Scoil N. Mhuire

SCHOOL POLICIES

INTRODUCTION

This booklet contains our School Policies. Please read the policies carefully and should you have any queries regarding any of the policies in this booklet please do not hesitate to contact the school at any of the following-;

Phone: 057-93-43594

Email: cloneygowan.ias@eircom.net

Mission Statement

Scoil N. Mhuire, Cloneygowan is a co-educational, Catholic primary school owned and managed by Killeigh Parish, under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. We strive to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure environment and atmosphere where the

intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and addressed.While Scoil N. Mhuire is a school with a Catholic ethos, religious education, prayer and worship form an essential part of the school’s curriculum. It also has due recognition for all other religions.Scoil N, Mhuire will strive to promote both individually and collectively, the professional and personal development of teachers through staff development programmes.Scoil N. Mhuire will encourage the involvement of parents, through home/school contacts and through their involvement in Scoil N. Mhuire Parents’ Association.Scoil N. Mhuire will endeavour to enhance the self-esteem of everyone in the school community, to imbue in the pupils respect for people and property and to encourage in them the idea of being responsible.Scoil N. Mhuire will promote gender equity among the teachers and pupils.Déanfaimid iarracht Gaeilge a labhairt.

School RulesSchool Premises :

Bicycles must be wheeled. When playing, show consideration for

others. No rough play or language at any time. Play must be inclusive.

Respond to the bell immediately. Stand quietly in your line. When instructed walk quietly to your

classroom. Tracksuits and runners are worn on P.E.

day .The uniform is worn on all other days

– this consists of grey trousers/ skirt / pinafore, light blue shirt, royal blue jumper / cardigan,

The premises must be kept litter free. Chewing gum is not allowed on the school

premises or at any school-related activity. Use of mobile phones or other hand held

consoles/transmitting devices is not allowed. C.f Mobile Phone Policy

Kicking of ball is not allowed on tarmac. Shoes must be changed when playing on

the grass.

Classroom Rules: School starts at 9.20 am and ends at

3.00 pm. Respect everyone and everything.

Listen rather than interrupt. Show respect at all times.

Raise your hand to ask a question. Remain seated unless requested by the teacher to do otherwise.

All work given must be completed. Homework must be done neatly and presented on time.

Keep desk and classroom clean and tidy.

No eating during class-time. A note is required in the case of a

child being absent .In the case of leaving school early the departure book must be signed by the person to whom the child will be released.

Corridor Rules:

Walk at all times, quietly, in single file, with hands by your sides.

Stand back for an adult. Exit and enter through the side doors at

all times. Keep the corridor, cloakroom and

bathroom tidy. All games equipment to be carried in and

out of the school. To conserve heat keep the exit doors

shut.

Mobile Phone Policy

Our mobile phone policy has been devised in the interest of security, health and safety, to avoid disruption in class and to reduce the incidence of peer pressure and unwelcome upset caused by the use of mobile phones by the pupils.The school phone has always been and will continue to be available to the children for use in the case of an emergency.We envisage that there will never be a need for the children to have a mobile phone during school hours. However, where it is deemed necessary that they are brought to school for after school use the phones are handed up to the class teacher for safe-keeping, to be returned at 3pm. otherwise it is prohibited for the children to have mobile phones on the school premises or to bring them on school outings.

Hand Held Consoles

Our hand held consoles policy has been devised in the interest of security, health and safety to avoid disruption in class and to reduce the incidence of peer pressure, bullying and unwelcome upset.

In Scoil Mhuire there is a total ban on all hand held consoles. Any consoles brought to school will be confiscated and returned at home-time.

The following is a list of hand held consoles that are prohibited in Scoil N. Mhuire. This list is not exhaustive.

Nintendo Nintendo DSI PSP I Pad I Pod Touch

Procedure for Trips Away from School by Pupils for School Related Activities such as Inter School Games CompetitionIt is accepted in Scoil N. Mhuire that a member of staff will attend each event involving our pupils during school hours. School rules apply at all times. In cases of Cumann na mBunscol fixtures the Code of Conduct for Cumann na

mBunscol, which has been formally accepted by the Board of Management applies. Written permission from parents will be required allowing their children to travel to these events. Where parents act as volunteer-drivers they must be Garda vetted.

