A reminder will be given to pupils to check their bags at that time. Where other communication is necessary parents, teachers and others should note the following in the interests of pupil and staff safety.

(A) Parents can contact teachers by writing a note in the Class Diary or by a note in the school bag.

(B) Parents can request an appointment or call back via phone stating the nature of their enquiry.

(C)  Meetings will take place between 2:15 and 2:45 in the School Meeting Room in the Old Building. A record of the meeting will be placed in the school files.

(D) Teachers may not be contacted at home.

(E) Where the communication is of a grievance nature versus the school

an appointment must be sought with the Teacher / Principal or

Chairperson as appropriate stating the nature of the complaint.

(F) Where the communication is of a grievance nature versus the parent, the

Chairperson of the Board of Management will be in contact with same.

(G)  Infant teachers will not enter into discussions at the gate as their priority is releasing the pupils to their parents.

Changes in transport arrangements should be cleared with those concerned and sent in writing to the Class Teacher on the morning of the change.

Minor phone messages can be passed on to pupils or from pupils but generally pupils will not be allowed on phones. Mobile phones are not allowed at school except for communication or educational purposes.

Phone lines are open from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. except during breaks 10:50 a.m. –11:00 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Notes from Parents / Guardians are required for absence or lateness, leave from school, exemption from sport, failure to complete homework, requests for permission to leave school early, permission to stay indoors when recovering from illness and at other necessary times. Information notes from the school will be given to pupils when necessary. Please check bags regularly.

General Communication ‘School News’ notes will be emailed to parents, copies given to pupils and uploaded to the School Blog.

Parents should not enter the school premises except for a prior appointment. If collection is necessary parents should report to the general office where the pupil can be signed out. When pupils become ill, or are injured and it is necessary to contact home, the secretary will ring the relevant contact numbers.

Parents of Infant and special pupils should avoid coming into the school where possible after the first couple of weeks.

Submissions if desired to dooish@hotmail.com by 31st May 2023 please.

P.1 Location and Purpose

Dooish N.S. is a rural school situated a few miles west of the urban centre of Ballybofey.   It is based in the Parish of Stranorlar and is also the nearest school for some pupils from the Glenfinn Parish. It is in this environment that a good educational setting is provided for our pupils in an atmosphere of Christian Care.

Our Chairperson and Board of Management, Principal, Staff and Parents’ Association are all committed to providing the very best education and care possible for our pupils. This booklet contains policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Management 2019— 2023 to help achieve our aims and is a valuable reference for us all.

The policies and procedures are subject to an annual review by the Board of Management at the beginning of May each year. Submissions are welcome before the end of April. Amendments to the Policy Book will be ratified and published on the school website.

We believe that a good start in education is the basis for future success.

Tús Maith – Leath na hOibre

P.2 Michelle Uí Churráin: Chairperson B.O.M.

Board of Management 2019—2023

Michelle Uí Churráin: Patron’s Nominee

Fr. Anthony Briody :  Patron’s Nominee

Johanne Harrold : Parents’ Nominee

Hugh Moss :  Parents’ Nominee

Ann Marie Gallagher : Community Nominee

Gerry Doherty : Community Nominee

Maeve Gallagher : Teachers’ Nominee

Patrick Boner : Principal

P.3 SCHEDULE FOR A CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Dooish N.S. is a Catholic co-educational primary school with a Catholic ethos under the patronage of the Bishop of Raphoe, Alan Mc Guckian

“Catholic Ethos” in the context of a Catholic primary school means the ethos and characteristic spirit of the Roman Catholic Church, which aims at promoting:

the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the person of the pupil, including the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual aspects; and a living relationship with God and with other people; and a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God and in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; and the formation of the pupils in the Catholic faith, and which school provides religious education for the pupils in accordance with the doctrines, practices and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, and/or such ethos and/or characteristic spirit as may be determined or interpreted from time to time by the Irish Episcopal Conference.

In accordance with S.15 (2) (b) of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management of Dooish N.S. shall uphold, and be accountable to the patron for so upholding, the characteristic spirit of the school as determined by the cultural, educational, moral, religious, social, linguistic and spiritual values and traditions which inform and are characteristic of the objectives and conduct of the school.

Dooish N.S. will endeavour to enhance the self-esteem of all members of the school community and the holistic development of the child, the development of child’s creativity, talents and academic strengths.

The ethos of Dooish N.S. is characterised by its small rural setting.  The values and traditions are nurtured daily through prayer, mutual respect for staff and pupils and a welcoming of the diversity in the school community embracing children of other faiths and beliefs.  A spirit of mutual respect and inclusiveness is promoted and pupils are taught to appreciate and respect all people regardless of differences including nationality, religion or additional needs.  The needs and particular circumstances of the pupil are considered at all times.  Religious Education is provided for pupils in accordance with the doctrines and traditions of the Catholic Church.

Parents enrolling children in Dooish N.S. should be aware that as a Catholic School, religious education is provided for pupils in accordance with the doctrines, practices and traditions of the Catholic Church.  Catholic children will be provided with religious experiences that will help them to develop their faith, such as prayer and sacramental preparation.  The school environment will reflect the ethos of the school with displays of religious emblems, altars, seasonal displays, catholic traditions of receiving ashes/ getting throats blessed etc. and participation in Catholic School’s Week.  Children will also learn about other religious traditions of the world with a particular focus on Christianity.  Children from all religious backgrounds are welcome to participate in the religious education programme or abstain in accordance with parental wishes by contacting the school.

Our School Motto is  Tús Maith Leath na hOibre

P.4 Opening – Closure Policy

Our school day is from   9.20a.m – 3.00p.m.

Buses collect Infants at 1.50p.m. and other bus pupils at 2.50p.m.

The Infant day ends at 2.00p.m. for infants not on buses and at 3.00p.m for other pupils not on buses. No responsibility is accepted for those who arrive before 9.10a.m. or stay after 3.00p.m.

Break times are 11.00 –11.10 a.m. and 12:45p.m. – 1:15p.m

School closure sheets are sent out in advance and children are informed of course days by their teacher.

Communication of Exceptional Closures

Exceptional closures in exceptional circumstances are communicated to the School Community when a decision has been made by the Board of Management to close the school.

Weather related decisions are taken at approx. 8am on affected mornings. Three levels of communication are then launched ~ *Text a Parent       * Highland Radio * Website www.dooishns.scoilnet.ie/blog

School Re openings are added to the website only. Please assume that the school is open unless a closure message is issued via Text a Parent or Highland Radio or School Website.

