East Glendalough School

1 General

East Glendalough School, in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, endeavours to ensure the health and safety of all employees, students and visitors.

The Board of Management has overall responsibility for health and safety in the school and delegates responsibility to the Principal, Safety Officer, and Safety Committee on a day to day basis. The Principal, Safety Officer and the Safety Committee, which has representatives from staff and students, address and monitor issues of health and safety regularly.

The School Safety Statement contains the procedures and rules relating to safety, health and welfare within the school. This has been written by an independent safety auditor, approved by the Board of Management, analysed and commented on by the staff and made available to the members of staff. It is available for inspection by any visitor or contractor entering the school. There are also notices posted around the school regarding safety on school buses and fire drill procedures. The grounds have notices and signs relating to safety. Students and staff are frequently reminded at assemblies and staff meetings about matters relating to school safety and students’ welfare. The Parents’ Committee of the Parents’ Association also undertakes to inform parents of such issues.

Continuing risk assessments are carried out and reviewed by outside safety auditors, by the school management and by members of staff with the assistance of the School Safety Committee.of work and school organization are maintained to reduce risks to health and safety.and students are provided with appropriate information, instruction, equipment and supervision as necessary to ensure as far as possible their safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions.provision of maintenance of the working environment including all plant, machinery and equipment is made safe to reduce risk to health and safety.school is fitted with regulation alarms and directional signs.fire drills are carried out.and bullying by anyone is regarded as unacceptable behaviour. school shall facilitate those students and staff who have special needs subject to resources available from the Department of Education and Science.


2. Staff

Employees also have a statutory duty to take care of themselves and others in the school.
The teaching staff operate according to accepted professional standards following the policies of the school and the guidelines in the school Safety Statement and the rules and guidelines of the Department of Education and Science.caretaking staff follow good working practices as set down in the School Safety Statement. They also have an important role in the supervision of students.staff work in accordance with given instructions and the guidelines as set down in the School Safety Statement.staff employed by the school have a supervisory role and a legal obligation to report health and safety issues to the Safety Officer or the Principal.

3 Students

Student Behaviour: Paragraph 7 of the School Code of Conduct outlines the school’s expectations regarding behaviour in school, while travelling to and from school and on school outings. It should be noted that, if in the opinion of the Principal, or a member of staff, a student’s behaviour is such so as to constitute a health and safety hazard, that student may be removed immediately from the class or outing or, in more serious cases, from the school, until the matter can be resolved.

In the interests of safety, students should note the following:

Pedestrians must enter the school grounds by the pedestrian pathway.and cyclists must exercise great care while going to the cycle shed and the warning signs should be followed.parking space dictates that only staff and visitors’ cars may be parked in the school grounds. Pupils may not drive or park cars in the school groundscare must be taken in the vicinity of school buses and the safety guidelines for travelling on school buses, which are posted around the school, must be followed.must walk safely and carefully around the building at all times. Any hazards, such as broken glass or slippery floors should be reported to the office or the caretaker immediately.are expected to queue in an orderly manner at the tuck shop, when awaiting class or waiting for school buses.may not leave the school grounds without the permission of a parent/guardian and the Principal or Deputy Principal. In the event of this happening, responsibility reverts to the parent/guardian regarding liability.are obliged to behave on school trips in accordance with the School Code of Conduct and School Trips Policy. School Substance Abuse Policy must be strictly followed. The use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal substances are forbidden in the school, around the grounds, on the way to and from school, in uniform, at school functions and matches and on school trips. must observe all safety rules of the school and must not use or wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with equipment and facilities provided for their safety.wearing of some items of jewellery may be hazardous in a school setting and must be limited as in the School Uniform Policy. are expected to leave the school grounds promptly after classes finish each day unless they are involved in an official school activity which has the permission of the staff and acceptable supervision is in place.

4 Medical

It is school policy that

Parents/Guardians notify the school, in writing, when a student is taking prescribed drugs.who have parental permission to take medication are obliged to carry an authorization slip from the office at all times.school must be notified about any illness or condition that could impinge on school life.employee of the school is obliged to administer medication. Should an employee agree to assist a parent/guardian and administer medication this will only occur with the parent/guardian’s written permission. In an emergency, basic First Aid may be administered.who become ill in school and who are unable to continue with normal lessons will be sent to the office and the parent/guardian will be contacted, if possible, to take the child home. In the event of an emergency or failing to make contact with a parent/guardian the school may take the student to a doctor where this is deemed necessary.school provides First Aid boxes for emergency use. These will be located in the staff room and the main office.
The school should be informed when serious problems arise within or outside the home that may have an effect on the pupil’s progress in school.

5. Parents/Guardians

The school recognises the importance of parental support in the education of pupils.
If parent/guardians wish to discuss any matter relating to health and safety, they should contact the appropriate Form Teacher, Head of School, Deputy Principal or Principal to make an appointment.for a student to leave the school must be requested by a parent/guardian.from or lateness to school must be explained in writing to the Principal the following day.are requested to ensure that the pupils come to school on time and in proper school uniform.


6. Practical Subjects and Sports Activities

These may require specialist equipment and have specific rules and guidelines that must be followed.must not go into practical or sports areas except with a teacher’s permissionsupervision of a teacher is required for all practical subjects. The school enlists the assistance of Senior Students and Prefects during break, lunch and after formal class contact time to assist with such supervision.subjects and other practical subjects will have subject specific rules and regulations governing student conduct which must be adhered to at all times. medical procedures outlined above will apply in the event of accidents in these areas.equipment will be regularly monitored and checked by the relevant specialist teacher concerned.

7. School Buses and Coaches

Bus Eireann is responsible for the school bus service, routes, pick-up points and the quality of the school bus service.
Students must take great care to obey the rules and guidelines relating to queuing for and travelling on school buses and coaches as given by the driver and school personnel.

8. Fire Drill

This is practised on a regular basis and at least once per term. Drill instructions are posted around the school.extinguishers, hoses and alarms are maintained annually by a recognized contractor.

9. Special Student Responsibilities

Prefects and other student committees represent students’ interests and help with organising events and supervision duties in the school.Head Boy and Head Girl are members of the School Safety Committee.

10. Supervised Study

A supervised study scheme is available for a limited number of students during school terms. Students must follow normal school rules while attending study.at supervised study is entirely voluntary and should be organized with the teacher in charge. The school takes no responsibility for students who may choose not to attend or who leave early.who choose to leave early must vacate the school premises promptly.

11 Visitors to the School

Permission to visit East Glendalough School and/or its grounds is at the discretion of the Principal. visitors should report to the school office before conducting any business.

12 Groups who hire the facilities of the School

All applications for hire of facilities of East Glendalough School must be approved by the Board of Management. The Board will only consider such applications if accompanied by written confirmation that insurance cover exists, and that such cover indemnifies the Board of Management and the Minister for Education and Science. which hire any facility of the school do so on the understanding that no areas of health or safety can be compromised. All students who come onto school property to attend classes/functions organised by outside bodies must be adequately supervised at all times.

Any accidents or injury to persons employed by or under the supervision of bodies which hire the facilities of the school are the sole responsibility of the hiring body.

13. Vehicles using the grounds

The limited parking space is for staff and visitors.are parked at the owner’s risk.warning signs must be followed and great care taken while driving in the grounds.



Approved by the Board of Management 18 March 2003
Reference to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act added May 2006.