Lunch Policy

It is the policy in this school to promote healthy eating.We encourage the children to bring in healthy lunch options, which could include fruit, cheese, sandwiches, yogurt, salad, rolls etc. Junk food is banned.Juices, milk, water and such beverages are encouraged.Fizzy drinks, cans or glass bottles may not be brought to school.Food and drinks are consumed in the classroom where possible although a child is permitted to carry out the remainder of his/her lunch at play-time if it is unwrapped.A reminder is sent to parents at the beginning of each school year outlining school policy on healthy lunches.Only water may be consumed between breaks.

Homework Policy

It is a policy in school N. Mhuire to give homework to reinforce what was taught/learned at school.

All homework should be written into a homework journal. It is the responsibility

of each child from first class to sixth to ensure that he/she has done this.

No new homework will be given at the weekend. However unfinished assignments will still have to be completed.

It is suggested that children from infants to second class spend no more than thirty minutes at their homework any night.

Third and fourth class children should spend no more than 45 minutes each evening.

Fifth and sixth class children should spend no more than 60 minutes each evening at their homework.

Parents should try to ensure that the time set aside for homework is quality, undisturbed time.

Parents should try to insist that homework is neatly presented, and that every effort is made to have it completed in the designated time.

Parents are asked to sign the homework journal to confirm what homework has been done.

Code of Behaviour

Introduction

In compliance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the Board of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire has prepared and made available a Code of Behaviour for its pupils, staff and parents.

The Code of Behaviour details:

1. The standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each pupil attending the school.

2. The whole school approach in promoting positive behaviour.

3. The measures that shall be taken when a pupil fails or refuses to observe those standards.

4. The procedures to be followed before a pupil may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned.

5. The grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a pupil.

6. The school’s Anti Bullying Policy and7. The procedures to be followed in relation

to a child’s absence from school.

The Code of Behaviour of Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire has been developed in accordance with ‘Developing a Code of Behaviour; Guidelines for Schools’, National Educational Welfare Board 2008. In drawing up the code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and the circumstances of our school and our pupils. The aim of the code is to ensure that the individuality of each pupil is respected, while acknowledging the right of each pupil to education in a relatively disruption free and safe environment.In the code “the principal” refers to the Principal of Scoil Náistúnta Mhuire, and the “Board of Management” refers to the Board of Management of said school. When the “parents” is used it denotes the parents or legal guardians of the child.

Relationship to the Catholic Ethos of the School

Our code of Behaviour relates to the mission statement of Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire in that, as a Christian community, we wish the school to be a welcoming, organised environment, respectful of diversity in race, culture, religion and gender where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of each pupil is nurtured.

Aims To allow the school to function in an

orderly and harmonious way. To promote good behaviour in our school. To enhance the learning environment

where children can make progress in all aspects of their development.

To create an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others.

To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline recognising the differences between children and the need to accommodate these differences.

To ensure the safety and well being of all members of the school community.

To assist school staff, parents and pupils in understanding the systems and procedures that form part of the Code of Behaviour and to seek their co-operation in the application of these procedures.

To ensure that the system of rules, rewards and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner.

Attendance

If a child is absent, a written note explaining the reason for the child’s absence must be given to the class teacher, when the child returns to

school. A note in the school journal will suffice. Parents are asked to plan family holidays around the school holiday calendar issued by the school. If a child is absent for 20 days the school is obliged to inform the NEWB. In the event of a child missing 20 days from school, parents will be informed in writing.

Removal of pupils form the school during the school day.

Parents who wish to collect their child from school during the school day must first present to the secretary’s office to sign their child out of school in the “sign out book”. The secretary will get the pupils from the classroom. Pupils must be signed in by their parents if they return to school having been signed out earlier by their parents. The secretary works part-time. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the “sign out book” is signed before the pupil leaves.

Adults in our community

It is the principal’s responsibility to ensure the school’s Code of Behaviour is administered in a manner that is consistent and fair to all pupils, however each teacher has the responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within common areas of the school. All adults working and visiting the school are expected to work within an atmosphere of mutual respect. This atmosphere should permeate the school. It is expected that all staff, parents and visitors will interact in a polite, respectful and friendly manner. They are expected to model high standards as their example has an important influence on the children. All adults must adhere

to Scoil N Mhuire’s Child Protection Policy. Teaching staff are specifically responsible for the management of behaviour within their own class. They will:

Discuss the Code of Behaviour with their class in an age appropriate manner and the beginning of each school year.

