Child Protection Procedures
Child Protection Procedures are set out in DE Circular 0036 2023.pdf
The Child Protection Procedures (2023) revised are available for download. They reflect Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 (PDF) and the Children First Act (2015).
The 2023 procedures stipulate that all BOMs are required to formally adopt and implement these revised procedures as part of the school’s CSS.
Child Protection Procedures 2023 (pdf) / Nósanna Imeachta um Chosaint Leanaí (PDF)
Appendix 1 – Schedule of Mandated Persons Under the Children First Act 2015 (PDF) / Aguisín 1: Sceideal na nDaoine faoi Shainordú faoin Acht um Thús Áite do Leanaí 2015 (PDF)
Appendix 2 – Sexual Offences as set out in the Children First Act 2015 (PDF) / Aguisín 2: Cionta Gnéasacha mar a leagtar amach san Acht um Thús Áite do Leanaí 2015 (PDF)
Appendix 3 – Protocol authorising immediate action (PDF) / Aguisín 3: Prótacal a údaraíonn beart láithreach (PDF)
Appendix 4 – Summary of Record Keeping Requirements (PDF) / Aguisín 4: Achoimre ar riachtanais coinneáil taifead (PDF)
Child Protection Compliance
As part of additional oversight arrangements, the 2023, para 9.13.1 Child Protection procedures state as follows:
9.13.1 The Inspectorate will:
monitor the compliance of schools with the requirements of the child protection
procedures for primary and post-primary schools
advise schools on the general implementation of these procedures where
appropriate
report to the school principal and/or board of management of each school in
relation to the school’s compliance with the requirements of these procedures
report to the Schools’ Division of the Department concerning the compliance of
schools with these procedures
report to the CPOG on summary data and on individual cases of schools that are
found to be non-compliant with these procedures
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participate in CPOG, assisting officials in Schools Division in their engagement with
schools, school boards of management and patrons as appropriate
report, via Schools’ Division, to Tusla where the Inspectorate becomes aware of
instances where schools have not complied with Child Safeguarding Statement
requirements.
publish composite data and trends from inspection of the implementation of these procedures from time to time.
Guide to child protection and safeguarding inspection (PDF)
There are 3 different levels of Checks which can be undertaken by the Inspectorate. The templates below provide the detail and additional information in relation to the checks to be undertaken and the format of the inspection.
Level 1 Monitor Child Protection Procedures 2023 (PDF)
Child Protection Inspection – 3 Checks
Level 2 Monitoring (PDF)
Child Protection Inspection – 8 Checks
Level 3 Child Protection Safeguarding Inspection (PDF)
10 Overarching Checks (65 sub-checks)
