Child Protection Training for members of Schools Boards of Management

This session will equip members of school Boards of Management with essential knowledge and skills to fulfil their child protection oversight responsibilities. Participants will learn about their obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and the DE Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023). The session covers the required reporting and recording procedures ensuring that board members can effectively oversee and support safeguarding practices within their schools.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of their child protection responsibilities and legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and the DE Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023).
2. Participants will enhance their ability to oversee and support the implementation of effective reporting and recording procedures for child protection concerns.

Presenter: Suzanne Graham

Suzanne currently is a member of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB (DLETB) Development team where she supports schools in the area of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
Suzanne spent 5 years seconded to the Department of Education Professional Development Services for Teachers (PDST) as a Health and Wellbeing Advisor.  In that role she developed, designed, and delivered in-service training to teachers in the areas of Child Protection, SPHE, RSE, Wellbeing, Mental Health, Substance Use, Personal Safety, Internet Safety and Anti-Bullying.
In addition, Suzanne has supported Webwise with the design of resources to support online safety and works with the Teacher National Partnership to support the Dove Self Esteem Project.
Suzanne also supports schools in developing and reviewing their Child Protection, Anti Bullying and RSE policies, was involved in piloting the DES Wellbeing Policy Framework for Practice and the DE Restorative Practice (RP) pilots for schools.
Suzanne has an MA in School Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, has a HDIP in Educational Management and Leadership, has a Post Grad in Child Protection and Welfare from Trinity College Dublin and is a qualified Restorative Practice trainer.