Child protection and safeguarding inspections

This guide was created after the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 were published. These procedures update the previous Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (revised 2023), following discussions between the Department of Education and Youth and education partners.

This guide should be read in conjunction with Circular 0041/2025 Publication of Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025. Schools are advised that any new requirements of the 2025 procedures, which were not in the previous procedures, will not be inspected until a school has formally adopted the 2025 procedures.

As part of all school inspections, the Inspectorate evaluates and reports on the work of the school in creating a school culture that prevents and addresses bullying behaviour.