EgertonRothesay School

Staff Code of Conduct

Responsibility: / SJE

EgertonRothesay School

CodeofConductfor TeachingandSupportStaff

I.Overview

EgertonRothesay Schoolseekstoprovideasafeandsupportiveenvironment,whichsecuresthewell-beingandverybestoutcomesforpupilsintheircare.Ourvalues aresetoutintheStatement of Values.

This document should clarify what is expected intermsof professionalbehaviour;itgivesclearadviceaboutwhatconstitutesillegalbehaviourandwhatmightbeconsideredasmisconduct.Italsodescribessafepracticeandwhichbehavioursshould beavoided.

Ifamemberofstaffdoesnotfollowthiscodeofconductthismayleadtodisciplinary procedures.

Theremaybetimeswhenprofessionaljudgementsaremadeinsituationsnotcoveredbythisdocument,orwhichdirectlycontravenetheguidancegivenbytheiremployer.Itisexpectedthatinthesecircumstancesstaffwillalwaysadvisetheirseniorcolleaguesoftheirjustificationforanysuchactionalreadytakenorproposed.

II.CorePrinciples

  • Thewelfare ofpupils isparamount.
  • Staffareresponsiblefortheirownactionsandbehaviourandshouldavoidanyconductwhichwouldleadanyreasonablepersontoquestiontheirmotivationandintentions.
  • Staffshould work, and beseento workinanopenand transparent way.
  • Staffshoulddiscussand/ortakeadvicepromptlyfromtheirlinemanageroranotherseniormemberofstaffoveranyincident,whichmaygive risetoconcern.
  • Recordsshouldbemadeofanysuchincidentandofdecisionsmade/further actions agreed.
  • StaffshouldapplythesameprofessionalstandardsinkeepingwiththeSchool’sEquality Policy.
  • AllstaffshouldknowthenameoftheirdesignatedSafeguarding Leadforchildprotection, befamiliarwithchildprotectionarrangements andunderstandtheirresponsibilitiestosafeguardand protect pupils.
  • Staffshouldbeawarethatbreachesofthelawandotherprofessionalguidelinescouldresultincriminalordisciplinaryactionbeingtakenagainstthem.

Safe WorkingPracticesfor the Protectionof PupilsandStaffatEgertonRothesay School

1. Introduction
Thisguidancehasbeenproducedtohelpallstaffestablishthesafestpossiblelearningandworkingenvironments.Theaimsaretosafeguardyoungpeopleandreducetheriskofstaffbeingfalselyaccused ofimproper or unprofessionalconduct. / Thismeansthattheseguidelines:
  • applytoalladultsworkingin educationsettingswhatevertheir position, roles,orresponsibilities.

2. DutyofCare
Teachersandotherstaffareaccountableforthewayinwhichtheyexerciseauthority;managerisk;useresources;andprotectpupilsfromdiscriminationand avoidableharm.
Allstaff,whetherpaidorvoluntary,haveadutytokeepyoungpeoplesafeandtoprotectthemfromphysicalandemotionalharm.Thisdutyisinpartexercisedthroughthedevelopmentofrespectful,caringandprofessionalrelationshipsbetweenstaffandpupilsandbehaviourbystaffthatdemonstratesintegrity,maturityandgoodjudgement.
Therearelegitimatehighexpectationsaboutthenatureoftheprofessionalinvolvementofstaffinthelivesofpupils.Whenindividualsacceptarolethatinvolvesworkingwithchildrenandyoungpeople,theyneedtounderstandandacknowledgetheresponsibilitiesandtrustinherent inthatrole.
The sharing of information regarding concerns about pupils is paramount.
Employershaveadutyofcaretowardstheiremployeeswhichrequiresthemtoprovideasafeworkingenvironmentforstaffandguidanceaboutsafeworkingpractices. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • understandtheresponsibilities,which arepartoftheiremploymentorrole,andbeawarethatsanctionswillbeappliediftheseprovisionsarebreached
  • alwaysact,andbe seentoact,inthechild’sbestinterests
  • avoidanyconduct which would lead anyreasonablepersontoquestion their motivationandintentions
  • takeresponsibilityfortheirown actionsandbehavior, promoting and modeling good behaviour.
ThismeansthatERS should:
  • ensurethatsafeguardingproceduresare inplace and reviewed
  • ensurethatsystems are inplaceforconcernstobe raised and incidents recorded.
  • ensurethatadultsarenotplacedin situationswhichrender themparticularlyvulnerable
  • Be aware of the PREVENT duty and not engage or invite speakers promoting extremism
  • Be aware it is our duty to uphold and report incidences of FGM
  • Ensure regular safeguarding training and updates for all staff.

