There is, very correctly, great focus on issues related to child welfare and protection.

Our school has in place a policy and set of procedures that cover this area.

These procedures meet fully all recommendations and requirements set down in circulars issued by the Department of Education.

Our policy is based on the principle that the interest of the child is always paramount.

The school's Designated Teacher with responsibility in this area is Mrs Maura McCarney.

The Deputy Designated Teacher is Mrs Patricia McVeigh.

The Designated Teachers work closely with the Principal, Mr Seán Dillon.

The duties of Designated Teachers include:

• taking part in In-Service training related to issues of child welfare



• keeping up to date with relevant legislation



• ensuring that all other staff are aware of their responsibilities in this area



• maintaining a record of any concerns that have been raised by staff, outside agencies or others



• keeping the Board of Governors informed



• reporting concerns to the relevant authorities



• supporting the child and the class teacher

The duties that Designated Staff and other school staff have are legal obligations.

These duties will be carried out with proper sensitivity.

THE PRIORITY IS THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILD WILL ALWAYS COME FIRST.

All staff at the school are advised of the procedures to be followed.

Staff reviews, involving all who work in our school, are conducted once each year and at other times if requirements change.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS:

Staff must report concerns they have to the Designated Teacher.

This is a legal and moral obligation.

The following is an outline of the school's Reporting Procedure:

• Concerns may be raised either through a child speaking to a teacher or through staff based on their observations.



• Staff do not investigate concerns.



• It is their role and duty to relay concerns.



• Teacher refers concerns to a Designated Teacher. This referral is minuted in detail.



• Designated Teachers and the Principal discuss concerns and plan the way forward.



• Designated Teacher makes referral to Social Services and to the Designated Officers of CCMS (Dungannon), Mr Ciaran McKenna, and of the SELB (Armagh), Ms Alex Barr.



• If there is any doubt as to the appropriate action, advice will be sought from the SELB and CCMS.

Any concerns that arise will be handled with complete sensitivity and confidentiality.

We are, indeed, fortunate that we are part of a community where children are a priority and they are very well cared for.

We pray that this will always continue to be so.

We do recognise, however, that this is an issue that we cannot be complacent about.

If you have any questions or concerns related to our policy or procedures please speak to one of our Designated Teachers.

Your point of view is welcome.