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 Frank McGlynn
The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Eileen Houston
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 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 school’s 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.
This statement also covers risks and activities of the School Completion Programme including Active Learning, Wellbeing and Summer Programmes with SCP & School Facilitators.
The Stranorlar School Completion Programme also oversees Child Protection in all of their activities with a CPOR made at each meeting.
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 reviewed and adopted by the Board of Management on 16/09/2025
Signed: Michelle Uí Churráin Signed: Frank McGlynn
Chairperson of B.O.M. Principal/Secretary of B.O.M.
Date: 16/09/2025 Date:16/09/2025
Dooish N.S. Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment
In accordance with section 11 of the Children First Act 2015 and with the requirements of Chapter 8 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017, the following is the Written Risk Assessment of Dooish N.S.
1. List of school activities
· Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils
· Recreation breaks for pupils
· Classroom teaching
· One-to-one teaching
· One-to-one S.E.T.
· One-to-one counselling
· Outdoor teaching activities
· Online teaching and learning remotely
· Sporting Activities
· School outings
· Use of toilet areas in schools
· Annual Sports Day
· Fundraising events involving pupils
· Use of off-site facilities for school activities
· School transport arrangements including use of bus escorts
· Care of children with special educational needs, including intimate care where needed
· Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required
· Management of provision of refreshments
· Administration of Medicine
· Administration of First Aid
· Curricular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe
· Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
· 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 / needs such as
– Members of the Traveller community
– Pupils perceived to be LGBT
– Pupils of minority religious faiths
– Children on CPNS
– Children with medical needs
· Recruitment of school personnel including –
– Teachers/SNAs
– Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners
– Sports coaches
– External Tutors/Guest Speakers
– Volunteers/Parents in school activities
– Visitors/contractors present in school during school hours
– Visitors/contractors present during after school activities
· Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/religious instruction external to the school
· Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school, including social media
· Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of pupils, confiscation of phones etc.
· Students participating in work experience in the school
· Student teachers undertaking training placement in school
· Use of video/photography/other media to record school events.
2. The school has identified the following risk of harm in respect of its activities
1. (a) Risk of harm not being recognised by school personnel
(b) Risk of harm not being reported properly and promptly by school personnel
(c) Risk of child being harmed in the school by a member of school personnel
2. (a) Risk of harm to children with SEN who have particular vulnerabilities including medical vulnerabilities.
3. Personal Safety
(a) Risk of harm due to the inadequate supervision of children in school.
(b) Risk of child being harmed in the school by another child
(c) Risk of harm due to bullying of child
4. (b) 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 outings / swimming lessons / matches
5. Risk of child being harmed in the school by External Coaches / Tutors / Facilitators.
6. Risk of harm on Sports Days
7. Risk of harm on School Based Occasions
8. (a) Risk of harm due to Remote Learning / Interaction
(b) Risk of harm due to children inappropriately accessing/using computers, social media, phones and other devices while at school.
9. Risk of harm in one-to-one teaching, counselling, coaching situation
10. Risk of harm caused by member of school personnel accessing/circulating inappropriate material via social media, texting, digital device or other.
The school has the following procedures in place to address the risks of harm identified in this assessment –
Re. Risk 1 – School Personnel / All school personnel are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
1. The school adheres to the requirements of the Garda vetting legislation and relevant DES circulars in relation to recruitment and Garda vetting. See also Work Exp. Policy
2. The school has codes of conduct for school personnel (teaching and non-teaching staff)
3. The school complies with the agreed disciplinary procedures for teaching staff
4. The school –
i. Has provided each member of school staff with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
ii. Ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement
iii. Encourages staff to avail of relevant training
5. The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 are made available to all school personnel
6. 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
7. Classrooms should have two staff members present if resources allow same.
8. The B.O.M.
i. Encourages board of management members to avail of relevant training
ii. Maintains records of all staff and board member training
Re: Risk 2 – SEN / Vulnerabilities:
9. The school has a Special Educational Needs policy
10. The school has an intimate care plan in respect of students who require such care. – Two staff members are required to be present during intimate care except in emergency situations where a second member of staff is unavailable, the toilet door won’t be closed as a second staff member’s assistance is requested by phone.
11. The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme
Re: Risk 3 – Personal Safety Supervision
12. 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 and hidden areas.
13. The school has in place a policy and procedures for the administration of First Aid
14. The current ratio of pupils to adults is 1:26
Code of Behaviour / Anti Bullying
The school has a Code of Behaviour to prevent individual harm and bullying.
15. The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum
16. 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
Re. Risk 4 – Out of School – School Outings / Swimming Lessons / Matches
The school has in place clear procedures in respect of school outings including 1:10 ratio for supervision and use of bibs for Junior Pupil identification
17. The school has a swimming & sports procedure that requires two same sex adults to be present in dressing rooms at the swimming pool and at sports dressing rooms. Otherwise staff wait outside.
The school has a vetting process where facilitators must secure Diocesan Vetting and furnish a Statutory Declaration followed by a Form of Undertaking. They follow an External Coaches / Tutors / Instructors policy where they are accompanied by a teacher at all times.
Re: Risk 6: Sports Days
18. Care will be taken to ensure pupils stay in school areas only during this day
19. School access toilets and changing rooms are limited to one area.
20. Supervision of pupils to be organised in advance.
21. School to request Child Safeguarding Statement from the Centre used.
Re: Risk 7: School Occasions / Concerts
22. The school has a procedure that provides for a second adult / child to supervise withdrawn pupils on school occasions.
