Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CPSI)
In September 2025, the Inspectorate published updated guidance in relation to child protection and safeguarding inspections (CPSI) which can be found here
Schools are advised that any new requirements of the 2025 procedures, which were not in the previous procedures, will not be inspected until a school has formally adopted the 2025 procedures. Schools who have a CPSI inspection will be inspected under the procedures which the BOM is formally operating under.
As part of all school inspections, the Inspectorate evaluates and reports on the work of the school in creating a school culture that prevents and addresses bullying behaviour.
The inspection will focus on six checks (with relevant sub-checks) which are highlighted below:
- Policy development and review
- Communication
- Training
- Reporting and record keeping
- Oversight
- Vetting
Main changes under this new inspection model are:
Under this updated inspection model a CPSI consists of a single-day inspection by two inspectors, with follow-up activity by the reporting inspector only where full compliance was not achieved. The follow-up activity is carried out in a relatively short timeframe.
- Two days’ notice is typically provided for a Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection. Notification is by phone call to the principal followed by an email outlining the details. The Inspectorate also conducts unannounced Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections in a sample of schools.
- Two surveys are administered as part of these inspections. These surveys seek to elicit the views of parents and pupils/students about culture and safeguarding measures in the school.
The inspectors will conduct meetings with the Designated Liaison Person (DLP), the Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP), the chairperson of the board of management, and a selection of school personnel.
- The inspectors will review documentation. This includes the school’s child safeguarding statement and risk assessment, annual review documents, notifications and communication to school personnel, parents, parents’ association and the patron. In addition, they will review minutes of board of management meetings, including Child Protection Oversight Reports, and a sample of child protection case files.
- The Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection will conclude with a feedback meeting between the inspectors, the principal and the DDLP. While the role of the DLP and the principal are separate, it is expected that the DLP will be the principal. The DLP will be invited to attend this meeting in schools where they are not the principal. At this meeting the inspectors will discuss the findings of the inspection and afford the school an opportunity to respond to those findings.
- Shortly after the inspection the school will receive the results of both surveys and will receive a phone call from the reporting inspector to discuss them.
- A draft inspection report will follow to affirm the school’s compliance or to support the school in becoming compliant by outlining the actions to be taken.
- One report, stating the level of compliance of the school on the day of the inspection, and the follow up activity (if required), will issue to the school and be published on the gov.ie website.
All the information on the inspection model can be accessed via the link below:
Child protection and safeguarding inspections