If any level of communication fails please consult the others if it seems possible that the school is closed. In the unlikely event that all three fail, a ‘pass the message’ system will be used. The ability of the School Community to communicate and help each other during these extreme weather conditions is crucial.

Individuals must make their own decisions regarding travel to school if open.

Emergency Closures during the school day are in emergency circumstances. Parents who decide to  collect their children may do so even if the school hasn’t announced a closure. The closing of the school during the day is a last resort. However, if necessary, the decision will be communicated to parents via Text a Parent, Highland Radio or School Blog.

In the interests of safety and security, all parents — car and bus, should collect their children at the school. Parents should have alternative arrangements in place with relatives / neighbours / friends if the school closes unexpectedly. Buses may not be able  or available to run. Staff will supervise until all children are collected.

Your co-operation is very valuable as the school attempts to deal consistently with inclement weather. The school year timetable which is given out in September is  directed by Bus Eireann who instruct us to arrange our timetable in tandem with Welchtown N.S. Consequently working back unforeseen closures may not be possible.

Breaktime  Guidelines

A healthy lunch is encouraged. Eating begins@ 10:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.  For 11: 00 a.m. break something small is advisable. For 12:45 p.m. lunchtime sandwiches are recommended. Fruit is also encouraged.  Wrappers and bags are not allowed outside thus outside time is lost if the wrapper / bag cannot be discarded. Chewing gum and pops are not allowed in the interest of safety.  Nuts and products with nuts are also avoided. Information on allergies may be communicated as relevant. Please avoid Fruit Winders and Sweet Cereal Bars during the week.  One treat only on a Friday eg. crisps or a bar.  At Infant level fruit should be manageable for the child, no yoghurts please for Junior Infants. Lunch boxes should fit into the school bags with a non-fizzy drink in a plastic bottle. Two staff members plus available S.N.As supervise the yard areas. Classes are left open for toilet access during breaktime. Only one pupil per classroom should go into the classroom for toilet.  Once the bell sounds pupils should return to class in an orderly fashion. Outside misbehaviour results in the pupil receiving a Pupil Outside Misbehavior Sheet for written punishment and signing.

P.5 School Uniform Policy

The  Dooish N.S. School Uniform decided on following consultation with parents is :

¨ Navy Blue Trousers or  Navy Blue Track Bottoms

¨ White shirt or  crested white polo shirt

¨ Red Tie (optional)

¨ Navy Blue sweatshirt/Jumper with school crest

¨ Navy Blue cardigan

¨ Navy Blue skirt or Pinafore

The generic items can all be sourced at a variety of retailers, whereas the crested items are available from a range of suppliers including:

Embroidery & Alterations, Carrickbrack, Convoy 087 797 8043

O Reilly Sports, Ballybofey, 083 314 7816  

McElhinney’s Department Store in Ballybofey Tel : 074 9131217

Football jerseys should only be worn during coaching, P.E. or matches.  No footwear is specified

although footwear should be safe for school and play.

** Parents should ensure that children are sent to school in uniform

Requisite Policy

What a pupil needs from a daily to a yearly basis varies from class to class.  Each teacher will tell their class what is needed and what books they can rent or need to buy. Book Rental, Resource and Photocopying contribution will be €20.00 per pupil in all classes. An invoice and receipt will be issued  regarding the collection of this charge. Please pay these necessary fees before the end of the school year. Perhaps pay an amount per term if necessary. Invoices will be issued to outstanding parents in June. Good care must be taken of rented books, as they must be replaced if lost or abused. At Infant / Junior level some workbooks and copies not available in the rental scheme will have to be bought. The class teacher will issue book lists so that parents can buy these books in local bookshops. Tippex and strong smelling markers are not allowed in the school.

Transport Policy

Transport is provided by Bus Eireann, Charlie Mc Namee and Seamus Barron for Bus Eireann.  Morrow’s Finn Travel also operate a private service for the two o’clock infant and general service.  All transport dealings are directed to them.

Behaviour on the bus is primarily the concern of the driver, bus operator and inspector. However, incidents that pass over into the classroom or yard will not be ignored.

Transport operators, the school and other parents must be informed of any changes in transport arrangements. Teachers cannot ask bus drivers to take unexpected pupils home.

Any change from the usual arrangements for transport must be clarified with a written note / phone call otherwise the normal arrangements will be followed.

As a general rule pupils should return home on the same bus as they arrived in.

Infant pupils should be placed on a specific bus list and a copy given to the school for escort to the gate.

** In the interests of safety all pupils should be collected at the gate.

P.6 Communication Policy

Good Home – School communication is important for our pupils to progress.

Oral communication takes place at the Annual Parent – Teacher Meeting and written communication takes the form of end of year report cards from Infants to Sixth Class given to each pupil at the end of June. Where other communication is necessary, parents, teachers and others should note the following in the interest of pupil and staff safety.

(A) Parents must request appointments in writing / via phone stating the nature of their enquiry.

(B) Teachers may ring parents back as requested outside of class contact time.

(C) Teachers / Principal must post / hand to pupil written appointments  necessary stating the purpose of the meeting.

(D) Where the communication is of a grievance nature versus the school an appointment must be sought with the Teacher / Principal or Chairperson as appropriate stating the nature of the complaint.

(E) Where the communication is of a grievance nature versus the parent, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be in contact with same.

(F) All meetings will take place from 2:10 –2:30 p.m. in the Old Meeting Room with a third party present when necessary.  End of year meeting times may vary.

(G) Infant teachers will not enter into discussions at the gate as their priority is releasing the pupils to their parents.

(H) Information Phone Calls re. misbehaviour can be made to the principal for further  investigation.

(I) Staff may not be contacted at home.

Changes in transport arrangements should be cleared with those concerned and sent in writing to the Class Teacher on the morning of the change.

Minor phone messages or queries of importance to pupils will be passed on to pupils / teachers by the secretary.

Short factual information will be returned to the parent via the secretary if necessary.  Phone lines are open from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. except during breaks 10:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m.  & 12:15 p.m. – 12:45p.m. Messages may be left on the school answering machine.

Notes from Parents / Guardians are required for absence or lateness, leave from school, exemption from sport, failure to complete homework, requests for permission to leave school early, permission to stay indoors when recovering from illness and at other necessary times.

Information notes from the school will be given to each child pupil.  Please check bags or advise pupils to deliver these notes to home.

Parents should not enter the school premises except under the above conditions of prior appointment.

Parents of Infant Pupils should avoid coming into the school after the first settling in week.