3. Exercise ofProfessionalJudgement
Thisguidancecannotprovideacompletechecklistofwhatis,orisnot,appropriatebehaviour forstaff.Itdoeshighlighthowever,behaviourthatisillegal,inappropriateorinadvisable.Therewillbeoccasionsandcircumstancesinwhichstaffhavetomakedecisionsortakeactioninthebestinterestsofthepupilswhichcouldcontravenethisguidanceorwherenoguidanceexists.Individualsareexpectedtomakejudgementsabouttheirbehaviourinordertosecurethebestinterestsandwelfareofthechildrenintheirchargeandinsodoing,willbe seentobeactingreasonably. / Thismeansthatwhereno specificguidanceexistsstaffshould:
  • discussthecircumstancesthatinformedtheiraction,ortheirproposed action,withaseniorcolleague. Thiswill helptoensurethatthesafestpracticesareemployedand reducetherisk ofactionsbeing misinterpreted
  • always discussanymisunderstanding,accidentsorthreats witha senior leader
  • alwaysrecord discussionsandactionstakenwiththeirjustifications

4. Power and PositionsofTrust
Alladultsworkingwithpupilsineducationsettingsareinpositionsoftrustinrelationtotheyoungpeopleintheircare. A relationshipbetweenamemberofstaffandapupilcannotbearelationshipbetweenequals.Thereispotentialforexploitationandharmofvulnerableyoungpeople;staffhavearesponsibilitytoensurethatanunequalbalanceofpowerisnotusedforpersonaladvantageor gratification.
Staffshouldalwaysmaintainappropriateprofessionalismandwhereverpossible,theyshouldavoidbehaviourwhichmightbemisinterpretedbyothers,andreportandrecordany incident with this potential.
Whereapersonaged18oroverisinapositionoftrustwithachildunder18,itisanoffenceforthatpersontoengageinsexualactivitywithorinthepresenceofthatchild,ortocauseorincitethatchildtoengageinorwatchsexualactivity.Whereapersonaged18oroverisinapositionoftrustestablishedwithapersonwhohasonlyrecentlylefttheschool,anyattempttoengageinsexualactivitywiththatpersonwillbeacauseforconcernandwillbetreatedasabreachoftrustestablished inthatprior relationship. / Thismeansthatstaffshould not:
  • usetheirposition togainaccesstoinformationfortheir ownadvantageand/orapupils’or family's detriment
  • usetheirpower tointimidate,threaten, coerceorunderminepupils
  • usetheirstatusandstandingtoformorpromotea relationshipwith apupil, whichisofa sexualnature.
  • attempttoinitiate arelationshipwith a recentex-pupil,whichisofa sexualnature.

5. Confidentiality
Membersofstaffmayhaveaccesstoconfidentialinformationaboutpupilsinordertoundertaketheireverydayresponsibilities.Insomecircumstancesstaffmaybegivenadditionalhighlysensitiveorprivateinformation.Theyshouldneveruseconfidentialorpersonalinformationaboutapupilorhisfamilyfortheirown, orothers’advantage.Informationmustneverbeusedtointimidate,humiliate,orembarrassthepupil.
Confidentialinformationaboutpupilsshouldneverbeusedcasuallyinconversationorsharedwithanypersonotherthanonaneedtoknowbasis.Incircumstanceswherethe pupil’sidentitydoesnotneedtobedisclosedtheinformationshould beused anonymously.
Therearesomecircumstancesinwhichamemberofstaffmaybeexpectedtoshareinformationaboutapupil,forexamplewhenabuse is allegedorsuspected.Insuchcases,individualshaveadutytopassinformationonwithoutdelay,butonlytothosewithdesignatedchildprotectionresponsibilities.
Ifamemberofstaffisinanydoubtaboutwhethertoshareinformationorkeepitconfidentialheorsheshouldseekguidance fromaseniormemberofstaff.Anymediaorlegalenquiriesshouldbepassedto senior leadership.
Adultsneedtobeawarethatalthoughitisimportanttolistentoandsupportpupils,theymustnotpromiseconfidentialityorrequestpupils todothesameunder any circumstances.
Additionallyconcernsandallegationsaboutadultsshouldbetreatedasconfidentialandpassedtoaseniorleader withoutdelay. / Thismeansthatstaff:
  • areexpectedtotreatinformation theyreceiveaboutpupilsina discreetandconfidentialmanner.
  • in anydoubtaboutsharinginformation theyhold orwhich hasbeen requested ofthemshouldseekadvicefromasenior memberofstaff
  • needtobe cautiouswhenpassinginformationtoothersabout a pupil.
  • Needtoknowtowhomanyconcernsorallegationsshouldbereported

