Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014
18. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the implementation of the updated and comprehensive anti-bullying policy; if the inspectorate section of her Department is examining compliance by schools with the new policy; the steps being taken to ensure all schools have implemented the policy in view of the fact that they hoped the deadline was for the past school year. [37948/14]
View answerWhen the new anti-bullying procedures for schools were published, it was acknowledged that schools would need time to develop an anti-bullying policy in line with the new procedures. Accordingly the accompanying circular allowed schools a period up to last Easter to make the necessary arrangements, including consultations with the school community.
All schools should by now have completed this process. I would urge Parents' Associations to contact their school if they have not yet received a copy of the school's anti-bullying policy.
Arising from commitments made in the Action Plan on Bullying, my Department's Inspectorate is placing a stronger focus on the actions schools take to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying. For example, parent and student questionnaires issued as part of whole school evaluations, include, since January 2014, additional questions to get a clearer picture of how the school deals with bullying. Furthermore, the Inspectorate's plan for the current school year provides for a focused evaluation to be conducted in a sample of schools to examine the school's work to create and sustain safe and healthy environments.