Discuss the rules in each classroom. Encourage self discipline and positive

behaviour. Ensure there is an appropriate level of

supervision at all times. Implement the rewards/sanctions in a fair

and consistent manner. Aim for the least disruptive intervention. Use natural/logical consequences. Keep a written record of continued,

serious or gross misconduct. This record will indicate the advice and/or warning s given to the child on the misbehaviour and the consequences of its repetition.

Report serious instances of misbehaviour to the principal.

Standards of Behaviour

PupilsIn order to create an ordered and orderly environment in which pupils can feel safe and learn every pupil is expected (to):

General Behaviour

Attend school regularly and punctually. Wear the correct school uniform and have

everything needed for school. The school uniform consists of grey trousers/skirt/pinafore, light blue shirt and

royal blue jumper and cardigan. On PE days plain navy tracksuit with light blue shirt should be worn.

Show respect for self and to others. Show kindness and willingness to help

others Show courtesy and good manners. Show fairness and forgiveness. Look after and respect school property

and the property of other children. Chewing gum is not permitted in the

school or on school grounds. Do your best in class and for homework. Walk quietly on the corridors at all times,

standing back for all adults. Use designated door to enter and leave

the school. Make sensible choices and to keep the

rules. Walk the bicycle while on school grounds,

to/from the bicycle stand from the road. Ball games are not permitted in the yard

before or after school. (The school hours are 9:20am to 3:00pm)

Classroom Behaviour

Listen to teacher and other pupils if they are speaking.

Raise your hand for permission to speak. Do their best in class and for homework

and allow all others to do their best. Follow the directions of your teacher

immediately. Obtain permission to leave their seat or

the classroom. Help keep the classroom and school tidy

and clean.

Never enter an unattended classroom. Respect the teacher, other pupils and

visitors to the classroom.

Playground Behaviour.

Play safely on the yard keeping your hands and feet to yourself.

Not to engage in rough play. Hitting, punching, kicking, wrestling etc is not accepted.

Not to use or foul language. Not to engage in spitting. Play fairly and inclusively, keeping the

rules of the game. Tell the teacher on yard duty immediately

if there is an incident. Remain in the school yard and not enter

the school without a teacher’s permission.

Line up promptly and quietly when the bell sounds.

Health and Safety

Have a healthy lunch excluding glass bottles, fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets, chewing gum etc.

Not to leave the school without permission and without an adult.

Leave the school by the main gate only. Not to be on the school grounds before or

after school hours. School hours are 9:20am – 3:00pm (9:20am-2:00pm for infant classes). Parents should collect their child from the main gate. If a parent/guardian is unavailable during the school day an arrangement should be

made in case a child has to leave the school early. Details of these arrangements should be given to the school (contact names and phone nos) The school should be kept informed of any changes to contact details.

Have hair checked regularly for head lice. Inform the school immediately in the

event of contact with an infectious disease.

Give advance notice to the school if a child is leaving school early.

Behaviour during School Outings/Activities

Follow teacher’s directions at all times. Remain with teacher/supervisor at all

times. Behave politely and respectfully towards

those they meet on such trips.

Observe the rules of general good behaviour. (cf above)

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Promoting good behaviour and providing a safe, secure and happy environment for learning is the main goal of our code. All staff actively support our school ethos which emphasises care, respect and responsibility.There are good relationships between teachers, parents and pupils and a happy school atmosphere. Good school and class routines are in operation. Core routines necessary for the smooth running of classroom learning are clearly established e.g. entry to the classroom, settling

down after break times, noise levels for pair/group work, etc.Teachers use a classroom management plan to promote positive behaviour. This includes the class rules, the agreed reward system and the consequences that apply when a child fails to adhere to the rules. The approach to behaviour is underpinned by a school atmosphere which practises the key elements of Incredible Years:

Building positive Relationships. Proactive Teaching Giving attention, encouragement

and praise. Motivating through incentives Decreasing inappropriate

behaviours. Sparing use of negative

consequences.