6. ProprietyandBehaviour
Allstaffhavearesponsibilitytomaintainpublicconfidenceintheirabilitytosafeguardthewelfareandbestinterestsofpupils.Theyshouldadopthighstandardsofpersonalconductinordertomaintaintheconfidenceand respect of their peers,pupilsand thepublicingeneral. / Thismeansthatstaffshould not:
  • behave in amannerwhich wouldleadanyreasonablepersontoquestion their suitabilitytoworkwith pupilsor act as arolemodel.
  • drink alcoholwithcurrentpupilsin publicor

privateplaces,norpurchasealcoholforpupils.There maybe exceptionalcircumstanceswherea memberofstaffmaybepersonalfriends witha parentwhich mean thatnormalsociallifewillbringthepupilintosocialcontactwithamemberofstaff.However,generally,ifamemberofstafffindsthemselves inapuborother meetingplacein whichcurrentpupilsaredrinking,thememberofstaffshouldnotjointhepupilsandmayneedtodrawtheattentionofbar stafftothe ageofthepupils.It isdifficulttodetermineexactregulationsin thisarea;ifamemberofstafffeelsthatthereareexceptionalreasonswhythegeneralrestrictionon drinkingalcoholwith pupilsshouldnotapply,theyshould discuss thematter with asenior memberofstaff.
Anindividual'sbehaviour,eitherinoroutoftheworkplace,shouldnotcompromiseher/hispositionwithintheworksettingsoitisimportanttoexerciseduecareandattentionwhenoutsideoftheschoolenvironment. Staff must act in a professional manner and not engage in any activity that would bring the teaching profession into disrepute inside or outside the school.
Membershipoforganisationswhosegoalsareinconflictwiththevaluesandequalitypoliciesoftheschoolis not acceptable. /
  • drinkalcoholwhen supervisingpupilsoronschooltrips. Thisapplieseven when thereareno pupilspresent,asthememberofstaffmaybe called toactifan emergencyoccurs.
  • makeinappropriateremarksto apupil(includingemail, textmessages, phoneorletteretc).
  • discusstheirownsexual relationships withorin thepresenceof pupils
  • discussa pupil'ssexualrelationships ininappropriate settingsor contexts
  • make(or encourageotherstomake)unprofessionalpersonalcommentsin anyformofcommunication(e-mail,conversationsorsocialnetworking comments)
Staffmust:
  • Beawarethattheir behaviourin their personallivesmayimpactupon theirworkwithpupils.
  • Be aware that there is a ban on unlawful discriminatory behaviour.

7. DressandAppearance
Staffshouldconsiderthemannerofdressandappearanceappropriatetotheirprofessionalrole.Werequirepupilstobesmartintheiruniform.Smartandprofessionalappearanceisexpectedatalltimesforstaff.Staffshouldensuretheyaredresseddecently,safelyandappropriatelyforthetasks they undertake.
Thosewhodressorappearinamannerwhichcouldbeconsideredasinappropriate (whichmightincludetattoosorpiercings)couldrender / Thismeansthatstaffshouldensure theirappearance and clothing:
  • promotesa positiveand professionalimage,includingensuringthatformalestafffacialhair iseither wellshavedortrimmedandneat.
  • isappropriatetotheir role
  • isnotlikelytobeviewedasoffensive,revealing,orsexuallyprovocative
  • does notdistract,causeembarrassmentorgiverise tomisunderstanding

themselvesvulnerabletocriticismorallegation.Appropriatepersonalpresentationisexpectedofstaff.
Jewelleryshouldnotbeostentatious;amaximumoftwopairsofplainsmallstudorfinesleeperearrings willbeacceptable. /
  • isabsentof anypoliticalorotherwisecontentiousslogans