When pupils become ill, or are injured and it is necessary to contact home, the secretary will ring the  relevant contact numbers. See also Covid Procedures. If collection is necessary parents should report to the general office to sign out a pupil. If the pupil returns a note should be made of this. General visitors should sign the Visitors Contact Tracing Log at Reception.

School Completion Project Policy/ Integration

Dooish N.S. participates in the Stranorlar School Completion Project. Extra funding provides opportunities for pupils in a range of classes. We use funding for universal projects including  P.E. Activities, Wellbeing / Mindfulness & Drama. All projects need to be mindful of covid restrictions. General consent is necessary each year.

P.7 Road Safety Recommendations

Recommendations for Bus Operators

• Buses should arrive and depart promptly at 1:50pm / 2:50pm.

• Buses should park in their designated bus bays in the evening – Long Buses in Long Bus Bays and Short Buses in Short Bus Bays.

• At 1:50pm the Short Bus Bays are reserved for the two o’ clock bus services.

• In the morning all bus children should be dropped off in the bus bays.

• Bus drivers should supervise the pupils on and off the bus.

• Bus drivers and operators implement covid restrictions on the bus.

Recommendations for Parents

• Parents should not park in designated bus areas until after the buses have left. Note: Parking is available in the Long Parking Bay whilst waiting for two o’ clock pupils.

• Parents should not park on the opposite side of the road.

• Parents should collect their children at the school gate.

• Parents should not park across the front entrance or on double yellow lines.

• Parents should keep a social distance of 2m at the gate.

• Parents should promote the Road Safety Rules at all times in the interest of general pupil safety.

• Please respect speed limit 50 km per hr. signs outside our school.

Recommendations for Staff / Visitors.

• Teachers / Staff and Visitors should park at the Ballybofey side of the car park.

• Teachers should promote the Road Safety Rules through the Revised Curriculum.

Note: Although Teachers and Assistants supervise the infants onto the school bus at 1:50pm and monitor collection at 2:00pm, it would be impossible for staff  to take overall responsibility for the supervision of pupils onto cars and buses at 2:50pm given the numbers involved, insurance concerns and the fact that some vehicles are not parked on school property. Collection at the gate is previously advised.

Recommendations for Pupils

• Pupils should exit the grounds without rushing or taking short cuts. Pupils will be called back as necessary.

• Pupils may be slightly delayed in stages to avoid large groups congregating at the gate.

• Pupils should exercise due care, follow the Road Safety Rules and put into practice the advice given by parents, teachers and bus operators.

• Road Safety at our school is the responsibility of all.

P.8 Covid 19 Response Plan Procedures for Pupils, Parents, Staff & Management.

These procedures which were ratified by the B.O.M. on 11/02/2021 should be read in conjunction with the Covid Response Policy on our website and are a living document with ongoing amendments as informed by Public Health Advice. Initially these procedures were adopted for the July Provision and also for the August Reopening. Amendments were added for Reopening in February / March 2021.

This Response Plan and prevention measures can’t guarantee that covid won’t present in our school. However, we will all do our best to help prevent and properly deal with any outbreak. Parents should make their own decision on whether to send their child to school or not.

Risk Assessment

In all instances where COVID-19 is positively confirmed in a school age child in community testing (referred by G.P) or as part of close contact testing in the community, Public Health are immediately notified and a Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by local HSE public health Schools Teams. On the advice of HSE School Teams, a standard email / information text will be issued following initial contact and after Risk Assessment. The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE should be followed and staff and pupil confidentiality is essential at all times.

Where COVID-19 is detected in an adult in the community, either through symptomatic or close contact testing and when initial contact tracing confirms that they work in a school setting, Public Health are immediately notified and the Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by HSE School Teams in a similar way.

Remote Teaching & Learning

See also the ratified Remote Teaching & Webex Platform Policy from August 2020 which will be implemented as directed by the Department of Education.

All classes will be using ‘Seesaw’ which they have become familiar with since August on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays leaving Mondays and Fridays for email and Website Based communication. Seesaw may be used by some teachers every day. Webex will only be used for pupils who have access to an SNA.

When schools are open, pupils who are at ‘Very High Risk’ as confirmed by their doctor will receive Email and Seesaw Support as agreed by teacher and parents. Isolating or Restricting Pupils who don’t qualify for this category can also receive email and seesaw support from the class teacher.

****The Board of Management wish to emphasize that all the covid procedures will be worthless if pupils or staff come to school with any symptoms of any illness. Please stay at home until fully recovered.

For the Phased Return in February / March 2021 Families are asked to: Keep family contacts to a minimum & Parents are reminded not to come into the school and ring 0749131471 from the gate if necessary. Homework will be set online by Abbey /SET /M.S. Ts to avoid too many books moving from school to home and from home to school.

Pupils – School Day in Classroom & Yard

• Pupils will remain in their Classroom ‘Bubbles’ except where necessary to visit SET in Class Groups only.

• Pupils in all classrooms will sit 1m apart in classrooms where possible. ‘Pods’ will be arranged by teachers in groups of 4/5

• 6th Class pupils will use the Abbey Hall until further notice by BOM

P.9 Pupils can arrive no earlier than 9:10 a.m. and will go directly into their classroom for 9:20 a.m. start. No assembling in the yard.

• Pupils should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting vehicles or the school building.

• Pupils will wash / sanitise their hands on arrival in the classroom / class toilet.

• Pupils will put their coat on their seat or in spaced labelled hangers.

• All lunchboxes and drinks bottles should be labelled.

• Morning Break will begin at 10:50 a.m. for hand sanitizing / washing & eating. Pupils will go outside for 10 minutes. (11:00 – 11:10)

• Our yard will be divided into a specific area for each class. Pupils should stay in their own area.

• Once break time is over pupils will return directly to their classrooms without lining up. On arrival back into the classroom they will have hand washing / sanitising

• Afternoon break will begin at 12:30 for hand washing / sanitising & eating. Pupils will go outside from (12:45 – 1:15)

• Once break time is over pupils will return directly to the classroom without lining up. On arrival back into the classroom they will have handwashing / Sanitising to clean their hands.

• There will be no 2 o clock break as a longer break time is given in the morning. Infants will go out in usual lines for bus and car staying as far apart as possible.

• Bus / Car Pupils will wash / sanitise their hands @2:40 and @2:50

• Classes should stay apart when exiting at home times.

• Pupils should avoid unnecessary contact during playtimes.

• Pupils who need to go to the toilet should return to their own classroom.

Overall hands will be washed or sanitized 7 times.

