Student Welfare and Child Protection in Post-Primary Schools Workshop

2. Leading Student Welfare and Child Protection in Post Primary Schools Catherine Murphy Sinead Lawlor

3. ‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’ The late Leonard Cohen ‘Anthem’

4. Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) Care Call Wellbeing • The purpose of the EAS is to provide teachers and their family members with easy access to confidential counselling and to assist in coping with the effect of personal and work related issues. The service is available to teachers whose positions are funded by the Department of Education and Skills, their spouses or partners, their dependents above the age of 16 and mother/father where appropriate. 1800 411 057 carecallwellbeing.ie

6. Aims of the Workshop • To increase an understanding of and to reflect upon the role of the Deputy Principal as a leader of the promotion and maintenance of student welfare in a child protecting school • To consider welfare issues arising in schools and the resources available to address them • To revisit aspects of ‘Children First 2011’ and the DES Child Protection Procedures

7. Student Welfare is…. • The promotion and maintenance of good learning, good mental, emotional and physical health and the social well-being of students, and conditions conducive to these . It consists of everyday care, a safe school environment, social and psychological support and health care • Welfare or wellbeing refer to an overall condition, emphasizing happiness and contentment, though also including one's standard of living in financial or material ways

8. Welfare Issues in Schoolsnot exhaustive…….. • Child protection Issues • Learning difficulties • Relationship problems • Mental Health Issues • Addiction Issues • Underage sexual activity and teenage pregnancy • Bullying issues • Cyber bullying and abuse • Poor teacher/pupil relationships • Passive or active exclusion of individuals and minorities

9. Resources to Support Student Welfare and Child Protection

10. Four Aspects of Wellbeing • Policy & Planning • Curriculum & Learning • Partnerships • Environment

11. 1. Looking at Policy and Planning

12. A revised version of ‘Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children’ was issued July 2011 ‘DES Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools’, 2011, are derived from ‘Children First’

13. Children First 2011 • Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has now put ‘Children First’ on a statutory basis to ensure, as far as possible, compliance by all organisations working with children. (signed into law in Nov 2015 by President Michael D. Higgins). It means all organisations have a duty to: - Comply with Children First - Share relevant information in best interests of the child - Co-operate with other agencies in the best interests of the child

14. Teachers and Child Protection ‘Teachers are particularly well placed to observe and monitor children for signs of abuse. They are the main care-givers to children outside the family context and have regular contact with children in the school setting’ (C.F. 4.8.3) ‘Teachers can play a particularly important role in raising children’s self esteem, motivation and confidence by the way they organise teaching and learning’ (JC Guidelines for Wellbeing)

15. Definition of a Child For the purposes of these procedures a child means anyone under 18 years of age who is not, or has not been, married Glossary of Terms The age of consent is 17 years. If a school becomes aware of underage sexual intercourse the school should take appropriate steps to inform the child’s parents 2.1.6

16. Child Abuse • While parents/guardians have primary responsibility for the care and protection of their children, personnel working with children also have clear responsibilities in this area - CONSIDERTHE POSSIBILITY - LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF ABUSE • RECORD INFORMATION • REPORT

17. Definition and recognition of child abuse Peer Abuse & Bullying

18. Responsibilities of School Management • Have clear procedures which all staff must follow • Designate a DLP and DDLP • Monitor progress of children at risk • Contribute to prevention of abuse through curricular provision • Provide access to training for staff • Have clear procedures re actions to be taken in case of allegation against staff 4.8.2

19. Reasonable Cause for Concern • Direct Disclosure Route of Referral Staff Member Designated Liaison Person • Tusla • Advice – child not identified • Refer on Parent / Guardian* Board of Management * DLP should inform a parent/carer unless doing so is likely to endanger the child or place the child at further risk.

20. 2. The Curriculum How can the curriculum support and promote student welfare and child protection?

21. JC Key Skills

22. 3. School Environment How can the school environment promote the welfare and protection of students?

23. The Whole School Environment • Teachers can act as listeners, confidants and positive role models for a child • The alertness of a school can protect a child from mistreatment and harm • Schools provide boundaries, enabling children to develop confidence and a sense of belonging • Schools can be a refuge from neglectful or abusive home environments

24. School can be “an ally for children, a guarantor of basic protection, a capacity builder, a secure place from which to explore themselves and the world, an integrator into community and culture, a gateway to adult opportunities” Professor R. Gilligan Trinity College Dublin

25. 4. Partnerships What supports are available to us both internally and externally?

26. Reflecting on Contributors to Student Welfare in School

27. Case Studies • Identify the type of welfare issue described in the case study • Discuss how you would respond

28. Student Welfare is Promoted by: