Use of School Premises by Outside Groups

Introductory Statement

This policy was devised and formulated by the school community, involving Board of Management, Parents Association and Staff of Lusk National School, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Education and Science and the C.P.S.M.A.

Aim

To provide clear guidelines for the hire and use of school premises by outside groups.

Procedure

External group use of the school premises for whatever purpose is dependent on compliance with the following directions:

  1. Evidence of appropriate insurance including public liability is provided in writing to the Board of Management.
  2. The nature of the activities for which the school is used is in keeping with the general educational aims and/or ethos of the school.
  3. A copy of each groups Child Protection policy is presented to the school (in all cases where groups are dealing with children). Alternatively groups may sign a copy of the parish Child Protection policy to confirm that they are in compliance with this policy.
  4. Written confirmation that teachers/ instructors have completed the Garda vetting procedure is provided to the school. (Copy of Garda Vetting attached)
  5. The standard and quality re organisation, discipline and instruction (where it applies) is in keeping with the professional standard of the school.
  6. Where it applies, the quality of care towards and responsibility shown to children involved in specific activities is in keeping with that of the school.
  7. The supervision of children attending extra-curricular activities is the responsibility of the teacher/instructor present on behalf of the group using the school. This includes the supervision and care of the pupils waiting beforehand and waiting to be collected afterwards.
  8. Responsibility rests with the group/ individual using the school for communicating with parents re:
    1. Starting/ finishing dates and times
    2. Cancellations, re-scheduling etc
    3. A contact phone number should be provided to parents
  9. School equipment/ facilities shall not be used by groups/ individuals without the permission of the school authorities.
  10. The teacher/ organiser present on behalf of the group/ individual using the school is responsible for:
    • Ensuring that the school's no smoking status is upheld
    • Turning off lights
    • Returning equipment and furniture to proper storage point
    • Re-arranging classroom furniture
    • Any necessary cleaning
    • Locking the school
  11. The agreed school hire charges are paid by cheque to 'Lusk National School' by a termly instalment.
  12. Where the Board deem it necessary that the school caretaker is required to open/lock the school or be on the premises while a group is in the school such costs will be met by the group in question.
  13. The school reserves the right to use the hall/room for its own purpose should the need arise.

Review

This policy will be reviewed during or before the school year Sept 2012 – June 2013.

Signed: _______________ Fr. Joe Mullan, Chairperson, Board of Management

      _____________________ Paul Comiskey, Principal..

Date:________________________________