Parents are welcome in our school and staff will consult with them where necessary. We request that parents ring the school secretary and make an appointment to see the class teacher if they have concerns about their child’s behaviour or progress.Teachers ensure that the class timetable is as varied as possible and present a balanced and interesting educational programme for the pupils.Children are aware that misbehaviour and failure to adhere to school and class rules will incur clear, consistent consequences.The Friends for Life Programme, Fun Friends for Life Programme, Social, Personal and Health Education programme are also used as a structure within which to address the teaching of social skills, self-esteem, respect and care for others.

Rewards and Praise

Our school places greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions in the belief that this will, in the long term, give best results. Teachers reward frequently consistently. Our approach to rewards and praise include the following.

A quiet word or gesture to show approval.A comment in a pupil’s exercise book.Stickers, smiley faces, ink-stamps, and/or stars on pupils work.Special privilegesPrincipal’s awardClass DojosCompliment Charts and PartiesSpecial mention at assembliesA visit to/of a staff member/principal for commendationA word of praise in front of a group or classAwarding with a special responsibility or privilege.Informing parents - written/oral communication eg “Congratulations” or “Good Luck” postcards or personalised letters or notes to parent(s)/guardian(s) I homework journal.

Rewards should be closely linked in time to the behaviour that is being rewarded. They will focus on effort and not solely on achievement. Rewards must avoid unhelpful competition and must be seen as attainable by all. It is necessary to ensure that praise is sensitive to the age and personality of the child as some may be embarrassed by public praise. A variety of rewards will be implemented to suit various ages and interests. Class rewards will encourage team

spirit, a positive group identity and foster cooperative behaviour.

The standards expected in the Code of Behaviour apply in any situation where pupils are still the responsibility of the school and representing the school. These include school trips, swimming, going to and from church, field trips and after school games and so on.

Dealing with unacceptable behaviour

The relevant teacher will deal with each incident independently. The degree of misdemeanour will be judged based on a common sense approach with regard to the gravity/frequency of such misdemeanours.In order to establish a common understanding and consistent response the Code of Behaviour classifies misbehaviour into three levels based on the degree of disruption caused by the misconduct. Behaviour that is a cause for concern should be recorded. The Code also specifies the disciplinary actions and supportive interventions that will be employed.

Aquatics Programme

Children from third to sixth attend the local swimming pool for swimming classes for 6-7 hourly sessions annually as part of the PE curriculum. Children are assigned to groups depending on their ability. The children follow the paws aquatic programme and progress from level to level when deemed ready by the instructors.

Transport

The school employs a local bus company to bring the children to and from the school. Children are not allowed to eat on the bus and must remain seated and belted at all times.

Behaviour and Supervision

Children are supervised on the bus and in the dressing rooms by the teachers. Teachers do not dress children and must never be in a dressing room with a child on their own.

Swimming instructors supervise children once they get on pool side. The school has advised the supervisors to only accept excellent behaviour and in no way tolerate any behaviour that would put a child or other children in danger.

Children and parents sign a behaviour contract and where deemed appropriate a child whose behaviour is not acceptable will forfeit a lesson.

Cost

The school tries to keep the cost to a minimum. The Parents’ Association generously part fund the swimming initiative to try to ensure that no child misses out on swimming because of lack of money.

Lessons

The school employs sufficient swim teachers so as to ensure that all children get the maximum benefit from their time in the water.

Communication

A note is sent home to all parents giving adequate notice of when the swimming lessons for their child begin and the cost of it. The school stresses that aquatics is a part of the school curriculum and that all children are expected to attend. Should a parent wish a child to be excused on medical grounds then they contact the teacher and explain the reason.

Policy on Publication of Photographs

Parental permission shall be obtained before granting permission to any journalist to take photographs of a child or children on the school premises.

This permission will be sought at the beginning of a child’s first year in the school, along with permission to publish photographs on the school website or newsletter.

Credentials of photographers seeking access will be checked and

photographers are asked to provide identification.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions will be imposed.

Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

School’s Strategy

The school will employ a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:

General: Internet sessions will always be

supervised by a teacher Filtering software and/or equivalent

systems will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.

The school will regularly monitor pupils’ Internet usage.

A set of guidelines for internet use by pupils will be made available to all pupils and will be kept under constant review.

Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.

Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.

