Child Protection aims to protect all children from harm. Harming children is referred to as child abuse.

“Child abuse occurs when a child/young person is neglected, harmed or not provided with proper care. Children/young people may be abused in many settings, in a family, in an institution or community setting, by those known to them, or, by a stranger. There are different types of abuse and a child/young person may suffer more than one of them.”
(SBNI Procedures Manual, Section 4, 07/09/18)

The following definitions are those identified in Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (revised August 2017):

Physical Abuse

• is the deliberate physical injury to a child, or the wilful or neglectful failure to prevent physical injury or suffering.

Sexual Abuse

• involves forcing or enticing the child to take part in sexual activities.

Emotional Abuse

• is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development.

Neglect

• is the persistent failure to meet a child's physical, emotional and/or psychological needs, likely to result in significant harm.

Exploitation

• is the intentional ill-treatment, manipulation or abuse of power and control over a child or young person; to take selfish or unfair advantage of a child or young person or situation, for personal gain. Exploitation can be sexual in nature.

If you are certain that Domestic Violence is occurring in a child's home (Father and Mother/Guardians/Carers) this must be referred immediately.

If a teacher or other staff member suspects a child has been abused they must inform the Designated Teacher (Mrs G Curran) or in their absence the Deputy Designated Teachers (Mrs L-A Knipe and Mrs L Smyth Todd).

The school reserves the unilateral right to make a referral about child abuse to appropriate agencies without consultation. The Designated Teacher will make an initial phone call to Social Services. This will be supported by a word processed report (UNOCINI Form), a copy of which is sent to the Gateway Team in Dunmurry.

In Lisnagarvey High, we give a high priority to the safety and welfare of our pupils. We aim to provide a caring, supportive and safe environment, valuing individuals for their unique talents and abilities, in which all our young people can learn and develop to full potential.

We seek to create a positive learning environment where pupils, staff and families feel valued. Child Protection is an important issue for all of us and we must ensure that pupils are protected from any form of abuse from any source whatsoever.

All schools are requested by law to have a Child Protection Policy and to communicate this to parents. If you have a concern of any nature regarding your child or any other child please follow the guidelines on the website.

A copy of our policy document “Child Protection in Lisnagarvey High School” is available here .

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you require further information.