DES Child Protection Procedures
The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools were developed following extensive consultation with the education partners and are based on Children First. The Guidelines set out:
- The legal framework for the Procedures
- Guidance on definition and recognition of abuse
- The responsibilities of all school personnel
- Guidance on reporting of concerns, and the role of the HSE
- Guidance on how allegations or suspicions of abuse regarding school employees should be dealt with
- Guidance on dealing with peer abuse and bullying
Schools are obliged to adopt these procedures formally. INTO advises all teachers that they make themselves familiar with their responsibilities under the Procedures in order to ensure that the protection of children from abuse is a priority.
Updated September 2012