Child Safeguarding

Child Protection and Safeguarding at Clonmoney National School

Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025

The safety, protection and wellbeing of every child is of paramount importance at Clonmoney National School. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment in which all pupils feel respected, supported and protected from harm.

The school operates in accordance with the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025, the Children First Act 2015, and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

The Board of Management has formally adopted the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 in their entirety. These procedures guide all school personnel in recognising, responding to and reporting child protection and welfare concerns.

1. Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is the first point of contact within the school for child protection and welfare concerns.

At Clonmoney National School:

• Designated Liaison Person (DLP): David McCormack, Principal

• Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP): Marion Crimmins, Deputy Principal

• Telephone: (061) 362672

• Email: principal@clonmoneyns.com

Parents/guardians who have a concern about a child’s safety or welfare are encouraged to contact the DLP or, in the DLP’s absence, the Deputy DLP.

Concerns may also be reported directly to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

2. Mandated Persons and Reporting Responsibilities

Under the Children First Act 2015, registered teachers are mandated persons and have specific statutory responsibilities in relation to child protection.

Mandated persons have two principal legal obligations:

1. To report to Tusla concerns about harm to a child that meet or exceed the statutory threshold for mandated reporting.

2. To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern that has been the subject of a mandated report.

All school personnel, including teachers, Special Needs Assistants, administrative staff and other employees, have responsibilities to recognise and report child protection concerns in accordance with the school’s procedures.

3. Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment

The Board of Management is required to prepare and regularly review a Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment.

The Risk Assessment identifies potential risks of harm to children arising from school activities and outlines the procedures and safeguards in place to minimise these risks.

In this context, harm refers to harm as defined under the Children First Act 2015, rather than general health and safety risks.

Our Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment are reviewed annually, or sooner where a material change makes a review necessary.

The Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment for 2026/27 was reviewed and formally ratified by the Board of Management on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, following consultation with school staff and parents/guardians.

4. Board of Management – Child Protection Oversight

Under the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025, the Board of Management has an important oversight role in ensuring that the school’s child protection responsibilities are fulfilled.

At Board meetings, a Child Protection Oversight Report (CPOR) is presented in accordance with the Department’s procedures and reporting requirements.

The Board considers the relevant child protection information in a confidential manner, ensuring that appropriate reporting, record-keeping and oversight arrangements are maintained.

5. Child-Friendly Safeguarding Statement and Trusted Adults

We believe that children should understand their right to feel safe and know whom they can approach if they are worried, upset or feel unsafe.

Our Child-Friendly Safeguarding Statement explains safeguarding in language that is accessible to primary school pupils and identifies the DLP and Deputy DLP.

Through the Stay Safe Programme, SPHE and other school activities, pupils are encouraged to identify trusted adults in their lives and to speak to an adult they trust if they have a concern.

6. Access to Our Safeguarding Documents

The following documents are available on this webpage:

• Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment 2026/27

• Notification of Annual Review 2026/27

• Child-Friendly Safeguarding Statement

The Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment are also displayed prominently near the main entrance to the school.

Copies are available from the school office on request.

Our safeguarding procedures reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Clonmoney National School remains a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for every child.