Robertstown National School INFORMATION PACK

Chairperson's Name: Jim SextonInspector's Name: Margaret DunningNUMBER OF TEACHERS 10NUMBER OF STUDENTS 194 Other teachers working with pupils in this class

Name(s) RoleAOIFE O SULLIVAN SETFIDELMA MURPHY SET

Staff ListTeachers Post Class(es)

MARY DILLON PRINCIPALSARAH O GRADY DEPUTY Fifth/SixthMAEVE STYNES SDP Fourth/FifthFIDELMA MURPHY SDP SETAOIFE O SULLIVAN SDP SETCLAIRE POOLE Junior InfantsSHEILA KILLEEN First/SecondSEAN FLANAGAN Second/ThirdEDEL WHELAN Senior InfantsDAVID BROUDER FirstSHEILA KILLEEN First/SecondMAEVE STYNES Fourth/Fifth

Support StaffName(s) Duties

DEIDRE ANDERSON SNASHEILA LYNCH SNAOLIVE GARRY SNAMARY KELLY SNAMONA JACOB SECRETARY

Other Staff

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Robertstown National SchoolCategory Name Room

INTO Staff Representative CLAIRE POOLE 8Designated Liaison Person MARY DILLON OfficeMentor SARAH O’GRADY 2

School Calendar / Dates for your DiaryEvent Date

SEE WEBSITE www.robertstownns.ie

Daily ArrangementsEvent Time Arrangements

Arrival of PupilsGate opens

8:558:50 – 9:00

TEACHER MEETS PUPILS AT CLASSROOMHOMEWORK IS TAKEN UP AND CORRECTED

Coffee Break - Arrangements for Teachers' Break

Time10:30

TO 10:45

PUPILS EAT IN CLASSROOM BEFORE GOING TO YARD.

Coffee Break - Arrangements for Pupil Supervision

2 TEACHERS ON YARD EACH DAYCHECK ROTA WITH AOIFE

Lunch Break - Arrangements for Teachers' Lunches

Time12:15

TO 12:40

PUPILS EAT IN ROOM UNTIL 2ND BELL, TO GO TO YARD. PUPILS LINE UP IN CLASSROOM BEFORE LEAVING ROOM

FOOD WASTE IN COMPOST BIN, ALL OTHER RUBBISH TO BE TAKEN HOME BY CHILDREN

Lunch Break - Arrangements for Pupil Supervision

SEE ROTA/Aoife

Wet Days Arrangements

PUPILS REMAIN IN ROOM. TEACHER ORGANISES ACTIVITIES

Access to toilets during lunch break

PUPILS NEED PERMISSION FROM TEACHER ON DUTY

Accidents Minor injury:

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Robertstown National SchoolONLY USE WATER TO WASH MINOR WOUND AND REPORT INCIDENT TO CLASS TEACHER AND PARENTSEE FIRST AID POLICY

Serious Injury:GET HELP AND REPORT TO CLASS TEACHER AND PARENTSEE FIRST AID POLICY

Reporting: INCIDENT BOOK IN FIRST AID BOXPupil Illnesses USE SMS TEXT SERVICE IF POSSIBLE TO INFORM PARENT OF

ANY ILLNESS. SEND NOTE TO OFFICE, MONA WILL SEND SMS.

Arrangements for escorting Infants off the premises

Time1:35 ESCORT PUPILS TO FRONT GATE

Teachers need this time to tidy up and to prepare for the following day

Arrangements for escorting pupils off the premises

Time2:35 SUPERVISE ALL PUPILS TO FRONT GATE

End of Day PLEASE ASK EACH CHILD TO CLEAN THE FLOOR AREA AROUND THEIR DESK BEFORE THEY LEAVE THE CLASSROOM

Homework PolicyJournal, weekend homework…

Recommended times per class group

SEE HOMEWORK POLICY ON NETWORKJun Infants 0 – 10 minutesSen Infants Up to 20 minutesFirst Up to 30 minutesSecond Up to 40 minutesThird Up to 50 minutesFourth Up to 1 hourFifth Up to 1 hour 15 minutesSixth Up to 1 hour 30 minutes It is the schools policy to correct all homework that is given to children. Feedback should also be given to parents on occasion.

