In Ireland, schools follow strict Child Protection Procedures outlined by the Department of Education and TUSLA (the child and family agency) to ensure every child’s safety. Here’s an overview of the key details parents should understand:
1. What is child protection?
Child protection aims ensure that children are safe from harm, abuse, or neglect. This includes safeguarding their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
2. Who is responsible in schools?
Each school in Ireland has a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and a Deputy DLP to handle child protection concerns. In our school:
- Andrew Monaghan is the Designated Liaison Person (DLP).
- Eamhair Conroy is the Deputy DLP, acting as a backup if Mr Monaghan is on leave.
Both are trained to respond to concerns about a child’s safety and well-being.
3. What happens if there is a concern?
If a staff member has concerns about a child’s welfare, or a child makes a disclosure to a staff member, they report it to the DLP. The DLP reviews the concern with the staff member to discuss if it meets the threshold of whether to refer the matter to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Often, the DLP will call the duty social worker to get advice on the situation. If the duty social worker advises to report, the matter will be reported to Tusla. All teachers are mandated persons and if it meets the threshold, they are legally required to report, regardless of their personal thoughts. This reporting is always done in an unbiased way, without making judgement of the situation, the likelihood of it being true or not, or any assumptions about the situation.
In most situations, parents will be informed that the report has been made by the school DLP or DDLP. In some situations, depending on the nature of the concern and the guidance provided by Tusla, a social worker will be the person to inform the parents.
If a report is made, Tusla will follow up with the school and the parents. They may speak directly to the child first, or to the parents. In most situations Tusla processes the report in a supportive manner, and it is closed after some discussion/explanation.
In serious cases, Tusla or the Gardaí may become directly involved to ensure the child’s safety.
4. How are staff trained?
All school staff receive mandatory child protection training under the Children First Act 2015. This training ensures that teachers and staff can recognise signs of abuse or neglect and respond appropriately.
We have recently had whole staff training on the updated child protection procedures. You can find the current procedures and the new procedures here.
In the coming months, the Board of Management will adopt the new child protection procedures. We will inform parents/guardians once the procedures have been adopted.
5. What should parents know about reporting?
Teachers are considered Mandated Persons under Irish law. This means they are legally required/obliged to report concerns or disclosures directly to Tusla. They do not have a choice, and they do not have a role in assessing the disclosure. Tusla may also act independently if necessary to protect a child’s welfare.
6. How can parents support child protection efforts?
Parents are encouraged to maintain open communication with the school. If you notice any changes in your child’s behaviour or have concerns about their well-being, discussing these with the DLP or Deputy DLP ensures the school can take appropriate action. If the school is required to make a report, please be aware that it is done without judgment or assumption.
We are here to listen, and the school will always have the child’s welfare at heart when reporting or discussing any concerns.