Child Safeguarding Statement

Scoil Mochua An tAbhallort

Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment

Child Safeguarding Statement 2024 /2025

Scoil Mochua (Oulart NS) is a primary/special/post-primary school providing primary/post-primary education to pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class inclusive.

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Addendum to Children First (2019), the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023) and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of [insert school name] has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

1       The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools(revised (2023) as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement

2       The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Ms. Gráinne Ryan

3       The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Ms Aoife Griffin

4       The Relevant Person is Ms. Gráinne Ryan

5  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 cooperate 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.

6.   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 PostPrimary Schools (revised 2023) and to the relevant agreed disciplinary procedures for school staff which are published on the gov.ie 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 gov.ie 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 PostPrimary Schools (revised 2023), including in the case of registered teachers, those in relation to mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015.

●  All registered teachers employed by the school are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015.

●  In accordance with the Children First Act 2015 and the Addendum to Children First (2019), the Board has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while attending the school or participating in school activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the school’s procedures for managing those risks is included with the Child Safeguarding Statement.

●  The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the school’s website, the gov.ie 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.   

7.   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.

8. 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 by the Board of Management October 2024

This Child Safeguarding Statement was adopted by the Board of Management on Oct 14th 2024

Signed: Gráinne Ryan (Principal)             Signed: Kathryn O’Dowd (Chairperson)

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment 

Written Assessment of Risk of Scoil Mochua – Oulart, Co. Wexford

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 (revised 2023), the following is the Written Risk Assessment of Scoil Mochua

List of school activities

1. Daily arrival and dismissal of pupils

2. Recreation breaks for pupils

3. Classroom teaching (Supervision)

4. Classroom teaching (Risk of harm)

5. One-to-one teaching

6. Outdoor teaching activities

7. Sporting Activities.

8. School outings

9. Use of toilet/changing area in school

10. Annual Sports Day.

11. Fundraising events involving pupils 

12. Use of off-site facilities for school activities

13. School transport arrangements

14. Care of children with special educational needs, including intimate care where needed

15. Management of challenging behaviour amongst pupils, including appropriate use of restraint

16. Administration of Medicine

17. Administration of First Aid

18. Curricular provision in respect of SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe

19. Prevention and dealing with bullying amongst pupils.

20. Training of school personnel in child protection matters

21. Use of external personnel to support sports and other extra- curricular  activities-

22. Care of pupils with specific vulnerabilities/ needs such as  

• Pupils from ethnic minorities/migrants

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) children

• Pupils perceived to be LGBT

• Pupils of minority religious faiths

• Children in care

23. Recruitment of school personnel including -

• Teachers/SNA’s

• Caretaker/Secretary/Cleaner

• 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

24. Participation by pupils in religious ceremonies.

25. Use of Information and Communication Technology by pupils in school

26. Application of sanctions under the school’s Code of Behaviour including reflection of pupils, confiscation of phones etc

27. Students participating in work experience in the school

28. Student teachers undertaking training placement in school.

29. Use of video/photography/other media to record school events

30. After school Clubs such as music, organised by teachers

31. Swimming

32. Monitoring Attendance

33. Critical Incident

34. Virtual meetings because of school closures.

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

1. Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children in school.

Risk of harm from other children/ pupils.

Risk of harm to children with parents/adults remaining in the school yard when dropping children in, in the mornings.

2. Risk of child being harmed in school by another child

3. Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children in school

4. Risk of child being harmed in school by a member of school personnel

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

5. Risk of harm in one-to-one teaching / coaching situation

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult

6. Risk of harm to child if he/she exits the school grounds without permission

Risk of harm to child by adult approaching them at the school gates/wall onto the road

7. Risk of someone entering the changing rooms

Risk of child not being collected on time and teacher and child may be the only ones left

Risk of harm to child while a child is receiving intimate care

8. Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel, a member of staff of another organisation or other person while the child is participating in out of school activities e.g. school trip.

Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children while attending out of school activities

9. Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel, a member of staff of another organisation.

10. Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

11. Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children while attending out of school activities

12. Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children while attending out of school activities.

13. Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

14. Risk of a child being harmed in school by a member of school personnel.

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

Risk of harm to children with SEN who have particular vulnerabilities.

