The Stay Safe Programme is currently being taught in our Senior Infants, 2nd, 4th and 6th classes this term.  The aim of the Stay Safe programme is to teach children personal safety skills so they can look after themselves in situations that could be upsetting or dangerous. It deals initially with common situations that children will experience at some stage or other, e.g. getting lost or being bullied. The programme also teaches children the safety skills necessary to protect themselves from physical or sexual abuse and emphasises the importance of telling a trusted adult about any problems they have.

A Stay Safe Training Session for Parents has been arranged for the 11th April at 7pm in the school hall.

The Stay Safe Session for Parents will consist of:

• An outline of the content and teaching methods of the Stay Safe programme
• Explanation of the parent’s role in this teaching process and child protection strategies – how to build self-esteem and foster open communication and trust
• Information on child abuse and bullying
• Information on responding to disclosures or suspicions of child abuse and available services.

The Board of Management will receive training right after the parent training session.

Also during the first week of school after we return from Easter, we will be providing online training for all the children and parents in the Three R’s Restorative Plan (Record, Review and Repair) as part of our Antibullying Policy and the school’s transition to a Restorative Practice.  This Plan is as outlined in the addendum to our Antibullying Policy.  A training link will be shared with parents following the pupil training after Easter. More information will follow.