Safeguarding and Child Protection

The safety and wellbeing of the pupils has absolute priority. In this connection, the School seeks to implement all directives from DENI and EA relating to matters such as class size, resourcing and premises management. The Board of Governors Health & Safety Sub-Committee oversee all issues relating to pupil safety and a system of time-locks, restricted access, CCTV and visitor passes is in place. In keeping with DENI directives, the governors implement policies and procedures for pupil protection. Copies of all procedures are available for inspection on application to the Principal.

The aims are to:

• maintain a safe and caring learning environment for all pupils;

• enable speedy identification and reporting of abuse;

• protect staff from erroneous or malicious allegations; and

• meet legal obligations in relation to safeguarding and child protection.

Reporting Procedures

1. In order to report abuse, contacts are the Designated Teacher, Mr Brunt or the Deputy Designated Teachers, Mr Cowan, Mrs Rea, Mr Thompson and Mr Young.

2. If the allegation related to a member of staff, the contact is the Designated Teacher, Mr Brunt, who reports to the Chairman (or Vice Chairman) of the Board of Governors and the Principal.

3. If the allegation related to the Principal, the contact is the Designated Teacher, Mr Brunt who reports to the Chair (or Vice Chairman) of the Board of Governors.

4. All allegations of abuse are reported to the Chairman of the Board of Governors and are recorded confidentially.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Team