Risk of harm to child while a child is receiving intimate care

15. Risk of child being harmed in school by another child

16. Risk of harm to child while a child is receiving administration of medication

17. Risk of harm to a child while a child is receiving intimate care.

18. Risk of harm of not teaching these.

19. Risk of harm due to bullying of a child

20. Risk of harm not being recognised by school personnel

Risk of harm not being reported properly and promptly by school personnel

21. Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel, a member of staff of another organisation or other person while child is participating in out of school activities e.g. school trip

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.

22. Risk of harm to children with SEN who have particular vulnerabilities.

23. Risk of child being harmed in school by staff member, volunteer or visitor to the school.

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

24. 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.

25. Risk of harm due to children inappropriately accessing/using computers, social media, phones and other devices while at school.

Risk of harm caused by member of school accessing/circulating inappropriate material via social media, texting, digital devices or other manner.

Risk of harm caused by member of school personnel communicating with pupils inappropriate manner via social media, texting, digital device or other manner

26. Risk of harm to child by school personnel during reflection time

Risk of harm to pupils not having a phone outside of school to contact parents.

27. Risk of child being harmed in school by volunteer or visitor to the school.

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

28. Risk of child being harmed in school by volunteer or visitor.

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

29. Risk of harm caused by members of school personnel communicating with pupils in inappropriate manner via social media, texting, digital devices.

Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

30. Risk of harm due to inappropriate relationship/communications between child and another child or adult.

31. Risk of child being harmed by a member of school personnel, a member of staff of another organisation or other person while child is participating in out of school activities e.g. school trip, swimming lessons -  The pool is booked but the changing rooms are public areas meaning people using the gym can enter the changing rooms while pupils are getting changed

Risk of harm due to inadequate supervision of children while attending out of school activities.

32. Risk of harm to pupil by parents through lateness/poor attendance

33. Risk of harm to pupil by a traumatic event

34. Risk of harm as children /staff are not in the classroom setting.

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

1. 
   Children are allowed to enter the school building between 8:50 and 9:00am and there is appropriate supervision of children from 8:50 am once they enter the school building.

Children are closely supervised during yard, assembly, dismissal and breaks and in respect of specific areas such as toilets, changing rooms etc.

When dismissing children, class teachers walk their own class to the exit gates.  Bus children are checked in on the bus.

Junior/Senior Infants are sent out by class teachers to parents/guardians. Morning supervision is carried out between 8:50 and 9:00. One teacher and at least one SNA are on duty. 

Ms. Ryan, Ms Griffin or the most senior teacher stands outside the school gates at the end of day.

Older children are allowed to walk or cycle home if parents have told them so.

2. 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. 

Code of Behaviour and Anti-bullying policy in place.

Teachers use yard books when on duty

3. We use conflict resolution, positive reinforcement.

SNAs monitor children for whom we have concerns for and programmes are in place.

Zones are established for each class group 

On wet days: (Supervised in classrooms)

4. All school personnel are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and risk assessment.

The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023) are made available to all school personnel, as a staff these are discussed annually.

Garda vetting/statutory declaration forms are on file from all staff. 

CPD for staff at beginning of school year

School Personnel are required to adhere to the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023) and all registered teaching staff are required to adhere to the Children First Act 2015.

If a teacher needs to leave their classroom briefly, they knock on the door of the class adjacent to them and inform the teacher, door is left open  he/she will also supervise their class.

5. 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 (revised 2023) are made available to all school personnel 

School Personnel are required to adhere to the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and PostPrimary Schools (revised 2023) and all registered teaching staff are required to adhere to the Children First Act 2015 

All staff are encouraged to report any concerns to DLP immediately.

All doors have glass panels.

Use of spaces where all can be seen is maximised.

Staff member sits at the opposite side of the desk to the pupil if in a 1:1 situation and leaves the door open, if possible.

6. School gates are kept closed. Children are reminded regularly to stay away from gates, not allowed on the road to get the balls, not allowed to leave class without permission  etc

Code of Behaviour and supervision policy. 

Children are reminded of rules regularly and expected behaviour prior to leaving the classroom. If a child leaves the classroom/school without permission, the class teacher asks the next door teacher to supervise class, 2 staff if possible follow the child and calmly negotiate getting them back. Parents are contacted as soon as possible.

Teachers on the yard will make contact with any person talking to the child/children to find out who they are and report any concerns to DLP as soon as possible.

Teachers will strive to wear hi-visibility vests when walking on the roads.

7. As far as possible male teachers will supervise boys' dressing rooms when they are getting changed.

Female teachers will supervise girls dressing room when they are getting changed  

Teacher will ask the teacher from another school /another parent to wait and if this is not possible, he/she will strive to stand in an open public area with the child and try to contact the parent.

