The Department of Education published “Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017” on the 11th of December.   This replaces current policy.   The new procedures take account of the Children First Act, 2015 and the “Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children” published by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2017.   Schools must meet the new Child Safeguarding Statement requirements by the 11th March 2018.

Schools will be permitted two separate half-day school closures during the 2017/18 school year to allow time to engage with the revised procedures and to access the support available.   Therefore pupils will be allowed home at noon on Wednesday 14th and Friday 23rd of February.