Health & Safety Issues Essentials

Complete statement available in…STAFF NET WORK

ALL PUPILS MUST BE SIGNED IN AND OUT OUTSIDE OF NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS

Policies and Practices

Code of Behaviour. SEE WEBSITE AND NETWORK

Partnership in our school

Parents – their involvement in activities

PARENTS ARE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATEIN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AT VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Your PupilsClass/Group

NameLIST FROM MONA

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Robertstown National SchoolClass RollProcedures for Calling

Recording AbsencesProcedures

Daily Attendance Procedures for Collection of Numbers

ROLL SHOULD BE CALLED BEFORE 10:15am

ROLL BOOK. KEEP LETTERS FROM PARENTS AT BACK OF ROLL BOOK. ALSO A RECORD IS KEPT ON www.aladdinschools.com

NUMBERS COLLECTED BEFORE 10.30

Information from previous teacher How to access files and where files are stored

ALL RESULTS OF TESTS FROM SET TEACHERS

Classroom Rules/Routines and Systems

RULES SHOULD BE DISPLAYED IN ROOM AND PUPILS REMINDED OF THESE FREQUENTLY

Procedures when leaving the classroom

NEVER LEAVE CLASS UNATTENDED. SNA OR TEACHER NEXT DOOR WILL SUPERVISE WHEN NECESSARY

Who to call on for immediate advice, help etc.

MENTORS OR TEACHER NEXT DOORPRINCIPAL IS ALWAYS HAPPY TO OFFER ADVICE WHEN NECESSARY

Materials/resources available for the teacher Location and access arrangements

PE EQUIPMENT IN SHEDMUSIC EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE HALLSCIENCE EQUIPMENT IN ROOM 1 & OUTSIDE STAFFROOMIT EQUIPMENT FROM SARAH

ALL POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE ON NETWORK OR FROM OFFICE

STAFF MEETINGS ONCE A MONTH SEE CALENDAR ON WEBSITE OR IN OFFICE

PARENT/ TEACHER MEETINGS ARE HELD IN FEBRUARY ALWAYS LOCK AWAY LAPTOPS EACH EVENING FILTERS ON INTERACTIVE BOARDS MUST BE CLEANED

EVERY WEEK (ASK SARAH)

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Robertstown National SchoolInformation on the Board of Management

The Board is made up of the following people: Two direct nominees of the Patron Two parents of children enrolled in the school (one being a

mother, the other a father) elected by the general body of parents of children enrolled in the school

The Principal teacher of the school One other teacher on the staff of the school, elected by vote

of the teaching staff Plus two extra members proposed unanimously by the above

nominees

In our school, Jim Sexton is the Chairman of the Board, Robert Downey and Elaine Donoughue are our parent representatives. Sarah O Grady is the teacher representative, Assumta Hogarty and Miriam Lyons represent the Trustees. Fr. Moore represents the Patron of the school.The Board is responsible for the management of the School and promoting its success in all its activities so that the highest quality of education is delivered to all the pupils.The school operates an open-door policy for parents.  Should you have any concerns about your child, it is always best to talk to the class teacher or the Principal as soon as possible. This is where issues can best be dealt with. The school has an agreed procedure for dealing with matters of concern. This is available in the school office.

Parents AssociationThe Parents Association consists of:Eimir Kennedy ChairpersonSuzanne O’Kelly SecretaryDavid Kelly TreasurerMiriam Lyons Liaison

We would like to thank our outgoing association and welcome our new Parents Association.

Aims:The code aims at:Creating a caring, ordered environment based on respect and tolerance where each child can feel secure and confident.

Strategies to promote Positive Behaviour: * Ensuring that pupils are treated fairly, equally and firmly * A quiet word or gesture to show approval * Matching work with pupil’s abilities. A prize/reward carefully noted by the teacher to ensure that all children at regular stages during the school year are rewarded for effort/behaviour/skill etc. Teacher’s creating moments of success and then acknowledging them.

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Robertstown National School * A comment in a pupil’s exercise book * A visit to another member of staff or the Principal for commendation * A word of praise in front of a group or class * Entry of a record of good behaviour in the Happy Golden Book * Delegating some responsibility or privilege * A mention to a parent – written or verbal * Teacher records improvement in the behaviour of a disruptive pupil * Implementation of Programmes such as Circle Time to promote positive behaviour

The above list is not comprehensive and consists of examples only.

