Summary of Policy

In accordance with the aims and objectives of the College and in order to fulfil the requirements of the Children ( Northern Ireland ) Order 1995 the College has in place a Child Protection Policy.

The aim of this summary is to provide parents and students with a brief overview of the policy.  The full Child Protection Policy is available at any time from the College.

The aims of the policy are to provide staff with guidelines and procedures for the reporting of suspected child abuse and to enable parents and students to make complaints.

The policy describes categories of child abuse and lists signs and symptoms of abuse.

The procedures which staff must follow when reporting an incident of child abuse are clearly outlined together with information regarding referrals to Social Services and the Police.

The policy includes a Code of Conduct for staff and details of the procedures to be followed in the event of a complaint against College staff.

The roles of the Designated teachers for Child Protection are defined.

The policy outlines the conditions under which volunteers and sports coaches may work in the Colege.

Advice for parents on how to make a complaint about possible child abuse is included in the policy and a copy of that advice accompanies this summary.

Designated Teacher for Child Protection:   Mrs Rosemary Sullivan

Deputy Designated Teacher:   Mrs Anne Wynne 

HOW A PARENT CAN MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE 

If a parent or guardian has a concern about the safety of his/her own child or any other child who is a student of the College the parent/guardian should contact the Designated teacher for Child Protection or Deputy Designated teacher without delay.

Designated Teacher for Child Protection:  Mrs R Sullivan

Deputy Designated Teacher:  Mrs A Wynne

The Designated teacher(s) will inform the Principal and will carry out a discreet preliminary investigation.  The Designated teacher(s) will refer the matter to Social Services if it is deemed necessary and will report back to the parent/guardian on the progress and outcome of the complaint as soon as possible.  If a parent/guardian is still concerned he/she may contact the Principal directly.

If the parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the outcome he/she may refer the complaint to the Chairperson of the Board of Governors.