The school day is broken into approximately 3 x 1.5 hr. slots

Other Considerations:

Temperature of pupils can be taken at any time.

Pupils integrating or going out to support teachers must sanitize hands when entering these rooms and when returning to their own.

Homework given for Monday & Tuesday will be collected on Wednesdays and homework given on Wednesdays & Thursdays will be collected on Fridays.

Only Limited Personalized Library Books should be distributed.

All books and materials will be stored at each desk. Pupils cannot share any item unless wiped first.

Pupils should not visit other classrooms with ‘messages’ Please use Internal Phone System.

Please select regular pupils for photocopying or Class SNAs

Parents’ Role

• Under no circumstances should you send your child to school if they are feeling unwell and have a high temperature greater than 37.5 degrees, a cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, loss of smell of taste or distortion of taste. If you are unsure, please check before you send them to school in the morning. See HSE / HSPC website or consult your doctor. A precautionary approach should be taken. See media videos on same. Medical advice should be sought regarding the requirement for testing and the duration of exclusion from education.

P.10 Where pupils present or complain of being ill eg. sore head, tummy ache, sore throat etc., they are taken by SNA/Teacher to the General Office Area.

• If the child’s temperature is normal, the pupil will be asked to return to class if they are comfortable to do so. Parents will then be contacted by the secretary reporting a normal temperature with relevant other symptoms. Parents can then advise if they can arrange for the sick child to be collected.

• Pupils who present with a cough, shortness of breath or loss / change to smell or taste are immediately sent into the Isolation Area where their temperature will be taken. They will also be asked to wear a mask. Parents will be contacted and advised to collect wearing a mask. Principal / Secretary will monitor the child wearing face mask and visor.

• A Second Isolation Area is available in the Disabled Toilet near the front door of the New Building.

• Parents decide with their G.P. on what to do next when a child is taken home. See also Isolation Guidelines on our website.

• If a child is referred, brothers and sisters in the school must be taken home as household contacts.

• School Staff are not sent home unless displaying symptoms.

• Parents should not visit the school unless necessary. Parents may request a call back from a teacher as no meetings are allowed at present. If you do need to visit the school, please sign the visitor / pupil out book and sanitize on arrival and departure.

• Pupils will not be split into classes for course days – teachers who have done courses may take one course day with substitution provided.

• Please encourage good hygiene and respiratory etiquette at home. Clean hankies, personal hand gel can be taken to school by each pupil if you wish. It is not recommended that pupils under 13 wear a mask however senior pupils in 5th & 6th may wear masks if they wish. Teachers will not be enforcing the wearing of masks.

• Homework given for Monday & Tuesday will be collected on Wednesdays and homework given on Wednesdays & Thursdays will be collected on Fridays. Online homework may also be given.

• All lunchboxes, drinks bottles, coats etc. should be labelled.

• At morning and home times please do not congregate together at the gate. Please sign your child out at reception with your own pen if possible when collecting. You can also ring from the gate and your child can be signed out for you.

• Please inform the school if your child or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with Covid 19 and Self Isolate / Restrict Your Movements immediately.

• Pupils can return to school 2 days after a negative test if they are clinically well enough to return to school, unless parents are specifically asked by HSE Public Health for their child to remain excluded because of other investigations e.g. if the child is a known close contact of a now confirmed case and this would mean the child needs to be off for 14 days. Pupils must also be 48 hours without symptoms, 48 hours without paracetamol or ibuprofen and 48 hours without diarrhoea. Please get specific advice from your doctor for return to school. Similar arrangements apply to staff.

• Please send in HSPC Absence Notes to your child’s teacher for all health related pupil absences. No note no return!

• Staff sign Return to Work Form.

P.11 Staff – School Day in Classroom / Staff Room & Yard

• Staff should be alert for any signs of illness that suggest that they, a pupil or a colleague may have Covid 19 on arrival for school and throughout the day.

• Physical distancing is 1 meter between all individuals in the classroom setting as far as possible.

• Staff arrive in their own classrooms SNAs @ 9:00 / Teachers @9:10

• Masks are available for personal protective use at all times. It is advisable to wear masks and visors when working closely with children with SEN.

• Staff should thoroughly clean and disinfect their work area before and after use each day. Multi-Purpose Cleaner and cloths will be provided in the SNAs & Teacher’s kit.

• Please sanitise toys & sports equipment as necessary and ensure pupils have their own books and art materials.

• Staff should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting vehicles or the school building. Staff should wash their hands in the morning and evening and before each break time. They should use sanitizer as necessary.

SNAs / Secretary break times are 10:45 – 11:00 & 12:15 – 12:45

Teachers’ Breaks are 11:00 – 11:10 & 12:45 – 1:15

Physical distancing in Staff Rooms or where adults are meeting is 2 meters. Staff in Old Building should use Old Staff Room & Staff in New Building should use New Staff Room. 2m distance please.

Staff may also eat in their own classrooms if they prefer.

Staff should bring their own cup and cutlery or use disposable ones.

Please clean your eating area and utensils after use.

Staff should not visit other classrooms unless necessary and sanitize before and after.

Staff are encouraged to download the Covid Tracker App and to cooperate with any public health personnel as required.

Staff may also be required to undergo mass or serial testing as advised by Public Health.

Staff can access the Department’s Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programme on confidential helpline 1800 411 057

Coaches / Facilitators & Other Adult Visitors will not be allowed in the short term. P.E. can only take place outside when weather permits as the Abbey Hall will not be available.

Classrooms should be continuously aired by keeping windows and doors open as much as possible to ensure adequate ventilation. Windows should be open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and also at the end of the school day. Please leave your windows open and cleaners will close them in the evening. Please lock all the outside doors for security each evening. Windows should be partially open when classrooms are in use. Doors may also be open but with safety in mind. Outside walks will also be allowed at any time.

Work Placement Pupils should follow staff guidelines.

Staff & Pupils may not travel on buses for school outings.

Please do not enter the General Office in groups.

The use of gloves and aprons is only necessary when dealing with a specific risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. A mask and a visor is needed if splashing of same.

Any staff guidance requires the use of compassion and good sense and a reasonable judgement of the level of risk in most situations.

P.12 Other Considerations:

All staff are expected to fill in a Pre Return to Work Questionnaire. For holiday periods staff should fill out a new RTW Form for return. An RTW Form should also be filled in before returning to school with Doctor’s advice sought where the answer to any question is ‘yes’

All staff are expected to have viewed the Online Primary Induction as offered by the DES together with SNA & Escort Induction as relevant from the beginning of the year.

