Safeguarding and Child Protection Ethos

We at Ballycraigy Primary School have a responsibility for the safeguarding and child protection of the children in our care and we will carry out this duty by providing a caring, supportive and safe environment, where each child is valued for his or her unique talents and abilities, and in which all our young people can learn and develop to their full potential. All staff, teaching and non-teaching are alert to the signs of possible abuse and know the procedures to be followed.

Key Principles of Safeguarding and Child Protection

The general principles, which underpin our work, are those set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and are enshrined in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, the Department of Education (Northern Ireland) guidance “Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools”  and the Safeguarding Board for NI Core Child Protection Policy and Procedures (2017).

The following principles form the basis of our Child Protection Policy:

• the child or young person’s welfare is paramount

• the voice of the child or young person should be heard

• parents are supported to exercise parental responsibility and families helped stay together

• partnership

• prevention

• responses should be proportionate to the circumstances

• protection and

• evidence based and informed decision making

Ballycraigy School Safeguarding Team

The following are members of the schools Safeguarding team:

• Chair of the Board of Governors - Mr Mark Palmer 
• Designated Governor for Child Protection -Mrs Sarah Girvin
• Principal - Mrs Kerrie Wilson 
• Designated Teacher - Mrs Ruth Little 
• Deputy Designated Teacher - Mrs Caroline Jess 
• Deputy Designated Teacher - Mrs Diane Fowler