Parents told they must obtain Garda clearance for Trim school swim classes

Parents of pupils from St Mary"s NS, Trim, who want to change their children in the cubicles at the new Trim swimming pool during school sessions must now obtain Garda clearance, a move that has angered many parents. Parents can, however, change their young children in the open changing area once they sign a list that is also signed by the school teacher to confirm that they are a parent. School principal Coilin ' Coigligh said that concerns over child protection, given that there is no line of sight in the changing village, had led to the new arrangements being put in place. He acknowledged that it was short notice and had caused difficulties for parents of younger children, but said that child protection must take precedence. The school is also considering ceasing swimming lessons for junior and senior infants children but this will need to be discussed by the school"s board of management before a decision is taken. Mr ' Coigligh explained that, in the past, parents of junior and senior infants children had assisted in changing their children because they were so young. He said there was an open changing area in the old pool but there is a 'changing village" with cubicles in the new centre. 'I was concerned that there was no line of sight and there were a large group of adults in the changing village. So we came to an arrangement that parents can change their children in the open area, but those who wish to use the cubicles must get Garda clearance first,' he added. The school principal said he appreciated that it was short notice for parents and said that those who wish to change their children in the open area can do so if they sign a sheet that will also be signed by the teacher to verify that they are the child"s parent. The issue arose when management at Aura Trim contacted the school over the number of parents in the changing village during school swimminh sessions. Mr ' Coigligh said he went to Aura to discuss the matter, and when he looked at the changing area, he was unhappy with the line of sight. 'I accept that children of that age need help to get dried and dressed and it is causing difficulties, but I had to make a judgement call and felt that child protection is more important. We tried to come to an arrangement and this is the best we could do under the circumstances,' he said. Mr ' Coigligh said the school would facilitate parents who wish to apply for Garda clearance but said it could take two to three months to obtain. This would be more relevant for swimming next year. He also said that, from next year, the school is considering not having swimming lessons for junior and senior infants. While swimming is compulsary for all school children, the school has been in touch with the Department of Education which said St Mary"s could opt out for junior and senior infants, given the child protection concerns, and postpone swimming until first class. This proposal will be discussed at the next board of management meeting. The school principal said that the open area at the pool is not large enough for the number or parents. Last Thursday, there were 25 or 26 parents in the changing area and this was causing difficulties. There would not be so many parents if swimming began from first class, he added. He said the teachers appreciate the help of parents, as it is difficult for the class teacher to help change 28 or 29 children, but said it is a management issue because of concerns over child protection. Mr ' Coigligh said the points raised by parents were very valid and acknowledged there was a lack of notice but said letters had been sent to parents and he had also met with parents to explain the situation. Ian McLure, spokesperson for Aura, said: 'The safety of children is paramount at all Aura leisure centres. All our policies in relation to school group use are intended to protect all children at all times. Aura recognises that some parents wish to be present with the school group during swim activities and it will accommodate the interests of those parents, but needs to ensure that the safety of the school group is protected at all times. 'Parents who wish to be present in the school group changing areas on these occasions must be approved by the school utilising the facility. This is the only means of identifying parents and of ensuring that the only persons present in the school"s designated changing area are those who are permitted to be there.' Sinn Féin councillor Caroline Lynch said her child had been affected by the issue. She asked if there were concerns over child protection, 'who is better qualified to protect a child than their own parent?' She said: 'A number of parents have contacted me as they are shocked to discover that they are no longer allowed to assist their child getting dried and dressed. My own daughter has been affected by this policy. I have spoken to the manager of Trim Leisure Centre who has confirmed that, in the interests of child protection, he is requesting a list of approved parents to access the changing area from the school. 'In turn, it appears that the schools are under pressure from the Department of Education to seek Garda clearance for any parent that they vouch for. While all concerned have the welfare of children at heart, it is ridiculous that parents are prevented from dressing their own children. It is particularly hard for junior and senior infant classes,' she said. Cllr Lynch added that 'common sense must prevail, and quickly'.