Staff should self -isolate or restrict their movements at home if they display any signs or symptoms of Covid-19 and contact their family doctor to arrange a test.

Staff should not return to or attend school if they are a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid 19 or if they have travelled outside of Ireland.

Concerns regarding procedures or equipment can be relayed to the Principal, the Teacher Lead Worker Representative Kelly Costello, the Deputy Lead Worker Teacher Representative Maeve Gallagher or the SNA Lead Worker Representative Breeda Mc Nulty.

First Aid / Other Staff will wear a surgical mask and visor together with gloves and a disposable apron if necessary when tending to a suspected Covid case or waiting with them for collection. Disposable PPE should be double wrapped and disposed of in a separate plastic bag which is then placed in the domestic waste.

A contactless thermometer will be used to establish if the temperature is 37.5 degrees at which time the pupil will be put into the Isolation Room in the Old Building. A Second Isolation Area is available in the Disabled Toilet near the front door of the New Building. An Ear Thermometer may also be used to confirm temperature. Pupils with normal temperatures will be returned to class but parents will be informed of their condition.

Our yard will be divided into a specific area for each class. Pupils should stay in their own area. Staff on yard duty should not physically interact with pupils and stay 2 meters from other staff. When the bell goes they should guide the pupils to their classrooms. Pupils who need to go to the toilet should return to their own classroom.

Singing or tin whistle playing is not advised at school.

Staff should be mindful of standard, short term and approved absences re. covid. Teachers who have done courses may take one course day with substitution provided.

Unwell staff may have their temperature taken and isolated. They will be asked to go home, be collected or their doctor may be called.

In the event of a lockdown all staff will be expected to follow the Remote Learning Policy and use Seesaw / Webex as relevant.

Staff may use ICT to limit contact with pupils. Please use wipes to clean down all ICT devices where possible. Otherwise sanitise hands.

Homework given for Monday & Tuesday will be collected on Wednesdays and homework given on Wednesdays & Thursdays will be collected on Fridays.

See Appendix 2 from staff email for overall info. on SEN / SNA

P.13 Ancillary Staff Role:

Secretaries

To follow the above staff guidelines

To maintain a log of staff & student contacts for contact tracing.

To sanitize clean hands before touching the computer or photocopier

To ask visitors to sign the School Contact Tracing Log or Book

To keep their office area free from too many visitors.

To wait with a suspected case wearing mask and visor / gloves / gown which are later disposed of in bags.

Cleaners

Cleaners will follow Department direction re. regular & thorough cleaning from Reopening of Schools and view DES Induction Video.

Each room shall be supplied with its own cleaning kit – cloths /spray

Particular attention should be given to cleaning Isolation Rooms in both buildings.

Cleaners must follow written schedules and sign toilet checklists.

Virus on surfaces is easily removed with common household cleaning products(detergent) and in those circumstances where disinfection is needed common bleach and a number of other disinfectants are effective.

Cleaning is generally with water and detergent or detergent wipes. If disinfection is required in specific circumstances, then this is always in addition to and never instead of cleaning.

Joe will carry out all cleaning duties in the Old Building

Lorna will carry out all cleaning duties in the New Building including the Abbey Hall.

Classrooms should be aired each evening to help with ventilation and cleaners should close all windows that have been left open.

Cleaners / Caretakers must use their own or disposable cutlery in the Staffroom of their own building. Bins will need to be collected and disposed of hygienically.

Other Considerations:

Bus queries re. Covid should be directed to the Bus Operators / Bus Inspector.

Board of Management’s / Principal’s Role

1. To Create & Implement the Covid 19 Response Plan & Procedures with support from the Department & CPSMA

2. To communicate this plan to the School Community via school email and website in advance of reopening and to update as necessary.

3. To support pupils, staff and parents in maintaining a safe environment as far as possible.

4. To support Lead Worker Representatives in maintaining good practice.

5. To provide physical resources to help with physical distancing in all rooms eg. single tables, storage, trays, toys, etc.

6. To increase the cleaning hours for school cleaners and to make the best use of covid grant support.

7. To review the existing procedures and plans as necessary.

P.14 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Irish National Teacher’s Organisation and the Catholic Primary School Manager’s Association reached agreement in 1993 on a procedure for dealing with complaints by parents against teachers.   The purpose of the procedure is to facilitate the resolution of difficulties where they may arise in an agreed and fair manner.  The agreement lays out in five stages the process to be followed in progressing a complaint and the specific timescale to be followed at each stage.

Introduction

Only those complaints about teachers which are written and signed by parents/guardians of pupils may be investigated formally by the Board of Management, except where those complaints are deemed by the Board to be:

(i) on matters of professional competence and which are to be referred to the Department of Education;

(ii) frivolous or vexations complaints and complaints which do not impinge on the work of a teacher in a school; or

(iii) complaints in which either party has recourse to law or to another existing procedure.

Unwritten complaints not in the above categories may be processed informally as set out in Stage 1 of this procedure.

Stage 1

1.1 A parent/guardian who wishes to make a complaint should, unless there are local arrangements to the contrary, approach the class teacher with a view to resolving the complaint.

1.2 Where the parent/guardian is unable to resolve the complaint with the class teacher she/he should approach the Principal with a view to resolving it.

1.3 If the complaint is still unresolved the parent/guardian should raise the matter with the

Chairperson of the Board of Management with a view to resolving it.

Stage 2

2.1 If the complaint is still unresolved and the parent/guardian wishes to pursue the matter further she/he should lodge the complaint in writing with the Chairperson of the Board of Management.

2.2 The Chairperson should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the teacher and seek to resolve the matter between the parties within 5 days of receipt of the written complaint.

Stage 3

3.1 If the complaint is not resolved informally, the Chairperson should, subject to the general authorisation of the Board and except in those cases where the Chairperson deems the particular authorisation of the Board to be required:

(a) supply the teacher with a copy of the written complaint; and

(b) arrange a meeting with the teacher and, where applicable, the Principal Teacher with a view to   resolving the complaint. Such a meeting should take place within 10 days of receipt of the written  complaint.

Stage 3

3.1 If the complaint is not resolved informally, the Chairperson should, subject to the general authorisation of the Board and except in those cases where the Chairperson deems the particular authorisation of the Board to be required:

(a) supply the teacher with a copy of the written complaint; and

(b) arrange a meeting with the teacher and, where applicable, the Principal Teacher with a view to resolving the complaint. Such a meeting should take place within 10 days of receipt of the written complaint.

P.15 Stage 4

4.1 If the complaint is still not resolved the Chairperson should make a formal report to the Board within 10 days of the meeting referred to in 3.1(b).

