St. Laurence's National School

Health & Safety

The Board of Management ask that if at all possible, children who are prescribed medicine, receive dosages at home. In exceptional circumstances, if medicine has to be given at school, the parents concerned should write to the Board requesting it to authorise a member of staff to administer the medicne. It is advisable that children needing to use a medical aid such as an inhaler, should have a spare unit, suitably labelled, in the school office for emergency use.

Parents of pupils being visited are informed in advance when Health Board Nurse, Doctor or Dentist attend the school.

Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying

All such incidents will be investigated sensitively to avoid the humiliation of the parties involved. In all incidents of bullying, the Teacher will speak separately to the pupils concerned in an attempt to get both sides of the story. Where appropriate pupils, not directly involved, may also provide
useful information.

All reports of bullying, no matter how trivial, will be noted, investigated and dealt with by the Teacher. In this way the confidence of pupils in being open in regard to such incidents will be fostered. This confidence factor is of vital importance.

Serious cases of bullying behaviour by a pupil will be referred immediately to the Principal or Deputy Principal. Any one or a combination of the following strategies may be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour:

Parents/Guardians of the victim(s) and bully(s) will be informed by the Principal, Deputy Principal or Class Teacher, earlier rather than later, regarding incident(s) of bullying behaviour, to give them an opportunity of discussing the matter. They are then in a position to support and help the pupils before a crisis develops.

Parents/Guardians may make enquiries from the Principal, Deputy Principal or Class Teacher, regarding incidents of bullying behaviour which they might suspect or that have come to their attention.

It will be made clear to all pupils that when being open and drawing attention to incidents of bullying they are behaving responsibly (and not tale telling).

The teacher in consultation with the appropriate Staff Member will record and take the necessary measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour in accordance with the School’s policy and Code of Behaviour and Discipline.

Evaluation of bullying procedures

The Code of Behaviour and Discipline will be subject to ongoing review in the light of incidents of bullying behaviour encountered. It will be included as an agenda item for school staff meetings.