The Children First Act, 2015 has placed  statutory obligations on all registered teachers, who are referred to as mandated persons in the Act. It has also placed certain statutory obligations on certain organisations that provide services to children, including all schools.

The Children First National Guidance 2017 outlines the new statutory obligations that apply to mandated persons and schools under the Act. It also sets out the best practice (non-statutory) obligations which are in place for all individuals (including teachers) and for all sectors of society. The Children First Act, 2015 operates side-by-side with the Children First National Guidance 2017. A copy of the document can be found by clicking on the link provided. 

 

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Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 

The new procedures give direction and guidance to schools authorities and to school personnel in relation to meeting their new statutory obligations under the Children First Act, 2015 and in the continued implementation of the best practice (non-statutory) guidance set out in Children First National Guidance 2017. The procedures include -
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1. The reporting procedures to be followed by registered teachers in respect of their role as mandated persons, including a requirement to liaise with the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and, where applicable, to submit mandated reports jointly with the DLP to Tusla

2. Guidance and direction for schools in relation to meeting their statutory obligations in relation to Child Safeguarding Statements. In that regard, the procedures require that all boards of management use the relevant templates published by the Department when preparing, publishing and reviewing their Child Safeguarding Statement.

3. Significantly enhanced oversight measures which are aimed at ensuring full compliance by schools with the Children First Act 2015, Children First National Guidance 2017 and with the Department’s requirements as set out in the procedures for schools. The new oversight measures are set out in Chapter 9 of the procedures and include oversight by the board of management of the school’s Child Safeguarding requirements and a new Child Protection Oversight Report which must be provided to the board of management, as part of the Principal’s report to the board, at every board of management meeting. While the reporting requirements in respect of the Child Protection Oversight Report may appear extensive, it should be noted that the requirement to provide the information specified in this report applies only where cases of a specific type (as set out in sections 9.5 to 9.8 inclusive of the procedures) arise in the school. Where any such case does arise, it is essential that the board of management is provided with the information necessary for it to have oversight of compliance with the relevant reporting requirements, particularly where the matter relates to a school employee.