Lone Working Policy

School: Caherleaheen NS

Aims and Rationale

This policy aims to assist Caherleaheen NS, in fulfilling its duty of care, as legislated by the Children First Act 2015, the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017.

 

Content

One-to-one teaching will be provided, when required. Timetabling for one-to-one teaching will be drawn up by the Special Educational Needs Teachers (SETs), in conjunction with the class teachers. A copy of the timetable will be given to the principal and will be held by the SETs and mainstream classroom.

When one to one teaching takes place, the  SET’s room door will be generally closed to provide for a quiet / private learning environment. All doors are fitted with vision/ glass panels in line with child protection guidelines. These glass panels are kept clear of posters or displays allowing the lesson to be observed easily, without entering the room or disrupting the lesson in progress.

The SET will generally be seated opposite or beside the child at a desk, depending on the  professional judgement of the SET and the objective of the learning activity  at hand

Work being carried out by Special Needs Assistants will be carried out under the direction of the class teacher and in an open environment.

If a child needs one to one teaching, parents / guardians will be informed as part of the I.E.P. / School Support process and their consent will be sought and recorded by the SET

Substitute teachers are Garda vetted and therefore follow the SET’s timetable and lesson plan as provided by the class teacher or the absent SET

Students on teaching practice or on work experience should never be on a one to one setting with pupils in the school. They are welcome to observe an SET teaching a child in a one-to-one setting, as part of their Observation Week

 

This policy was developed by the Board of Management  in consultation with staff and parents. The policy was ratified on  ____ November 2021. It will be appraised annually as part of the Board of Management’s Child Protection Review