SCHOOL RULES Golden Rules:Children cannot remember long lists of rules. The rules outlined in this policy provide clear guidelines for members of our school community and senior pupils as to what type of behaviour is expected of pupils and adults within our school. The Golden Rules of the Circle Time programme are on display throughout the school. These rules outline for the children what is expected of them, in a language they understand and incorporate our school motto ‘Show Respect and Expect Respect’. Children from Junior Infants – 6th classes will be reminded of these rules and will discuss them regularly. It is expected that the children will know them by 2nd class. Be Gentle Don’t hurt anyoneBe kind and helpful Don’t hurt people’s feelingsBe honest Don’t cover up the truthWork hard Don’t waste timeLook after property Don’t waste or damage things or take

things that don’t belong to you / wait your turn to talk

Listen to people Don’t interrupt School Rules:School rules are devised with regard to the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. It is imperative that adults “practise what they preach” in their interaction with children every day. The School Rules listed below provide clear guidelines for all members of the school community.

* Pupils enter and leave the school building at all times in an orderly fashion. * In the interest of safety pupils must walk within the school building and quietness is expected while children are getting ready

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Robertstown National Schoolto enter/exit class i.e. while queuing, while putting on coats in cloakrooms etc. * Pupils are expected to treat all staff members, themselves and each other with due respect and courtesy. Pupils are taught to stand back for an adult, to welcome visitors and to show respect for their elders. * Bullying is never allowed. Any behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to be safe is unacceptable. * Bad language is unacceptable. Inappropriate language if used towards a teacher or anywhere within the school is considered a serious breach of the code. * We encourage pupils to wear their full school uniform which includes tie and shoes. Black trainers only to be worn with tracksuits. * Chewing gum, glass bottles, correction fluids, other solvents, matches, cigarettes, alcohol or drugs are not allowed. * Jewellery is not allowed except for one small stud earring in the bottom of each ear and a watch. * Make-up is not worn during school times * Cycling in school grounds is forbidden * We encourage children to bring healthy lunches (see Healthy Lunch Policy) * Children are not allowed Mobile phones within the school grounds. If a child is found with a mobile phone it will be confiscated. In exceptional circumstances arrangements may be made between the principal and parents of the child to hold a mobile phone for a child in the office for use after school hours. * We encourage hairstyles to be kept neat and conventional . For hygiene purposes hair must be tied back. * Pupils must respect the school building and property. If any deliberate damage is caused, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the cost of repair/replacement.

School Environment:We pride ourselves on retaining and flying the School’s Green Flag denoting an environmentally friendly policy. * Pupils are expected to value our school environment and to care for it. The school is a litter-free zone. * To protect the environment, the school is involved in various projects:

Composting: Fruit peels, pencil parings, etc. are collected for the purpose of compostingRecycling: Waste paper and cardboard are collected for recycling.All other empty cartons drink containers and wrapping papers are considered household waste and are taken home. Behaviour in Class and in School Building:

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Robertstown National School * Pupils must not behave in such a manner as to disrupt class work or to cause unnecessary disturbance. * It is school policy that every pupil listens to the class teacher, works hard; making best use of their time in school and does their best.

Behaviour in the Playground: * All pupils have a right to enjoy their time out in the playground in a safe environment at break periods. * Misdemeanour consists of any action that puts the safety of self or others at risk. * Fighting, rough play or any physical force is never allowed or tolerated. * In the interests of safety, climbing on the school railings/walls is strictly forbidden. * In the interest of safety when the bell rings during playtimes the children stop playing and walk to their class lines in an orderly fashion. Children do not enter the school building without getting permission from teachers.

Wet days: * Children do activities in class based on the class teacher’s instructions or supervising teacher’s instructions. * Children are expected to stay in their places on wet days except with permission from the teacher.

Swimming days: * Every pupil listens to and obeys the class teacher. * Children walk in line behind the teacher to the swimming pool. No running allowed. * No shouting or playing in dressing rooms. * Every pupil listens to and obeys the instructor and life guard * No running around pool area * Swimming caps required. Arm bands needed for beginners and shower socks may be worn. * Children do not leave the pool without permission from the instructor or teacher * No jumping into the pool from the side – unless under the instructor’s directions. No pushing or rough play in the pool * Children are expected to dress quickly after each session * Hairsprays/gels/spray deodorants are not allowed. Roll-on deodorants are allowed for 4th – 6th class pupils. Shampoo is allowed. * No drinks/sweets are bought from the machine.

Tour Rules: * Pupils enter/leave the bus in an orderly manner * Pupils are expected to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Parents are expected to contact the school 15 minutes before departure time if child is sick or unable to attend. * School Rules apply to school tours

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Robertstown National School * Mobile phones and electronic devices are banned on school tours. Teachers will have mobile phones on tour if parents/ children need to get in contact with one another. * On the bus pupils must sit in their seats and avoid loudness that would distract the driver * Pupils are encouraged to take drinks and sweets at the appointed lunch breaks. * Pupils stay in their appointed groups at all times. * Pupils wear track suits on school tours * Parental/Guardian permission slips allowing a) the child to go on tour and b) the teacher the right to authorise any medical or surgical procedure necessary are returned to the teacher prior to the tour.