23. The school has safety procedures in place to lock all doors and monitor toilet areas during school occasions. On Graduation Day no pupils are allowed outside the Abbey Hall. On St. Patrick’s Day parades all children must be accompanied by a parent / adult.
Re: Risk 8: ICT & Remote Learning
24. The school has in place an ICT Acceptable Use Policy in respect of usage of ICT by pupils & staff. Internet Safety Talks are also provided to senior classes.
25. The school has in place a Remote Learning – Seesaw & Webex Policy with recommendations and sanctions.
Re: Risk 9 – One to One Teaching
26. The school has in place a policy and clear procedures for one-to-one teaching activities with staff visible through glass at all times. See Policy Book – SET
27. The school has in place a policy and procedures for one-to-one counselling / visit / investigation by staff / principal visible through glass at all times. See Policy Book
Re: Risk 10 – School personnel accessing/circulating inappropriate material via social media, texting, digital device or other.
28. The school has a Staff Media Policy for the appropriate use of media by staff at school and at home.
Risks of Harm addressed also in B.O.M. Policy Book. See policies and procedures.
1. Table of Contents
2. Location & Purpose
3. Schedule for a Catholic School
4. Opening / Closure / Break Times
5. Uniforms / Requisites / Transport
6. Communications / School Completion
7. Road Safety Recommendations
8. Covid Response Plan Procedures if necessary
9. Complaints Procedure
10. Attendance Policy
11. Code of Behaviour / Anti Bullying / Investigations
20. Special Educational Needs Policy / Special Education Teaching / Support Plans
21. Abbey Class Integration
22. Admissions Policy
23. N.P.C. Homework Policy
24. English School Improvement Plan
25. Maths School Improvement Plan
26. Irish School Improvement Plan.
Risks of Harm addressed also in Staff Policies & Procedures in B.O.M. Policy Book.
102. Staff Statement / Additions Cover
103. Content list of additions
104. In School Management Team
105. Substitute Information
106. Staff Absences
107. Brief Absences
108. Yard Supervision
109. Staff Self Evaluation
110. Planning & Record Keeping
111. Assessment Methods
114. Classrooms / Allocations / Teaching Council
115. Work Experience / Placement Policy
116. Job Sharing & Parental Leave
118. External Coaches / Tutors / Instructors
119. Critical Incident Policy
126. Communication / Landsdowne Hours / Requisites / H. & S. / New Staff / Ancillary
127. Professional Development C.P.D.
128. Special Needs Assistants
131. S.E.T. Permission Slips
132. Classroom Support I.E.P. Template
133. School Support I.E.P. Template
136. Abbey Class I.E.P. Template
138. Information Note
139. Homework Not Done Note
140. Behaviour Modification Sheet
141. Investigation Sheet
142. Outside Misbehaviour Sheet—Lines
143. Inside Misbehaviour Sheet—Class Charter
144. Parent Teacher Appointment Sheet
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.
Examples of activities, risks and procedures
The examples listed in this document are provided to assist schools in undertaking their risk assessment under the Children First Act, 2015. Schools should note that this list of examples is not intended to be exhaustive. It is the responsibility of each school to ensure, as far as possible, that any other risks and procedures that are relevant to its own particular circumstances are identified and specified in the written risk assessment and that adequate procedures are in place to address all risks identified.
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 risks of harm compared to others. In the context of the 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 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 2019 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 on Continuity of Schooling 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 and assisting parents and guardians to be aware of their role also. Schools should ensure that their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) informs and guides remote or distance learning activity.
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.
Examples of School Activities
Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils
Recreation breaks for pupils
Classroom teaching
One-to-one teaching
One-to-one S.E.T.
One-to-one counselling
Outdoor teaching activities
Online teaching and learning remotely
Sporting Activities
School outings
Use of toilet areas in schools
Annual Sports Day
Fundraising events involving pupils
Use of off-site facilities for school activities
School transport arrangements including use of bus escorts
Care of children with special educational needs, including intimate care where needed,
Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint where required
Management of provision of refreshments
Administration of Medicine
Administration of First Aid
Curricular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe
Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils
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/ needs such as
Members of the Traveller community
Pupils perceived to be LGBT
Pupils of minority religious faiths
Children on CPNS
Children with medical needs
Recruitment of school personnel including –
Teachers/SNA’s
Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaners
Sports coaches
External Tutors/Guest Speakers
Volunteers/Parents in school activities
Visitors/contractors present in school during school hours
Visitors/contractors present during after school activities
Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies/religious instruction external to the school
Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school, including social media
Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including detention of pupils, confiscation of phones etc.
Students participating in work experience in the school
Student teachers undertaking training placement in school
Use of video/photography/other media to record school events
Examples of Risks of Harm
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 platform such as an uninvited person accessing the lesson link, students being left unsupervised for long periods of time in breakout rooms
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 who have particular vulnerabilities, including medical 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 an inappropriate 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
Examples of Procedures to address risks of harm
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 and it’s Addendum (2019)
The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme
The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum
The school implements in full the Wellbeing Programme at Junior Cycle
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 undertakes anti-racism awareness initiatives
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 DE circulars in relation to recruitment and Garda vetting
The school has a codes of conduct for school personnel (teaching and non-teaching staff)
The school complies with the agreed disciplinary procedures for teaching staff
The school has a Special Educational Needs policy
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
The school has an Acceptable Use Policy in place, to include provision for online teaching and learning remotely, and has communicated this policy to parents
The school has in place a policy governing the use of smart phones and tablet devices in the school by pupils as per circular 38/2018
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 in place a policy and procedures in respect of pupils of the school undertaking work experience in external organisations.