Minister McEntee announces publication of updated Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025
- Published on: 28 May 2025
- Last updated on: 29 May 2025
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee today launched the updated Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025
The updated procedures were developed in collaboration with the education partners consisting of representatives from management bodies, unions and the National Parents Council, and were also informed by the views of children and young people, parents and the wider education community.
Since the introduction of child protection procedures in schools, the obligations and responsibilities which arise from the procedures have been taken very seriously by schools and there is a very strong culture of child protection across the school sector. They give direction to school management and staff regarding the identification of and response to child protection concerns and the process for continued support of the child.
This further update to the child protection procedures for schools takes account of remaining recommendations of the High-Level Independent Review of the Department of Education’s Current Child Protection Policies and Processes which aimed to identify any existing and/or potential gaps, risks or areas for improvement and to make recommendations for improvements both short and long term. The procedures also considered the child protection recommendations from the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools Run by Religious Orders in further updating these procedures.
Minister McEntee said:
“Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive at school. We know, however, that this is not every child’s experience. Abuse can have a devastating and lasting impact, robbing children of their chance to be happy and achieve their potential.
“It is imperative that each of us recognises the vital role we can play in helping to keep children and young people safe from harm. As the Children First Act requires, it is essential that all organisations entrusted with the care of children have robust child protection policies in place and that these are upheld by every individual within an organisation.
“These new procedures will provide schools with valuable resources and guidance on how they can protect pupils and students. They share a renewed emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of all members of the school community in protecting children. Their implementation will be supported by training for all members of school personnel and an extensive selection of templates and resources."
If anyone has any concerns in relation to the safety or welfare of a child or young person at any time, it is imperative that they report their concerns to Tusla or An Garda Síochána.