The use of CD-ROMs in school requires teacher’s permission.

Students will observe good “netiquette” i.e., etiquette on the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

World Wide Web Students will not visit Internet sites that

contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.

Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.

Students will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online learning.

Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.

Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school related or personal, maybe monitored for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons.

Email Students will use approved class email

accounts under supervision by our permission from a teacher.

Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, and defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.

Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.

Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through emails or the internet.

Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.

Internet Chat Students will only have access to chat

rooms, discussion forums or other electronic communication forums that have been approved by the school.

Chat rooms, discussion forums and other electronic communication forums will only be used for educational purposes and will always be supervised.

Usernames will be used to avoid disclosure of identity.

Face-to-face meetings with someone organised via Internet chat will be forbidden.

School Website Pupils form 5th and 6th class will be given

the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web. This may also include work form other classes.

The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by a teacher.

Digital photographs, audio or video clips of individual students will not be published on the school website. Instead if photographs, audio or video clips are published they will focus on group activities.

Personal pupil information including name and home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages.

Pupils will continue to own the copyright on any work published.

Sanctions

Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion. The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities i.e. Garda

Garda Vetting Policy

The Garda Vetting Policy operates in conjunction with the child Protection Policy which serves to ensure the safety of all children in the school.The staff and Board of Scoil N. Mhuire endeavour to keep potential unsupervised access to children to a minimum. This is both for the safety of the children and for the adults who may find themselves on their own with a child or children. The Board and staff fully recognise the limitations of Garda Vetting and realise that it does not provide clearance for any individual. However in the interest of best

practice, it is the policy of Scoil N. Mhuire to Garda Vet any individual who may find themselves in a position on their own with a child or children. This includes members of the Board of management and non-teaching staff and parents/other adults who volunteer to coach or drive children or school related activities.

Ref: also Circular 0063/2010 Aims of the Policy

To ensure that the school is a safe and secure environment for the children in our school.

That Garda Vetting is part of the wider process ensuring the protection and safety of all members of the school community.

The process of Garda Vetting is carried out by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU). The function of the GCVU is to provide details of ‘all prosecutions, successful or not, pending or completed, and/or convictions’ in respect of an applicant to a registered organisation.

Anti-Bullying Policy

1. This policy is designed to assist Scoil N. Mhuire in devising school-based

measures to prevent and deal with bullying behaviour and to increase awareness of bullying behaviour in the school community as a whole (e.g. school management, teaching and non- teaching staff, pupils and parents, as well as those from the local community who interact with the school). Involving and encouraging all the members of the school community in developing formulating and reviewing this policy on bullying promotes partnership, ownership and implementation of a “living policy”, one which is actively implemented/promoted in the whole school community. The school climate and atmosphere are created by the actions of everyone in the school. The behaviour of the adults in a child’s life, including parents and teachers, is a significant influence on how a child acts.

2. In accordance with the requirements of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the code of behaviour guidelines issued by the NEWB, the Board of Management of Scoil N. Mhuire, Cloneygowan, has adopted the following anti-bully policy within the framework of the school’s overall code of behaviour. This policy fully complies with the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools which were published in September 2013.

3. The Board of Management recognises the very serious nature of bullying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of pupils and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behaviour:

(a) A positive school culture and climate which

Is welcoming of difference and diversity and is based on inclusivity

Encourages pupils to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour in a non-threatening environment

Promotes respectful relationships across the school community.

Please see Appendixes A and B

(b) Effective Leadership(c) A school –wide approach(d) A shared understanding of what

bully is and its impact(e) Implementation of education and

prevention strategies (including awareness raising measures) that –

Build empathy, respect and resilience in pupils

Explicitly address the issues of cyber-bullying and identity-based bullying.

(f) Effective supervision and monitoring of pupils

(g) Supports for staff(h)Consistent recording, investigation

and follow up of bullying behaviour (including use of established intervention strategies)

(i) On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy.

4. In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools bullying is defined as follows:

Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted, by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.

The following types of bullying behaviour are included in the definition of bullying-:

Deliberate exclusion, malicious gossip and other forms of relational bullying.

Extortion and intimidation Damage to property of another Physical aggression to include

pushing, punching, kicking,

poking, and tripping up people. It also may take the form of severe physical assault.

