Child Safeguarding

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of Shellybanks ETNS has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement.

The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 as part of its overall Child Safeguarding Statement.

The Board of Management’s Annual Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement was completed at the Board of Management meeting on 22/09/2025 and notifications of this review were sent to staff, the Parent Teacher Association and our patron body, Educate Together.

The Designated Liaison person is responsible for ensuring that all matters pertaining to child safegurding are acted on appropriately. If you have any concerns in relation to child safeguarding, please contact Aiveen immediately and in her absence, please contact Niall.

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.
• 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.