Loughquittane N.S. 10049M March 2026
Safety Statement
The Board of Management of Loughquittane N.S. charged with the direct
government of the school, has prepared this Safety Statement in accordance
with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare Acts of 2005 and
1989, Section 12, sub-sections 1 – 8. In doing so it is mindful of the unique
place the school occupies as an extension of the home life of the child and of
the responsibilities entrusted to the personnel of the school by the parents of
the pupils.
Safety, health and welfare within the school is, and has always been, a most
sacred duty incumbent on all members of the school community and one
which calls for constant vigilance. This Safety Statement must be read in
conjunction with the Code of Behaviour, Safeguarding Children Policy,
Administration of Medication, Accident & Injury, Supervision and Trips &
Outings policies for Loughquittane NS.
Under Rule 123 (4) and Circular 16/73 of the Department of Education, the
Principal Teacher, Ann O’Donnell, is responsible for the discipline of the
school generally, the control of other members of the teaching and non
teaching staff, including the co-ordination and effective supervision of their
work, the organisation of the school and other matters relating to the work of
the school. In carrying out these duties, Ann O’ Donnell is required to organise
supervision of the order and general behaviour of the pupils during school
hours. In particular she should organise and participate in the effective
supervision of the pupils during breaks, lunch periods, assembly and
dismissal.
It is the duty of the Deputy Principal, Rachel Kelliher to draw up a table of
names and times of supervision duties and to display this on the staff notice
board. She will hold regular meetings with the staff on matters concerning the
general work of the school. Teachers who are unable to undertake rostered
yard supervision will arrange a swap and note changes on the schedule in the
staffroom.
The Deputy Principal Rachel Kelliher, Teachers John O Donoghue, John
McKenna, Lorraine Fitzgerald and Amy Arthur are required to assist the
Principal with the day to day organisation and supervision of the school and
Rachel Kelliher is also The Safety Representative. All First Aid duties will be
shared.
In accordance with Section 13 (3) of the Act, the teaching staff in consultation
with other employees may select from time to time a representative who as a
“safety representative” will conduct consultations with the Principal and/or with
the Board pursuant to this section.
The Board in consultation with the Staff, has identified the following areas of
school life and activity as requiring special care in order to prevent injury or
damage to members of the school community, and Risk Assessments
undertaken (Appendix)
Loughquittane N.S. 10049M March 2026
1. Arrivals & Dismissals
2. Activity outside the classroom.
3. Activity within the classroom.
4. Restricted areas.
5. Hygiene.
6. Fire Drill.
7. First Aid.
Loughquittane NS operates a drive through system. Children stay in the car
until a member of the staff approaches the car upon arrival, and wait with the
class until a teacher gives them permission to walk to the car at dismissal. All
pedestrians cross with an adult to/from the pedestrian gate.
The school opens at 8:50am to receive children arriving early. Children enter
the school through their external classroom doors. This early supervision is
provided by teachers on their classrooms with SET and SNAs receiving
children as they arrive. School business begins at 9.00am and in accordance
with Rule 124 (4), all teachers will be present to exercise the required
supervision of their classes at that time. It is recognised that the short breaks
at 10.50am and the lunch breaks at 12.30pm -1.00pm require special
attention and care. Attention of the teaching staff is directed to Rule 121 (4).
In all pupil activity involving games of whatsoever kind, teachers will exercise
prudent judgement on the level of safety required and bring to the notice of
the Principal any matter requiring corrective action.
Within the classroom and school building during normal school hours, the
hazards with potential for injury are:
● Activities involving the use of tools of any kind e.g. scissors, knives,
pointed implements etc.
● Activities involving the use of electrical power.
● Moveable furniture.
The teachers are professional people trained to conduct group activity.
Teachers and ancillary staff are required to conduct a periodic safety check of
their classrooms and to effect or to request immediate corrective action
The restricted areas in the school at present are as follows:
● The boiler house at the side of the school which is always locked.
● The locked storage in the hall which contains cleaning agents and
equipment.
● The Saferoom in the General Access Bathroom, which is full of
equipment and a wide variety of items.
● Only designated senior children may access PE equipment in the
Portocabin.
● The Container & Oil Tank are restricted to designated personnel.
● The kitchen and school office are restricted to Teachers and Staff only.
Loughquittane N.S. 10049M March 2026
Hygiene is the concern of everyone in our school. Good hygiene practice is
essential for the health and welfare of all in the school. For this reason any
infringement of the Code of Conduct in this regard will be regarded with
particular seriousness. Teachers are requested to train their pupils in good
hygiene practice. The Staff, both Teaching and Ancillary, are requested to be
vigilant in this regard and bring to the notice of the Principal any corrective
action which may be deemed necessary.
The Board draws attention to the dangers of fire and to the loss of life that
may be caused in the event of a fire in the school. Each teacher shall instruct
his/her pupils in the event of a fire drill, to be observed in the event of fire. The
following instructions are to be observed in the case of fire:
1. When in class, orders to leave will be given to by the person in charge
of the class, who will indicate the route to be followed.
2. When not in class, form single file, and go by direct route to the
assembly area.
3. Silence should be observed.
4. Nobody is to return for anything left inside the building.
5. Fire drill procedure to be practiced yearly.
In the event of accidents it may be necessary to administer First Aid. The
guidelines set out in “Accident & Injury Policy” will be followed. The school
secretary will replenish first aid supplies as needed.
The Eircode V93 RF96 is displayed outside the school and in each classroom,
and children are taught to use the Eircode should emergency services be
required.
Loughquittane N.S. may be used for non-teaching activities, including
meetings and elections by prior arrangement with the Board of Management.
On such occasions, access is limited to preapproved areas of the school only,
and school equipment. All entrances and exits will be clearly marked, with
external lighting checked in advance. Fire extinguishers are located in all
such areas. Wheelchair access is also signed. Excess furniture and
equipment will be removed. The caretaker will be available to unlock and lock
the school on such occasions.
A Community Defibillator attached to the front of the school building is now lit
at night for safe access to same. This is serviced by Muckross Community
Council.
This Safety Statement has been prepared with reference to the conditions
existing in the school at the time of writing. It will be altered, revised and
updated so as to comply with any changes in conditions.
Signed:
Loughquittane N.S. 10049M March 2026
___________________________________________
Principal
____________________________________________________
Chairperson Board of Management