Travelling to events outside of the school:Children receiving lifts from other parents to or from matches or other school events must have permission from their parents to do so.Children are expected to adhere to the school’s code of behaviour at all times and sanctions will be put in place if rules are broken.SanctionsThe use of sanctions is an important element in the school code. They are used in a corrective way and are intended to help the child to change and improve his or her behavioural patterns. * The nature of the misbehaviour and the age of the child will determine the strategy to be employed Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions to deal with Bullying:Bullying is a serious misdemeanour and the sanctions applied are the same as those listed below for serious misdemeanours. * Apology to the victim * A record is kept. Pupil/s write an account of the incident/s that lead to the Bullying behaviour and what they have learned from this episode in their lives – parents must sign this. * Pupils may be removed from activity if endangering self or others. * Pupil is sent to Principal/Deputy Principal and made aware that suspension could be a possibility * In cases where it has been determined that bullying behaviour has occurred the Principal/Deputy Principal informs parents. * Suspension procedures may follow if deemed necessary by the school authorities.

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions to deal with Misdemeanours:The degree of misdemeanours i.e. minor, serious or gross, will be judged by the teachers and/or Principal based on a common sense approach with regard to the gravity/frequency of such misdemeanours. Examples of Minor Misdemeanours:

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Robertstown National School * Interrupting class work/ arriving late for school/ running in school building/not listening and speaking out of turn/leaving seat without permission at break or lunch time/ placing unfinished food in bins/ leaving litter around school/ not wearing correct uniform/ being discourteous or unmannerly/ not completing homework without good reason/ bringing sweets and bars to school/ wearing jewellery (Jewellery is not allowed except for one small stud earring in the bottom of each ear and a watch)/ wearing make-up / belongings not named/ * unsuitable hairstyles, hair not tied back / not bringing explanation notes for absences and homework/ wearing unsuitable shoes/ cycling in school grounds. Examples of steps to be taken by teachers when dealing with Minor Misdemeanours: * The class teacher will normally deal with classroom misdemeanours. * Verbal reprimand and reasoning with the pupil, including advice on how to improve, setting realistic targets. * Time out from friends and others (to reflect on the misbehaviour). * Loss of privileges such as ‘Golden Time’, Game time, extra recreation time etc. * Noting incidence of yard misbehaviour in yard book * Note in homework journal or other to parents. Examples of steps to be taken when dealing with REGULAR occurrences of Minor Misdemeanours: * A record is kept of regular instances of misdemeanour.Following 5 instances the teacher will contact parents of child to discuss behaviour. Communicating with parents sooner rather than later * Following this if the child continues with misdemeanours the pupil is sent to Principal/Deputy Principal. * Principal/Deputy Principal meets parent(s)/guardians concerning behaviour.

Examples of Serious Misdemeanours:Constantly disruptive in class/ telling lies/stealing/damaging or interfering with another person’s property/bullying/back answering a teacher/leaving school premises during school day without appropriate permission/ using or writing unacceptable language/ bringing chewing gum, glass bottles, correction fluids or other solvents to school/ deliberately injuring a fellow pupil or partaking in any activity which would put themselves or others in danger/ deliberately leaving taps on/ misuse of fire equipment/ bringing in mobile phones without permission Examples of steps to be taken when dealing with Serious Misdemeanours:

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Robertstown National School * A record is kept of all serious misdemeanours. * Pupils may be removed from activity if endangering self or others * Pupil is sent to Principal/Deputy Principal and made aware that suspension could be a possibility * Principal/Deputy Principal contacts parent/guardian * Suspension procedures may follow if deemed necessary by the school authorities. Examples of Gross Misdemeanours:Deliberately vandalizing school property/ aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil. Bringing alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or matches to school. Examples of steps to be taken when dealing with Gross Misdemeanours: * A record is kept * Principal/Deputy Principal contacts parent/guardian * Suspension or expulsion may be consideredImmediate suspension will be considered if another child or person`s safety is threatened. Procedure for Suspension: * Parents are invited to meet with class teacher, Principal and/or chairperson to discuss the gross incident of misdemeanour or serious misdemeanour. * Communication to parents regarding the suspension of a pupil or the possibility of suspension will be in writing. * A written statement of the terms and date of termination of a suspension will be given to parents. * If the suspension of a pupil is for six days, the Principal informs the Education Welfare Officer in writing. * When a period of suspension ends, the pupil should be re-admitted formally to class by the Principal/Deputy Principal. * Where a satisfactory resolution of a problem is achieved, a pupil may be re-admitted to school within a suspension period at the discretion of the Chairperson of the Board and Principal. Procedure for Expulsion: * The above procedures for suspension are followed in the case of expelling a pupil from the school. * Prior to the expulsion of a pupil the Education Welfare Officer must be notified in writing of the school’s intention twenty days in advance. Success Criteria: (by which the policy will be judged) * Atmosphere of discipline within the school * Children are aware of school rules * Staff apply school rules * Growth in self discipline