First aid Policy and Procedure on intimate care in place. Care will be provided with 2 staff members present. If the injury occurs in an area that would make a child or staff member feel uncomfortable an ice pack will be provided for the child to use, Parents may be contacted to deal with it.

8. The school has in place a policy and clear procedures in respect of school outings/tours

Children/ adult ratio is 15:1.

Code of Behaviour anti-bullying policy in place.

Teachers will ensure there is adequate supervision as per tours policy.

When booking school tours teachers will seek confirmation that  staff at  venues are Garda vetted 

9. Windows are frosted and upper blinds will remain closed constantly from classrooms looking into the drama space where the boys get changed. Signs will also be placed on these blinds stating that they are to always be down. 

Girls and boys change in different areas. Relevant teachers monitor when their classes are changing. 

2 staff involved in intimate care. Clear procedure in place and agreed with parents for those with intimate care needs.

10. Only those with garda clearance will be invited in to assist but teachers will lead the supervision/lessons.

Concerns will be reported immediately to DLP.

11. All regular volunteers and members of the PA and BOM will be garda vetted. If events take place outside school hours such as field days, Easter egg hunt, parents will be required to supervise their own children.

Adequate supervision as per supervision and school tours policy .Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies in place

12. When going to the hall/GAA pitch for P.E. class teachers will have a phone and can phone school if support is required.

At least two adults will travel with the class.

13. Bus drivers are Garda Vetted by CIE

Parents are constantly reminded that Garda Vetting is needed when providing lifts to matches etc… and this is sought.

Parents are required to take responsibility for organising lifts for their own children

14. The school has a Special Educational Needs Policy. The school has an intimate care plan in respect of students who require such care. All staff are garda vetted and aware of procedures.

2 staff involved in intimate care. Agreed procedure in place.

Close supervision by the class teacher.

Anti-bullying  / Code of Behaviour Child Protection training done by all staff.

Parents are aware of where to access Stay Safe and RSE   lessons so they can reinforce the same at home.

15. The school has in place a Code of Behaviour/anti-bullying policy for all pupils

Friendship anti-bullying weeks are held yearly. 

Health and Safety Policy in Place. 

School Support Plans and Behavioural contracts put in place if required.

We use conflict resolution to help children understand the consequences of their actions.

NEPS/SESS advice sought if needed. Training  for staff by NEPS August 2022

16. The school has in place a policy and procedures for the administration of medication to pupils. CPD provided at the beginning of the school year.

Photos and information is available in the staffroom of those requiring medication. Parents are asked to complete indemnity forms for BOM

(SEE HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT).

17. The school has in place a policy and procedures for the administration of First Aid. Another child is sent in with the child. Teachers/Secretary can ask a 2nd staff member to observe when dealing with first aid issues.

Certain staff trained in use of buccal midazolam and as First Aid Responder.

Training provided in First Response August 2022.

First Aid- first aid powerpoint in teachers1@oulartns.com  drive First Aid point and resources on shelf in staffroom

18. The school implements in full the Stay Safe Programme 

The school implements in full the SPHE curriculum.

The school has an Anti-Bullying Policy which fully adheres to the requirements of the Department’s Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools

The school has, in the last year, updated its SPHE Policy and the RSE policies.

19. The school has in place a code of behaviour and anti-bullying policy for pupils

Anti-bullying Weeks- yearly

Friendship Week. 

Policies and procedures  are revised with staff annually.

20. All school personnel have had training in relation to procedures and practices laid out in the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023).

Staff completed / updated Tusla Children First E-learning Programme and have had CPD on the procedures to follow in relation to Child Protection (August 30th 2023)

Staff consulted , training, discussion, revision and updating of  CSS statement takes place at beginning of school year

21. The school has in place procedures for the use of external sports coaches. Children will be supervised by class teachers.

All GAA coaches / other external coaches are required to complete vetting for through the school before they start in school.

Teachers are present when visitors are in their class.

Child Safety Statement will be sought from all organisations and confirmation that employees are Garda vetted. 

Tours policy will be followed.

Teachers will model professional behaviour and immediately report to DLP any concerns.

22. The school has a Special Educational Needs policy, Anti-bullying and Code of Behaviour policies in place.

Staff model respectful, inclusive  behaviour towards all

23. The school adheres to the requirements of the Garda vetting legislation and relevant DES circulars in relation to recruitment and Garda vetting 

The school adheres to the Fitness to Practice and  Code of Conduct for teachers by the Teaching Council.

The school complies with the agreed disciplinary procedures for teaching staff 

The school has in place procedures for the use of external sports coaches

Supervision policy is in place.

The school ensures all new staff are provided with a copy of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement. 

The school encourage staff to avail of relevant training

The school encourages BOM members avail of relevant training

Maintains records of all staff and board member training

24. The school has in place a policy and clear procedures in respect of school outings/tours

Class teachers accompany pupils to church for practices when preparing for religious ceremonies.

Altar servers must have signed consent  from parents to assist at funeral services

Servers are accompanied to the church by secretary

Permission will be sought from the server’s parents/guardians to allow them to walk back to school themselves (as a group), if there is no parent available to walk them back.

25. The school has in place an ICT policy in respect of usage of ICT by pupils.

The school has reference to use of mobile phones policy via the Code of Behaviour.

Internet Safety talk for pupils and the parents every two years. 

Children in the senior end do the Webwise and FUSE  programmes every year.

Forbidden and school personnel would be subject to disciplinary procedures if same was found to occur 

School personnel do not communicate with individual  pupils  via personal  phones, social media etc.

26. The school has in place a Code of Behaviour for all pupils

Children are in the GP room or room with a glass window during detention/reflection, teachers observe them from the staff room through a glass panel, the secretary can also keep the door open and sees them from her office. 

If a pupil brings a phone to school they must hand it into the office in the morning and it will be returned to them at the end of the day. Staff  will be supervising and have access to parents' phone numbers.

27. The school has in place a  procedures in respect of student teacher, work experience and  those on PA assisting with or being involved in school activities

Students on work experience will work with children with teacher supervision.

Transition year Students will be expected to wear their school uniforms when on work experience, if possible and to adhere to the school rules.

Under 16’s won’t be allowed as they can’t be garda vetted- only allowed after garda vetting has been cleared.

If possible only 2 will be allowed on work experience at one time.

28. The school has in place procedures in respect of student teachers, work experience and those of PA assisting / being involved in school activities. All regular volunteers and work experience students will have to provide evidence of garda vetting. Student teachers will be supervised by class teachers.

29. The school has reference to use of mobile phones policy via the Code Of Behaviour. 

Only a first name or picture provided on the school blog, never both.

If teachers use personal phone to take photos etc, they will delete them once uploaded to the school website/Facebook account.

Parents /guardians etc. will be reminded not to post photos of other parents’ children on social media, without the permission of the parents. Staff or parents won’t record children. Professional videos will be taken only by those vetted.

30. The school adheres to the requirements of the Garda vetting legislation and relevant DES circulars in relation to recruitment and Garda vetting. At least 1 teacher and 2 staff in the building.

31. Male teachers, if possible, will supervise the boys’ changing rooms, and female teachers will supervise girls’ changing rooms. 

Any parents assisting with supervision have to be garda vetted prior to going to swimming lessons.

School Tours, Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy in place.

32. The school has a Statement of Strategy as part of its Admissions & Participation Policy

33. The school has a Critical Incident Policy  

The school has in place a Critical Incident Management Plan

34. The following rules are in place for remote learning:

All people involved in the meeting will conduct themselves in a similar manner that would be expected in a regular class. 

Those at the meeting must dress appropriately

Pick a room that is not a bedroom.

Behave as if you are in a classroom

Do not use chat

No food allowed during the meeting.

The staff member has the right to end the meeting for any person being disruptive from a synchronous lesson. 

A family member is expected to be close by when a pupil is engaging in a meeting. They should monitor all online interactions from the pupil.

Staff will not meet any child alone using an online meeting. If there is a need for a meeting between a child with a staff member, another adult must be present at the meeting and/or the meeting must be recorded. 

While chat may be available in an online meeting, it is the responsibility of the child’s family to ensure that any interaction is appropriate. Any interaction from a pupil or a parent/guardian   that could be deemed as inappropriate may result in the child’s removal from the lesson or, where appropriate, a referral to Child Protection services.

Parents/Guardians can   choose if they wish their child to attend particular online classes/assemblies  for that class.

If the school is open for pupils there will be no availability of live lessons for those at home.

Remote teaching policy communicated with all.

Seesaw app or www.oulartns.com school domain will be used if possible for any live lessons/interactions.

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 (revised 2023)

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.