Pastoral Care Policy
In Anahilt Primary School we have a primary responsibility for the care, welfare and
safety of the pupils in our charge. We will carry out this duty through our pastoral
care policy, which aims to provide a caring, supportive and safe environment. We
value individual children for their unique talents and abilities and provide opportunities
for them to learn and develop their full potential. We seek to protect children by
helping them
· learn about risks of possible abuse
· recognise unwelcome behaviour in others
· acquire confidence and skills needed to keep them safe.
Before being appointed all staff (and volunteers) are subject to appropriate background
checks which are carried out by the PSNI on behalf of the SEELB The staff have also
adopted a Code of Practice for our behaviour towards pupils. This Code is set out in
the Appendix to this policy statement.
The staff of this school seek to ensure that children are safe from harm while in their
care, either on the school premises or on an educational visit.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that
‘children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence: they must be
kept safe from harm; and they must be given proper care by those looking after
them.’ Further ‘when adults or organisations make decisions which affect
children they must always think first about what would be best for the child.’
To ensure the school aim is implemented all staff have been made aware of the SEELB
Policy and Procedures. The Principal acts as the Designated Teacher (in his absence
this is delegated to the Deputy Designated Teacher or other senior teacher in her
absence).
The staff in the school have a legal and statutory duty to report any incidences
which cause them concern. It is, therefore, important that parents inform the school
when a child has been injured. (The teachers may, however, still be required to pass
on any concerns, even if a note has been written.)
A member of staff expressing concern will inform the Designated Teacher, who makes
contact with the SEELB’s designated Officer and the local Health and Social Services.
School staff are not permitted to become involved in investigations - hence the need
to contact Social Services. In all circumstances the prime purpose is to ensure
that a child is protected fully from harm. Many enquiries/investigations show that
the child’s injuries have been caused by genuine accidents.
The staff in the school have a legal and statutory duty to report any incidences
which cause them concern. | 
