Cumann na mBunscol is a National organisation which seeks to promote Gaelic Games in Primary Schools. All members of Cumann na mBunscol are primary school teachers and are governed by Child Protection Procedures in their schools. This applies to schools in the North and South.
In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 , Education (NI) Order 1996 and The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools: A Guide for Schools (DE, 2017), Re the National Committee of Cumann na mBunscol has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.
Cumann na mBunscol has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for primary and post-primary Schools 2017 and the Department of Education NI Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools (A Guide for Schools August 2020) as part of this overall Child Safeguarding Statement.
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is:
Joe Lyons
The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP is:
Gary Farrell
Cumann na mBunscol recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and the activities of Cumann na mBunscol. This must be reflected in all of our procedures, practices and activities. Cumann na mBunscol will adhere to the following principles of best practice in Child Protection and Welfare. We will:
recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations
fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 , Education (NI) Order 1996 and The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children
fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters
adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect
fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters
The following procedures/measures are in place:
In relation to any member of a committee who is the subject of any investigation (howsoever described) in respect of any act, omission or circumstance in respect of a child attending our activities, we adhere to the relevant procedures set out in Chapter 7 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 and the Department of Education NI Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools (A Guide for Schools August 2020) . We are also aware that as teachers there is an agreed disciplinary procedures for school staff which are published on the DES and DENI websites. In the event of an allegation we will work with the relevant committee, BOM, BOG, TUSLA and INTO re the allegation.
In relation to the selection or recruitment of committee members and their suitability to work with children, we recognise that all employed teachers are subject to Garda and PSNI Vetting and teachers have to adhere to the statutory vetting requirements as set out DES and DENI.
In relation to the involvement of retired personnel each committee must ensure that all members are Garda and PSNI Vetted.
In relation to the provision of information and, where necessary instruction and training to staff in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm (as defined in the 2015 Act and the Department of Education NI Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools A Guide for Schools August 2020):
Each Committee members is provided with a copy of the Committee’s Child Safeguarding Statement (on National Website)
Ensures all new officers are provided with a copy of the Committee’s Child Safeguarding Statement
Encourages members to avail of relevant training (School Based)
In relation to reporting of child protection concerns to Tusla or Social Services NI, all committee personnel are required to adhere to the procedures set out in the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017, including in the case of registered teachers, those in relation to mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015 and the Department of Education NI Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools (A Guide for Schools August 2020)
In this committee, the committee has appointed the above named DLP as the ‘relevant person’ (as defined in the Children First Act 2015 and the Department of Education NI Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools (A Guide for Schools August 2020) to be the first point of contact in respect of the school’s child safeguarding statement.
All registered teachers employed by schools and members of Cumann na mBunscol are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015 and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 , Education (NI) Order 1996 and The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
In accordance with the Children First Act 2015 and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 , Education (NI) Order 1996 and The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, Cumann na mBunscol has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while participating in our activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the committees procedures for managing those risks is attached as an appendix to these procedures
The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the National Website
A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla, Social Services NI, DES and DENI if requested.
This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed annually or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which this statement refers
This Child Safeguarding Statement was adopted by the Cumann na mBunscol on 22/4/2022.