4.2 If the Board considers that the complaint is not substantiated the teacher and the complaint should be so informed within three days of the Board meeting.

4.3 If the Board considers that the complaint is substantiated or that it warrants further investigation it proceeds as follows:

(a)  The teacher should be informed that the investigation is proceeding to the next stage;

(b)  The teacher should be supplied with a copy of any written evidence in support of the complaint;

(c)  The teacher should be requested to supply a written statement to the Board in response to the complaint;

(d)  The teacher should be afforded an opportunity to make a presentation of case to the Board. The teacher would be entitled to be accompanied and assisted by a friend at any such meeting;

(e)  The board may arrange a meeting with the complainant if it considers such to be required. The complainant would be entitled to be accompanied and assisted by a friend at any such meeting;

(f)  The meeting of the Board of Management referred to in (d) and (e) will take place within 10 days of the meeting referred to in 3.1(b).

Stage 5

5.1 When the Board has completed its investigation, the Chairperson should convey the decision of the Board in writing to the teacher and the complainant within five days of the meeting of the Board.

5.2 The decision of the Board shall be final.

5.3 This Complaints Procedure shall be reviewed after three years.

5.4 CPSMA or INTO may withdraw from this agreement having given the other party three months’  notice of intention to do so.

In this agreement ‘days’ means schools days.

Parental Involvement Policy

Parents automatically become members of the Parents Association and are actively encouraged to get involved in various activities which support the children throughout the school year.

Development Fundraising is co ordinated with the Board of Management through School Development.

Sporting Policy

Dooish N.S. has a proud sporting tradition.  Teachers and Coaches present opportunities for sport,  prepare teams and attend outings.  External coaches with suitable clearance, work with school pupils from time to time accompanied by a teacher.  These are very important curricular areas of S.P.H.E. and P.E. and deserve the time afforded to them.  Volunteering teachers and coaches will endeavor to include as many pupils as possible in representative teams, especially 6th Class pupils. Winning and losing are not the only outcomes.  Taking part is the valuable prize!

P.16 Dooish N.S. Attendance Policy

Introduction

This policy document was drawn up to promote and maintain a high level of attendance at school by all pupils of Dooish N.S.

Rationale

The policy was drafted for the following reasons:

• The Board of Management wishes to comply with legislation, such as: The Education Act, 1998

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000

• The Board of Management wishes to promote and encourage regular attendance as an essential factor in our pupils’ learning.

Relationship to the Characteristic Spirit of the School

Dooish N.S., in keeping with our ethos of helping children to reach their full potential, in a carinG environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of pupils are identified and addressed.

Promotion of regular attendance is essential in the creation of a stable learning environment for all pupils, and the school hopes to foster and encourage co-operation among pupils, parents/guardians, and staff in maintaining a high level of regular attendance through the school year.

Aims.

• To encourage full attendance where possible

• To identify pupils at risk of leaving school early and to include them in School Completion

Interventions.

• To raise awareness of the importance of regular school attendance.

• To promote a positive learning environment.

• To ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant legislation.

Content

Recording and Reporting of Attendance and Non-Attendance

Individual school attendance is recorded in the Leabhar Rolla by the class teacher and the Deputy Principal records class attendance data for each day and summary month.

Annual attendance of each individual pupil is recorded in the Leabhar Tinrimh.

Pupils are taken off the School Register—Clár Leabhar  following confirmation of their attendance at the receiving school including second level.

As stated in our Code of Behaviour the following are our reporting procedures

7. Procedures for notification of pupil absences from school

In line with the Education Welfare Act, 2000, Section 23 (2)(e) states that the school must inform the NEWB of any child who is absent for 20 days or more in any school year or where a principal is concerned regarding a pupils attendance record. Parents must notify the school of a pupil’s absence and the reason for this absence with certs under the headings, A – Illness B – Urgent Family Reasons,         C –   Expelled D – Suspended, E – Other e.g. holidays, F – Unexplained, G – Transfer to another school.

P.17 Communication with Parents

Full Attendance is promoted right throughout the year.

Parents must sign pupils out from the general office if they leave early for urgent appointments.

Roll Call is at 9:40 each morning.

Communicating with other schools

When a child transfers from Dooish N.S. to another school, attendance records and academic reports are given to the parent upon request and notification of transfer from the other school.

When a child transfers to Dooish N.S. from another school, confirmation of the transfer will be communicated to the child’s previous school.

Pupils in our Abbey Class / Special Pupils may have a Second Level Transfer Meeting arranged which relevant parties will be  invited to and information will be gathered and then given to parents for transfer to their second level school.

Communication with the NEWB

The Deputy Principal will inform the National Educational Welfare Board if

• A child has missed 20 or more days

• A pupil is suspended for 6 or more days

• A pupil has been expelled

• A pupil has been removed from the school register

The NEWB is furnished with termly information online on absences listed above. The total attendance in the school year is reported on the Annual Report Form.

Promoting Attendance

Dooish N.S. promotes good attendance by

• Creating a safe and welcoming environment.

• Displaying kindness, compassion and understanding.

• Being vigilant so that risks to good attendance are identified early.

• Through participation in the Schools’ Completion Programme and including children at risk in a range of interventions.

• Issuing parents with a copy of the school calendar at the start of the year so that they can plan family events around school closures.

• The school rewards highest attendance of boys and girls in each class by presenting end of year certificates.

• Promoting ‘Every Day Counts’ promotion by NEWB

Through these strategies we aim to demonstrate the importance of good attendance and the high regard that the school has for it.

Success Criteria

The following will provide some practical indicators of the success of this policy:

• An increase in annual attendance rates.

• Board of Management, Staff and parent/guardian awareness of their legal obligations under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000.

Roles and Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Principal and staff to implement this policy under the guidance of the school’s Board of Management.

Implementation

This policy is included in the annual ratification of school policies printed in our Red Book.

P.18 Code of Behaviour

This policy was formulated by the staff and parent representatives at a School Development Planning Day on June 15th 2009 and revised annually since then.  It was necessary to review our Code of Behaviour at this particular time to ensure existing policy is in compliance with legal requirements and good   practice as set out in Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, NEWB, 2008.

In our school we aim to allow children to develop positive self esteem and self discipline.  We allow them to feel secure and make progress on all aspects of their development.  Our Code of Behaviour fosters a sense of community and cooperation towards promoting positive behaviour with the co operation of parents, pupils and staff in an atmosphere of Christian care.  Our aims include the following:

• To ensure an educational environment that is guided by our vision statement.

