Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:441 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that are not operating the stay safe programme. [45728/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 December 2009
Ceisteanna (419)
Freagraí scríofa
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to support the implementation of the Stay Safe programme is provided by the Child Abuse Prevention Programme (CAPP). Results of a survey on the uptake of Stay Safe carried out by CAPP and my Department, identified over 700 schools which were either not implementing the Stay Safe programme in full, or not implementing the programme at all.
My Department, through Teacher Education Section, made additional resources available in order to provide targeted support to these schools. In September 2009, there remained 266 schools which had yet to access CPD and this number has now been reduced to less than 200.
CAPP, in conjunction with the Primary Professional Development Service (PPDS) will continue to target the provision of CPD in these schools.
My Department has also issued Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures to all primary schools giving direction and guidance to school management and staff in dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse, with the protection and well-being of the child being the most important consideration. These were based on the Children First national guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Children and were specifically adapted to cater for a primary school setting. Child Protection Guidelines training is available to all Designated Liaison Persons and Deputies in schools.