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Robertstown National School * Co-operation between parents, teachers and pupils in maintaining the code. * Comments or compliments on behaviour. * Children working to the best of their ability * Class working to the best of their ability * Improvements in behaviour Monitoring and Review:Each staff member is responsible for the implementation of the Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy. Within the classroom the teacher monitors his/her class. Teachers consider themselves responsible for the behaviour of children within sight or sound of them and respond to any instance of unacceptable behaviour. The principal is responsible for monitoring and reviewing Policy at staff level on a regular basis and reports any review the staff deem necessary to the Board of Management. The Board of Management (BOM) has ultimate responsibility for discipline in the school under its management and a duty to ensure that a fair code of discipline applies therein. The BOM will ensure the Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policy is reviewed yearly or more often if the need arises. In registering children in Robertstown National School parents are expected to support teachers in following the policies and procedures of the school. A copy of all policies and procedures is available for view by all parents. Parents are informed at the start of every school year that they may receive a copy of all policies and procedures if they so wish.

Child Protection PolicySchools have an obligation to provide students with the highest possible standard of care in order to promote their well-being and protect them from harm. School personnel are especially well placed to observe changes in behaviour, failure to develop or outward signs of abuse in children.

Procedures in dealing with a disclosure/suspicion from a child/third party Teachers who suspect child abuse should report their concerns to

the DLP at the first instance and carefully record their observations over a period of time.

Disclosures of Child Abuse from a third party will be reported to the DLP. If a third party starts to tell a teacher about an alleged child abuse incident the teacher will ask them to speak to the DLP. If the person does not inform the DLP the teacher will do so.

Where a child discloses alleged abuse to a staff member, the person receiving that information should listen carefully and

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Robertstown National Schoolsupportively. Great care must be taken not to abuse the child’s trust. This should not be a formal interview.

Listen to the childDo not ask leading questions or make suggestions to the childOffer reassurance but do not make promisesDo not stop a child recalling significant eventsDo not over-reactConfidentiality should be assured – explain that further help may have to be soughtRecord the discussion accurately noting:

What, where and when?Descriptions and possible sketches of physical injuriesExplanations of injuries using direct quotations if appropriateSign and date the recordRetain the record securely

Whether cases of abuse are suspected or confirmed, confidentiality will be respected. The information on individual cases will be restricted to the teacher(s) immediately involved with the child and will be on a need to know basis.

The DLP will record the incident. It is not the function of the teacher or the DLP to investigate the issue.

If the suspected abuser is the DLP then the suspicion and any records will be passed on to the Chairperson who will proceed as per guidelines.

The Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed of the disclosure.

Informal contact with the designated person in the Midland Health Board will be made, seeking advice as to whether a referral should be made. The DLP will be explicit that s/he is requesting advice and not making a report. It is not necessary at this stage for the DLP to disclose his/her name or the name of the school.

The advice given by the Health Board must be acted upon. If the advice is not to refer, the DLP will record this advice as the

reason for non-referral. The chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed.

If the advice from the Health Board is to refer the case, the DLP will do so. However, prior to referring, the DLP will inform the parent of her intention to refer, unless this course of action is injurious to the child.

Following referral and the completion of the standard form, the school will have no further part to play in the investigation.

If a case conference is required, the DLP will be invited to attend.All records will be held in a central, securely locked location.

Allegations against an employee Procedures followed are similar to those of a disclosure Employee is made aware of the allegation against him/her

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Robertstown National School Employee will be given the opportunity to respond to the

allegation in writing and at a meeting of the Board of Management

BOM meeting to review the allegation, giving due consideration to any advice given by Health Board and Gardai

The BOM will consider placing the employee on administrative leave, with full pay, pending the outcome of investigations by the Health Board and Gardai

On conclusion of any investigation the BOM will then determine the employment status of the employee

Organisational ImplicationsSupervisionSchool supervision policy and routines will be followed by all staff to ensure that there is comprehensive supervision of children at all breaks and before and after school.