• To allow the school to function in an orderly way where children can make progress in all aspects of their development.

• To create an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others.

• To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline, recognising the differences between children and the need to accommodate these differences.

• To ensure the safety and well being of all members of the school community.

• To assist parents and pupils in understanding the systems and procedures that form part of the code of behaviour and to seek their co-operation in the application of these procedures.

Content and Procedures

1. Guidelines for behaviour in the school

The Education Welfare Act, Section 23, states that the code of behaviour shall specify “the standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school”.

• The standards of behaviour the school wishes to promote/expects from the pupils are:

• Each pupil is expected to be well behaved and to show consideration for other pupils and adults at school or when representing the school.

• Each pupil is expected to show respect for the property of the school and other property belonging to themselves or others.

• Each pupil is expected to attend school on a regular basis and to be punctual.

• Each pupil is expected to do his/her best both in school and for homework.

2. Whole school approach in promoting positive behaviour

The elements of a whole school approach to behaviour include

• An ethos, policies and practices that are in harmony.

• A teamwork approach to behaviour.

• A whole-school approach to curriculum and classroom management.

• An inclusive and involved school community.

• A systematic process for planning and reviewing behaviour policy.

P.19 We promote a whole school approach to the promotion of positive behaviour in the following manner:

Staff

• All staff participated in the review of our document.

• Staff will create a positive learning environment.

• Staff will create a positive relationship with pupils and their parents.

• Staff will promote positive behaviour through a variety of strategies (Yellow Book P.5/6)

• Newly appointed teachers are informed in the policy handbooks of our code and procedures to promote positive behaviour.

• Staff will discuss behaviour at staff meetings and on planning days as necessary.

• Appropriate work is provided for pupils to promote a work ethos and staff will adapt the curriculum to the needs of the pupil.

• SPHE curriculum is used to help us promote positive behaviour. Programmes such as Walk Tall and Stay Safe support the curriculum.

• Class teachers discuss class rules with children at the beginning of each year and Class Charters are drawn up and displayed in the classroom.

• Class Teachers pass on information on individual needs of pupils to the next teacher.

• Teachers support children with SEN in interpreting the code.

• Staff will teach social skills using social stories e.g. Circle Time / Reactions to Conflict.

• Staff will report positive behaviour to parents also.

• Staff will set up a buddy system in the yard for at risk pupils.

Board of Management

• The staff and parent representatives of our school worked together to review and update our policy.

• The B.O.M. support the Code of Behaviour and the staff with its implementation.

• The B.O.M. provide opportunities for the staff to obtain training to support the Code where necessary.

• The B.O.M. works with the staff and principal to deal with serious breaches of the Code of Behaviour.

Parents

• Parents representatives from B.O.M. took part in the Code of Behaviour review.

• Parents are given a policy booklet containing school rules / Code of Behaviour at enrolment.

• Pupils will co-operate with the Code of Behaviour fully as parents and teachers work together to implement the code.

• Parents sign a declaration on enrolment to co operate with the school’s Code of Behaviour Policy and Anti Bullying Policy.

• Parents ensure their children attend school regularly (as per the school calendar year) and punctually.

• Parents encourage their children to do their best and to take responsibility for their work.

• Parents are aware of and cooperate with the school’s rules and system of rewards and sanctions.

• Parents attend scheduled meetings at the school if requested and P/ T Meetings also.

• Parents help their children with homework and ensure that it is completed.

• Parents ensure their children have the necessary books and materials for school.

P.20 Pupils

• Teachers work with children in discussing school rules and setting class rules/ class charter.

• SPHE is used to teach the code – Circle Time, Music and Drama.

• Anti Bullying Policy.

Dooish N.S. Anti-Bullying Policy

1. In accordance with the requirements of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the Code of Behaviour guidelines issued by the NEWB, the Board of Management of Dooish N.S. proposes to adopt the following anti-bullying policy within the framework of the school’s overall code of behaviour. This policy fully complies with the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools which were published in September 2013.

2. The Board of Management recognises the very serious nature of bullying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of pupils and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behavior:

• A positive school culture and climate which is welcoming of difference and diversity and is based on inclusivity;

• encourages pupils to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour in a non-threatening environment;

• promotes respectful relationships across the school community; See PDST Action Plan to promote a positive school culture and climate.

• Effective leadership;

• A school-wide / school community approach. Parents are required to co operate with this policy  as requested at enrolment and in particular with any investigation.  Parents will also be required to assist the school in resolving any issues and restoring as far as is practicable, the relationships of the parties involved as quickly as possible.

• A shared understanding of what bullying is and its impact;

• Implementation of education and prevention strategies (including awareness measures) that build empathy, respect and resilience in pupils and explicitly address the issue of cyber-bullying, bullying on the buses, identity based bullying including in particular homophobic and transphobic bullying.

• Effective supervision and monitoring of pupils;

• Supports for staff;

• Consistent recording, investigation and follow up of bullying behaviour (including use of established intervention strategies);

• On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy under our annual School Policy Booklet Review.

P.21 In accordance with the Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, bullying is defined as follows.

Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted, by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.

BULLYING IS REPEATED MISBEHAVIOUR TOWARDS AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP.

The following types of bullying behaviour are included in the definition of bullying:

. Deliberate exclusion, malicious gossip and other forms of relational bullying,

. Cyber-bullying and identity-based bullying such as homophobic bullying, racist bullying, bullying based on a person’s membership of the Traveller community and bullying of those with disabilities or special educational needs.

The manner in which a school will develop and communicate a shared understanding of bullying amongst its pupils will depend on factors such as the age and maturity of the pupils concerned.

Teachers will reference PDST Advice Booklet for examples of Bullying Behaviour and advice on Sexual Orientation.

Isolated or once-off incidents of intentional negative behaviour including a once off offensive or hurtful text message or other private messaging do not fall within the definition of bullying and should be dealt with, as appropriate, in accordance with the school’s Code of Behaviour.  See listed sanctions in this code.  However in the context of this policy, placing a once off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message image or statement can be viewed and / or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour.

Please encourage your children to be kinder to each other and to consider the feelings of others.

4. 4. In these procedures, the member of teaching staff who has responsibility for investigating and dealing with bullying is referred to as the “relevant teacher”. In our school the relevant teacher will normally be the Class Teacher /Yard Duty Teacher with the support of the Principal / Deputy Principal. Any teacher can be the relevant teacher when an incident is reported to them or when circumstances are

5. The education and prevention strategies that will be used by the school are as follows:

• Full implementation of the SPHE, RSE and Stay Safe programmes and curricula to ensure that school culture supports a safe social and personal environment. Training is available to all staff from the Education Centre / After School.

