Robertstown National School
INFORMATION PACK
Chairperson's Name:
Jim Sexton
Inspector's Name:
Margaret Dunning
NUMBER OF TEACHERS
10
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
194
Other teachers working with pupils in this class
Name(s)
Role
AOIFE O SULLIVAN
SET
FIDELMA MURPHY
SET
Staff List
Teachers
Post
Class(es)
MARY DILLON
PRINCIPAL
SARAH O GRADY
DEPUTY
Fifth/Sixth
MAEVE STYNES
SDP
Fourth/Fifth
FIDELMA MURPHY
SDP
SET
AOIFE O SULLIVAN
SDP
SET
CLAIRE POOLE
Junior Infants
SHEILA KILLEEN
First/Second
SEAN FLANAGAN
Second/Third
EDEL WHELAN
Senior Infants
DAVID BROUDER
First
SHEILA KILLEEN
First/Second
MAEVE STYNES
Fourth/Fifth
Support Staff
Name(s)
Duties
DEIDRE ANDERSON
SNA
SHEILA LYNCH
SNA
OLIVE GARRY
SNA
MARY KELLY
SNA
MONA JACOB
SECRETARY
Roll No: 18430B
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Robertstown National School
Other Staff
Category
Name
Room
INTO Staff Representative
CLAIRE POOLE
8
Designated Liaison Person
MARY DILLON
Office
Mentor
SARAH O’GRADY
2
School Calendar / Dates for your Diary
Event
Date
SEE WEBSITE www.robertstownns.ie
Daily Arrangements
Event
Time
Arrival of Pupils
Gate opens
8:55
8:50 – 9:00
Coffee Break Arrangements for
Teachers' Break
Time
10:30
TO 10:45
Lunch Break Arrangements for
Pupil Supervision
TEACHER MEETS PUPILS AT CLASSROOM
HOMEWORK IS TAKEN UP AND CORRECTED
PUPILS EAT IN CLASSROOM BEFORE GOING TO
YARD.
2 TEACHERS ON YARD EACH DAY
CHECK ROTA WITH AOIFE
Coffee Break Arrangements for
Pupil Supervision
Lunch Break Arrangements for
Teachers' Lunches
Arrangements
Time
12:15
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
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
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Robertstown National School
Accidents
Minor injury:
ONLY USE WATER TO WASH MINOR WOUND AND REPORT
INCIDENT TO CLASS TEACHER AND PARENT
SEE FIRST AID POLICY
Serious Injury:
GET HELP AND REPORT TO CLASS TEACHER AND PARENT
SEE FIRST AID POLICY
Pupil Illnesses
Arrangements for
escorting Infants
off the premises
Arrangements for
escorting pupils off
the premises
Reporting: INCIDENT BOOK IN FIRST AID BOX
USE SMS TEXT SERVICE IF POSSIBLE TO INFORM PARENT OF
ANY ILLNESS. SEND NOTE TO OFFICE, MONA WILL SEND SMS.
Time
1:35
Time
2:35
ESCORT PUPILS TO FRONT GATE
Teachers need this time to tidy up and to prepare for
the following day
SUPERVISE ALL PUPILS TO FRONT GATE
PLEASE ASK EACH CHILD TO CLEAN THE FLOOR AREA
AROUND THEIR DESK BEFORE THEY LEAVE THE CLASSROOM
SEE HOMEWORK POLICY ON NETWORK
Jun Infants
0 – 10 minutes
Homework Policy
Sen Infants
Up to 20 minutes
Journal, weekend
First
Up to 30 minutes
homework…
Second
Up to 40 minutes
Third
Up to 50 minutes
Recommended times
Fourth
Up to 1 hour
per class group
Fifth
Up to 1 hour 15 minutes
Sixth
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.
Complete statement available in…
Health & Safety
STAFF NET WORK
Issues
Essentials
ALL PUPILS MUST BE SIGNED IN AND OUT OUTSIDE OF
NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS
Policies and
Code of Behaviour. SEE WEBSITE AND NETWORK
Practices
Parents – their involvement in activities
Partnership in our
school
PARENTS ARE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE
IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AT VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR.
Class/Group
Name
Your Pupils
LIST FROM MONA
End of Day
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Robertstown National School
Class Roll
Procedures for
Calling
ROLL SHOULD BE CALLED BEFORE 10:15am
Recording
Absences
Procedures
ROLL BOOK. KEEP LETTERS FROM PARENTS AT BACK OF
ROLL BOOK. ALSO A RECORD IS KEPT ON
www.aladdinschools.com
Daily Attendance
Procedures for
Collection of
Numbers
Information from
previous teacher
How to access files
and where files are
stored
NUMBERS COLLECTED BEFORE 10.30
ALL RESULTS OF TESTS FROM SET TEACHERS
Classroom
RULES SHOULD BE DISPLAYED IN ROOM AND PUPILS
Rules/Routines and
REMINDED OF THESE FREQUENTLY
Systems
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 DOOR
PRINCIPAL IS ALWAYS HAPPY TO OFFER ADVICE WHEN
NECESSARY
Materials/resources
available for the
teacher
Location and access
arrangements
PE EQUIPMENT IN SHED
MUSIC EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE HALL
SCIENCE EQUIPMENT IN ROOM 1 & OUTSIDE STAFFROOM
IT 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 School
Information 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 Association
The Parents Association consists of:
Eimir Kennedy
Chairperson
Suzanne O’Kelly
Secretary
David Kelly
Treasurer
Miriam 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.
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Robertstown National School
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.
* 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
Be kind and helpful
Be honest
Work hard
Look after property
Listen to people
Don’t hurt anyone
Don’t hurt people’s feelings
Don’t cover up the truth
Don’t waste time
Don’t waste or damage things or take
things that don’t belong to you / wait your
turn to talk
Don’t interrupt
School Rules:
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Robertstown National School
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 to 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:
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Robertstown National School
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 composting
Recycling: 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:
* 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
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Robertstown National School
* 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
* 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.
Sanctions
The 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
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Robertstown National School
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:
* 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.
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Robertstown National School
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:
* 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 considered
Immediate suspension will be considered if another child or person`s
safety is threatened.
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Robertstown National School
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
* 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.
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Robertstown National School
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 Policy
Schools 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 supportively.
Great care must be taken not to abuse the child’s trust. This should not
be a formal interview.
Listen to the child
Do not ask leading questions or make suggestions to the child
Offer reassurance but do not make promises
Do not stop a child recalling significant events
Do not over-react
Confidentiality should be assured – explain that further help may have
to be sought
Record the discussion accurately noting:
What, where and when?
Descriptions and possible sketches of physical injuries
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Robertstown National School
Explanations of injuries using direct quotations if appropriate
Sign and date the record
Retain 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
 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
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Robertstown National School

On conclusion of any investigation the BOM will then determine the
employment status of the employee
Organisational Implications
Supervision
School 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.
Behaviour
Children 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.
Visibility
Teachers 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.
Visitors
Teachers 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.
Swimming
Children will walk to the swimming pool under the teacher’s direction
All 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 cars
Teachers 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.
Induction of Teachers and Ancillary Staff
The DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary
staff of this policy and the Children First Guidelines (1999).
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Robertstown National School
Dealing with children on a one-to-one basis
If 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.
Attendance
With 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.
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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 Department of Education &
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Robertstown National School
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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