BehaviourChildren are to be encouraged at all times to play co-operatively and inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under our Code of Behaviour. If an incident occurs which we consider to be of a sexualised nature we will notify the DLP who will record it and respond to it appropriately.

VisibilityTeachers will ensure that children are visible in the school yard. Children will not be allowed to spend time in classrooms, toilets or sheds where they would not be under adult supervision. They are not to leave the school yard or to engage with adults who are outside of the school yard.

VisitorsTeachers on yard duty will be aware of visitors entering the school yard and will ascertain their intentions. They will be supervised in the discharge of their business. All school entrance/exit doors are locked after the children enter the school.

SwimmingChildren will walk to the swimming pool under the teacher’s directionAll adults assisting with supervision in the changing rooms will act in “loco parentis” and as such will act as prudent parents helping children to return to school as dry as possible. Parent helpers will be briefed around our swimming procedures.

Children travelling in staff carsTeachers will not carry children alone in their cars. At least two children must travel with the teacher in the car or another adult and child.

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Robertstown National SchoolInduction of Teachers and Ancillary StaffThe DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary staff of this policy and the Children First Guidelines (1999).Dealing with children on a one-to-one basisIf a staff member has to work/deal/communicate with children on a one-to-one basis, they are requested to leave the classroom door open. A glass partition has been fitted in the doors of all resource/special needs rooms.

AttendanceWith regards to child protection we will pay particular attention to trends in non attendance. We will also monitor non-attendance in correlation with signs of neglect/physical/emotional abuse.

Mindful of this primary duty of care, the Board of Management of Robertstown N.S. fully endorses “Children First”, the designated guidelines for the protection and welfare of children as issued by the Department of Health and Children, September 1999 and “Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures” from the Department of Education & Science, April 2001.

The Board nominates Mary Dillon as the designated liaison person (DLP) to act as a liaison with outside agencies such as health board and as a resource person to any staff having child protection concerns.

In the absence of Mary Dillon, Sarah O’Grady will act as Deputy Designated Liaison Person.

The Board will ensure that appropriate and ongoing training as necessary will be available for DLP and the DDLP.

The board fully endorses arrangements for the vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff as outlined in Circular 0094/2006, June 2006, for the Department of Education & Science.

Recognising that the safety and well being of children attending the school is a priority, the Board undertakes to include Child Protection & Health & Safety matters as items on the agenda of all Board meetings forthwith.

The Board will ensure that all school staff, teaching and non-teaching are aware of their obligations under the guidelines detailed in Children first and the procedures to be followed in the event of concern.

The Board recognises that it has two duties of care. The primary duty is the protection, safety and welfare of the children attending Robertstown National School. The Board as an employer also has duties and responsibilities towards its employees.

As an employer, the Board will seek legal advice if an allegation of abuse is made against a school employee.

The Board will adhere to the protocol outlined in Ch. 4. Allegations or Suspicions of Child Abuse of School Employees, in “Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures” from the

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Robertstown National SchoolDepartment of Education & Science 2001, to authorise any actions required to protect the children in its care. The Board notes that school employees may be subject to erroneous or malicious allegations. Any allegation of abuse should be dealt with sensitively. The employee should be treated fairly which includes the right not to be judged in advance of a full and fair enquiry. The Board accepts that the principles of natural justice and fair procedures must be adhered to.

The Board believes that the academic, personal and social development of children flourishes in a culture where good relationships are encouraged, people feel valued and respected and appropriate support is available for those in difficulty.

The Board is committed to the maintenance of the environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to express themselves and are listened to. All children in the school will be made aware that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried. In addition, opportunities will be included in the curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to keep them safe.

The Board undertakes to circulate this Child Protection policy statement to all parents and guardians at time of enrolment and on a regular basis thereafter. This policy statement and “Children First” will be available for viewing at the school office.

This policy statement regarding Child Protection at Robertstown N.S. applies to all staff, members of the Board of Management, volunteers and contractors working in the school.

This policy statement will be subject to review at the start of each academic year forthwith

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Robertstown National School

Substitute Staff Information

Name ______________________Address ______________________

____________________________________________

______________________Date of Birth ______________________P.P.S. No. ______________________

Contact No.Mobile ______________________Home ______________________Email ______________________

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