-It should be noted that information given to members of staff about possible child abuse cannot be held in confidence. I n the interests of the child the staff may have to share this information with other professionals.. however only those who need to be know will be told..
The school will update the school’s Child Protection Policy and procedures in light of any further guidance and legislation and review it annually..
St Patrick’s Primary School is committed to the provision of a high quality of education for all
pupils and high standards to all whom it serves.
We believe that the fostering of trust and good relationships with the Parents/Guardians of our pupils is very important. A close partnership
between home and school should help ensure that all our children learn and develop to their full
potential in a caring, supportive and safe
environment.
Good communication is essential if we are to achieve this. If you have any concerns about any aspect of your son/daughters care/education, please contact the school and arrange a meeting with the Principal and/or the Class Teacher.
We would also encourage you to attend our
Parent/Teacher meetings, so that members of staff can keep you informed regarding your child’s progress and development.
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety you should use the following procedures to make a complaint:
· I have a concern about my child’s safety.
· I can talk to the Class Teacher.
· If I am still concerned, I can talk to the Designated teacher for child protection Mrs Mary Grugan. Or the Deputy Teacher, Mrs Bradley
· If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Chairman of the Board of Governors., Mr Patrick Brolly
AT ANY TIME I CAN TALK TO THE SOCIAL WORKER IN THE GATEWAY TEAM-TEL 028 71314090
OR PSNI PUBLIC PROTECTION UNIT-08456008000
TTTT

This leaflet can only provide a summary of our Child Protection Policy. .a more detailed one is on our website-
www.stpatricksgortin.co.uk .
This Policy will be reviewed annually and issued to parents every 2 years.. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact the school..
The following are a list of all related Pastoral Care Policies which are available on the website..
PASTORAL CARE
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
ANTI BULLYING
USE OF REASONABLE FORCE/SAFE HANDLING
SEN
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
E-SAFETY
INTIMATE CARE
COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS
SCHOOL TEL-02881648420
EMAIL..mgrugan400@c2kni.net

PASTORAL CARE
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
CHILD PROTECTION
SUMMARY

AIMS
St Patrick’s Primary School aims to establish a caring environment within which the academic, personal, social and spiritual potential of each child will be developed. The pastoral dimension permeates all school activities.
We in St Patrick’s have a primary responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the pupils in our charge and we will carry out this duty through out Pastoral Care Policy which aims to provide a caring, supportive and safe environment.
PRINCIPLES
Our Child Protection Policy is based on the following principles:
The child’s welfare must always be paramount.
Children must always have a right to be heard, to be listened to and to be taken seriously.
Parents/Carers have a right to respect but a proper balance must be struck between ensuring this and protecting children.
Every child has the fundamental right to be safe from harm and have proper care given to their physical, emotional and spiritual well being.
SCHOOL SAFEGUARDING TEAM
-CHAIR OF B.O.G MR PATRICK BROLLY
THE DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR CHILD PROTECTION MRS MARY ELIZABETH HAGENSON
THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL-MRS MARY GRUGAN
THE DESIGNATED TEACHER FOR CHILD PROTECTION-MRS MARY GRUGAN
THE DEPUTY DESIGNATED TEACHER FOR CHILD PROTECTION-MRS CIARA BRADLEY
MEMBERS OF THE TEAM HAVE CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE SAFEGUARDING OF PUPILS WITHIN THE SCHOOL AND THESE ARE DETAILED IN OUR FULL CHILD PROTECTION POLICY..

PROCEDURES
We at St Patrick’s all follow the following procedures on Child Protection to protect our pupils.
All staff teachers, non-teaching staff and volunteers will have clear guidance on the action which is required where abuse or neglect of a child is suspected.
All staff and volunteers will undergo a vetting procedure in order to maintain the highest standard of professional care towards our children.
All teaching and ancillary staff will attend a Child Protection training programme organised by the Designated Teacher.
Children will be supervised at all times while in the school grounds.
When it is necessary for a child to travel on a different bus from their normal one or to be collected by a different person, permission will only be given on receipt of a written request by a parent/guardian. Parents must give written permission for their child to walk home unaccompanied..
Access to the school building is granted by the caretaker, secretary or other member of staff after ringing buzzer at the main entrance.
All visitors to the school must report to the secretary’s office.
Bullying is a highly distressing and damaging form of abuse and will be responded to sensitively in our school. All staff will be vigilant at all times and will aim to prevent bullying by raising an awareness with pupils, staff and parents about bullying, its forms and consequences.

All staff at St Patrick’s Primary School will ensure that all children are aware of who they can talk to if they are sad, worried, being bullied or have any other concerns.
The Designated Teacher and person with overall responsibility for child protection is Mrs Grugan.(Principal)
The Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs C Bradley..
The EA –Western Child Protection Officer is Marian Mc Bride..
The Department of Education in Northern Ireland required all those working in education to
co-operate fully with social services and other Agencies to protect children. It is therefore our duty to refer if here is a concern about any form of abuse. The following diagram shows the
procedures we are required to follow as described in the Department of Education of Northern
Ireland publication ‘Pastoral Care in School—Child Protection (1999)

Disclosure/Concerns regarding abuse or neglect

Designated Teacher for Child protection informed(Mrs Grugan)

Principal (Mrs Grugan)informed
Plan of Action agreed-
Referral Decision taken.

Referral —
Social Services and WELB
Informed and Chair of Governors

No referral (Parents informed of school concerns)

School will continue to monitor pupils as appropriate