• Seminars and approaches to bullying for staff are continually available from Donegal Education Centre. Parents may access community based interventions.

• Resources and posters from the Bullying Box in Staff Room will be used by all staff.

• Specific lessons on bullying from the Stay Safe Programme will be delivered.

• Lessons will be given to senior pupils, parents and staff on Safer Internet Use by Donegal Youth Service.

• Visits from Gardaí regarding personal safety and cyber bullying will take place.

• Training for whole staff will take place in restorative practice.

• 
  
• P.22

• An Annual Friendship Week will be held where pupils are reminded by teachers, coaches and bus drivers to be friendly towards each other.

• Anti Bullying Posters pupil / commercial will be displayed throughout the school at all times of the year.

• All staff will supervise and monitor classrooms, corridors, school grounds, school tours and extra- curricular activities.  Non teaching and ancillary staff will be encouraged to be vigilant and report issues to relevant teachers.  Supervision will also apply to monitoring student use of  communication technology within the school especially in regard to I Pods / I Pads / laptops. Mobile phones are only allowed as per A.U.P.

Procedures for Telling

• Tell a Teacher / S.N.A. before, during or after class.  Bring a friend (open door/glass for child protection).

• Tell a Teacher / S.N.A. on Yard Duty.

• Get a friend to tell on your behalf inside or outside.

• Parent(s) write a note to the Class Teacher /Principal.

• Parent(s) request a meeting with your Class Teacher / Principal.

• Parent(s) make a phone call to the Principal.

• Teachers may administer a confidential questionnaire once a term to all students or ask them to write about how things are going for them. Eg. ‘Sixth Class so far’… Teachers will allow pupils to create a ‘Telling’ Poster to raise awareness on how to tell.

• Teachers will emphasize the importance of bystanders telling if they witness bullying taking place.

• ‘I didn’t mean it’ will not be a sufficient defence if the pupil who is bullied felt that there was an unwanted negative behaviour towards them.

• In cases where it has been determined by the relevant teacher that bullying behaviour has taken place, the parent(s) / guardians of the parties involved should be contacted at an early stage to inform them of the matter and explain the actions being taken with reference to the school policy which will be again given to all parties. The school will give parent(s) / guardian(s)an opportunity of discussing ways in which they can re enforce or support the actions taken by the school and the supports provided to the pupils.

• Where the relevant teacher has determined that a pupil has engaged in bullying behaviour it should be made clear to him/her how he/she is in breach of the school’s anti bullying policy and efforts should be made to try to get him/her to see the situation from the perspective of the pupil being bullied using the school Bullying Investigation Sheet.

• P.23

• It must be made clear to all involved – each set of parent(s)/guardians that in any situation where disciplinary sanctions are required, this is a private matter between the pupil being disciplined, his or her parent(s) / guardians and the school.

• Where a parent(s) / guardian(s) is not satisfied that the school has dealt with a bullying case in accordance with these procedures, the parent(s) /guardians will be referred as appropriate to the school’s complaints procedures.

• In the event that a parent(s) / guardian(s) has exhausted the school’s complaint’s procedures and is still not satisfied, the school  will advise the parent(s) / guardian(s) of their right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman for children.

Investigating and Dealing with Bullying Behaviour:

A pupil or parent may bring a bullying concern to any teacher / S.N.A. in the school. S.N.A.s refer reports onto Class Teacher / Principal.  Individual teachers must take appropriate measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour in accordance with the school’s anti-bullying policy.  In these procedures, the member of teaching staff who has responsibility for investigating and dealing with bullying is referred to as the “relevant teacher”.  In our school the relevant teacher will normally be the Class Teacher /Yard Duty Teacher with the support of the Principal / Deputy Principal.  Any teacher can be the relevant teacher when an incident is reported to them or when circumstances are appropriate.

Investigations must be done by Relevant Teacher / Principal both in a room with glass paneled doors where pupils and teachers are clearly visible.

Misbehaviour is investigated, monitored for repeats  and records are kept of bullying behaviour.

Intervention strategies used by the school for dealing with cases of bullying behaviour also listed at the end of these levels.

Teachers cover for each other to allow these processes to happen.

P.24 Level 1 : Investigation / Misbehaviour Level—Not Bullying

(Relevant Teacher—Class Teacher )

Level 2 – Bullying Level :  Second Report of misbehaviour by a pupil towards the same pupil or group.

(Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal)

Level 3 – Serious Bullying Level : Where misbehaviour behaviour persists / serious incidents of bullying towards the same pupil or group.

(Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal & Chairperson B.O.M.)

Level 1 – INVESTIGATION / MISBEHAVIOUR  LEVEL :  NOT BULLYING

Action taken by

Procedure

Support and/or sanction may include

RELEVANT TEACHER

Challenge the behaviour as

being unacceptable & Issue Misbehaviour Sheet with facts written on top.

Ask a colleague to cover for you as you speak to pupils

separately and in a group to gather information either verbally Inf. – 1st or using the School Investigation Sheet  2nd – 6th – Appendix A.

Try to resolve the issue using a   Restorative Approach  Role

Reversal  etc.

Use  Circle Time  Sessions as soon as possible.

Send misbehaviour sheet home and keep Record Sheet on file for reference.

Teacher will follow up progress with: victim and bully,

bystanders or others involved.

Serious talk with student(s) re: effects of their behaviour.

Verbal warning.  Pupil(s) involved warned to stop.

Seek verbal agreement re:            future behaviour.

Outline a fair outcome if appropriate:

e.g. an apology, return of property etc.

A Misbehaviour Sheet – Inside or Outside  / Class Charter Rewrite may be given at this stage.

Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.

*Cyberbullying may also need a

general letter home to class(es)

See Appendix B

P.25 Level 2 – BULLYING LEVEL  :  Second Report of misbehaviour by a pupil towards the same pupil or group.

Action taken by

Procedure

Support and/or sanction may include:

Relevant Teacher  & Principal / Deputy Principal

Incident investigated by the

Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal to gather more information and establish facts. This information may be gathered verbally Jun – 1st or using the

Misbehaviour / Bullying

Investigation Sheet  2nd – 6th

Appendix A.

Both sets of parents informed by the Principal / Deputy Principal in writing using Appendix  C  for Bully and Appendix D for Victims.

A Formal Record is kept on the Incident Template and the amount of these is reported to each Board of Management Meeting.

Principal / Relevant Teacher