The Staff and Governors of Ballyoran Primary School have both a primary and a collective responsibility for the welfare and safety of the pupils in our care.  The Vision for the school states ‘We aim to provide a happy, caring, safe and stimulating learning environment…’

There has been a strong tradition of caring for our pupils in the progressive stages of their academic, spiritual, personal and social and emotional development.  By doing so, we hope to assist each individual to apply himself/herself fully and confidently to the learning process and hence to acquire the skills, attitudes, concepts and knowledge necessary for a successful and satisfying school and future life.

A Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy operates in Ballyoran Primary School.  Its aim is to protect our pupils by ensuring that everyone who works in our school has clear guidance on the detection and procedures involved where abuse of a child is suspected.  The overriding concern of all caring adults must be the safety of the child and the welfare of our pupils is our paramount consideration.  We have not only a moral, but also a legal responsibility to pass on concerns about possible abuse.

In all their contact with pupils, staff in Ballyoran Primary School follow the guidelines and procedures outlined in the DE Circular 2017/04: ‘Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools’

The following principles form the basis for our Child Protection procedures:

• Every child has the right to be safe from harm and to have proper care given to their physical, emotional and spiritual well being;
• Children should be listened to and taken seriously;
• In any incident the child’s welfare must always be paramount; this overrides all other considerations.

Reporting a Concern

• I have a concern about my/a child’s safety
• I can talk to the class teacher
• If I am still concerned, I can talk to the Designated Teacher for Child Protection Mrs McGuire or the Deputy Designated Teacher Miss Baird or the Principal Mr Woolsey
• If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Chair of the Board of Governors Mr Fleming, through school

At any time a parent can talk to a Social Worker at the Gateway Team

Tel: 0800 7837745 (Free Phone from a Landline)

Or can contact the PSNI Public Protection Unit

Tel: 101 (Ask for PPU in ‘E’ District)

In all cases of suspected child abuse, the action that will be taken in Ballyoran Primary School is that of informing Social Services and the Education Authority. The school will NOT be involved in investigating the suspected abuse.