Child Protection

Child Protection Policy

The Board of Management recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, practices and activities. Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, the Board of Management of Wexford Vocational has agreed the following child protection policy:

1. The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (2011) as part of this overall child protection policy.
2. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Wexford Vocational College Principal,  Eimear Ryan
3. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Wexford Vocational College Deputy Principal, Patrick Lacey.
4. In its policies, practices and activities, Wexford Vocational College will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare.

The school will

• recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;
• 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;
• develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children;
• fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.

The school will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability.

5.   The Board will ensure that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the items listed below:

• Code of Behaviour
• Anti-bullying Policy
• Substance Misuse
• Pupil Attendance and Participation Policy
• Supervision of Pupils
• Sporting Activities
• School Outings
• Pupil Work Placements
• HomeSchoolCommunity Liaison
• Volunteers & other visitors to the college 

6.   This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parents’ Association and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.

7.   This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year.

The college has been operating under the 2011 guidelines since September 2011.  This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on 31 January 2012.

  Date of next review: Autumn 2012

The Department of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools are available at

www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/cp_procedures_primary_post_primary_2011.pdf?language=EN