Cyber-bullying and bullying through misuse of technology

Identity-based bullying such as homophobic bullying, racist bullying, bullying based on a person’s membership of the traveller community or an ethnic minority group and bullying of those with disabilities or special educational needs.

Isolated or once-off incidents of intentional negative behaviour, including a once-off offensive or hurtful text message or other private messaging, do not fall within the definition of bullying and should be dealt with, as appropriate, in accordance with the school’s code of behaviour. However, in the context of this policy, placing a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour. The school’s Acceptable Use policy is enforced. The school cannot supervise children’s internet use outside the school even though hurtful behaviour occurs. Negative behaviour that does not meet this definition of bullying will be dealt with in accordance with the school’s code of behaviour.

Additional information on different types of bullying is set out in Section 2 of the Anti- Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools. A list of examples of what could be seen as bullying behaviour (if consistent ) is contained in Appendix C.

5. The relevant teacher(s) for investigating and dealing with bullying is normally the class teacher, however any teacher may act as a relevant teacher if circumstances warrant it. The principal and the LS (Learning Support)/Resource teachers may also be the relevant teacher. In the case of bullying by an adult, staff member/parent the principal will act as relevant teacher. In the case where the Principal is involved, the Deputy Principal will act as relevant teacher.

6. Education and Prevention Strategies

The education and prevention strategies (including strategies specifically aimed at cyber-bullying, homophobic and transphobic bullying, racist bullying, bullying based on a person’s membership of the traveller community or another ethnic group and bullying of those with disabilities or special educational needs) that will be used

by the school are contained in Appendix D.(See section 6.5 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary schools)

7. The school’s procedures for investigation, follow-up and recording of bullying behaviour and the established intervention strategies used by the school for dealing with cases of bullying behaviour are as outlined in Appendix E. Records will be stored securely in the school until the child has reached the age of 21.

(See section 6.8 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools)

8. In school supports and opportunities will be provided for the pupils affected by bullying to participate in activities designed to raise their self-esteem, to develop friendships and social skills and build resilience e.g.

Incredible Years Friends for life antibullyingcampagn.ie Group Work such as Circle

Time –Jenny Mosley Buddy/Peer mentoring system RSE (Relationships and

Sexuality Education) Programme

SALT (Say, Ask, Listen, Talk) Programme

Stay Safe Programme.

If pupils require counselling for further supports the school will endeavour to liaise with the appropriate agencies to organise same. This may be for the pupil affected by bullying or involved in the bullying behaviour.

9. Supervision and Monitoring of pupils.

In light of the above the Board of Management confirms that appropriate supervision and monitoring policies and practices are in place to both prevent as far as possible, and deal with bullying behaviour and to facilitate early intervention where possible.

Appropriate monitoring and supervision is provided for in Scoil N. Mhuire. Some bullying “danger spots” have been identified through teacher, pupil and parent consultation and measures are in place to counteract bullying “danger spots”

Through the SPHE (Social Personal and Health Education) curriculum including RSE (Relationships and Sexuality Education), RE (Religious Education) IY (Incredible Years), Friends for Life, Yard Buddies, ABC (Anti-Bullying Campaign) etc., students are supported in countering bullying behaviour. Senior pupils have been

involved in SALT (Say, Ask, Listen, Talk) and in buddy systems and we have used senior pupils in counteracting bullying.

10.Prevention of Harassment

The Board of Management confirms that the school will, in accordance with its obligations under equality legislation, take all such steps that are reasonably practicable to prevent the sexual harassment of pupils or staff or the harassment of pupils or staff on any of the nine grounds specified i.e.

1. Gender including transgender2. Civil status3. Family status4. Sexual orientation5. Religion6. Age7. Disability8. Race/ethnicity9. Membership of the traveller

community

This policy and its implementation will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year during the final term. Written notification that the review has been completed will be made available to school personnel. A copy of this policy will be readily accessible to parent(s)/guardians(s) on request and provided to the Parents’ Association. A copy of this policy along with a record of any review and its outcome will be made

available, if requested, to the patron and the Department of Education and Skills.

This policy should be read in conjunction with our other relevant school policies, practices and activities e.g. Code of Discipline, Child Protection Policy, Supervision of Pupils, Acceptable Use Policy, Attendance and Procedures for Trips away which are available in the school.