Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0368-691X
Abstract
Following the full implementation of all sections of the Children First Act in 2015, a dedicated Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection model was introduced in Irish schools. This inspection model was developed as part of the ‘oversight’ arrangements of the legislation and, as with other inspection models developed in schools, the inspection reports are publicly available on the Department of Education website. Since 2019, 105 final child protection and safeguarding reports in the primary sector are available. This paper reviews the findings of the evaluation reports. It outlines the challenges schools have faced, particularly in terms of the record keeping requirements of child protection. The findings of the implementation of the Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum (SPHE) and in particular Stay Safe, a personal safety skills programme, from the reports are considered. While the child protection inspection has increased not only compliance with child protection requirements in schools, it has enhanced the status of the teaching of SPHE, however the inspection model alone is not sufficient in a school context to deliver the highest standards of safety to children.
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Recommended Citation
Nohilly, Margaret
(2025)
"A review of Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections in Irish Primary Schools: A Safety Net for Our Children?,"
Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies:
Vol. 25:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/ijass/vol25/iss1/6