8. Gifts
Staffshouldbeawareoftheschool'spolicyregardingarrangementsforthedeclarationofgiftsreceived and given.
Staffneedtotakecarethattheydonotacceptanygiftthatmightbeconstruedasabribebyothers,or lead thegiver toexpect preferentialtreatment.
Thereare occasions whenpupilsor parents wishtopass small tokensofappreciationtostaff,forexample atChristmas orasa thank-you,and this isacceptable. However,it is unacceptableto receivegifts ona regularbasis or ofany significantvalue.Anymemberof staffconcerned aboutwhether they or theircolleaguesmaybeat risk ofgivingor receiving a bribe(financialor otherwise)should contact theBursar.Anymember of staffreceivinggifts or entertainment valued atmorethan£100mustdisclose this totheBursar.
Membersofstaffmaynotgivepersonalgiftstopupils.Itisacceptableforstafftoofferprizesofsmall valueincertaintasks or competitions. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • ensurethatgiftsreceived orgiven insituationswhichmaybemisconstruedaredeclared
  • ensurethatgiftsofsignificant value aredeclared.
  • generally,onlygivegiftsto an individual youngperson aspartofan agreedrewardsystem
  • where givinggifts otherthan asabove, ensurethattheseareofinsignificant value and givento all pupilsequally.

9. Infatuations
Staffneedtobeawarethatitisnotuncommonforpupilstobestronglyattractedtoamemberofstaffand/ordevelopaninfatuation.Staffshouldbeawarethatsuchcircumstancesalwayscarryahighriskofwordsoractionsbeingmisinterpretedand forallegations tobemadeagainst staff.
Amemberofstaffwhobecomesawarethatapupilmaybeinfatuatedwiththemselvesoracolleagueshoulddiscussthisattheearliestopportunitywithaseniorcolleaguesothatappropriateactioncanbe taken.Inthisway,stepscanbetakentoavoidhurtanddistressforallconcerned. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • Reporttosenior colleaguesanyindications(verbal,written orphysical)thatsuggest apupilmaybeinfatuatedwith a member ofstaff.
  • Bemindfulifthey arealone in aroomwith apupil.Leavethedooropen ifyouhaveto.

10. Personal LivingSpace
Nopupilshouldbeinorinvitedinto,thehomeofanadultwhoworkswiththem,unlessthereasonforthishasbeenfirmlyestablishedandagreedwithparentsandseniorleadersorthehomehasbeendesignatedbytheorganisationorregulatorybodyasaworkplacee.g.childminders,foster carers. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • bevigilant inmaintainingtheir privacyandmindfuloftheneedtoavoidplacingthemselvesin vulnerablesituations
  • bemindfuloftheneedtomaintain professionalboundaries

11.Communicationwith pupils(includingtheuse of Information Technology)
Communicationbetweenpupilsandadults,bywhatevermethod,shouldtakeplacewithinclearandexplicitprofessionalboundaries.Thisincludesthewideruseoftechnologysuchasmobilephones,textmessaging,e-mails,digitalcameras,videos,web-cams,websites,social networkingsites,onlinegamingandblogs.Adultsshouldnotshareanypersonalinformationwithapupil.Theyshouldnotrequest,orrespondto,anypersonalinformationfromthepupil,otherthanthatwhichmightbeappropriateaspartoftheirprofessionalrole.Adultsshouldensurethatallcommunicationsaretransparentandopentoscrutiny.
Adultsshouldalsobecircumspectintheircommunicationswithpupilssoastoavoidanypossiblemisinterpretationoftheirmotivesoranybehaviourwhichcouldbeconstruedasgrooming.Theyshouldnotgivetheirpersonalcontactdetailstopupilsincludinge-mail,homeormobiletelephonenumbers,unlesstheneedtodosoisagreedwithseniorleadershipandparents.E-mailortextcommunicationsbetweenanadultandapupiloutsideagreedprotocolsmayleadtodisciplinaryand/orcriminalinvestigations.Thisalsoincludescommunicationsthroughinternetbasedwebsites,suchassocialnetworking,instantmessaging orgaming.
Communicationwithex-pupilswhoareover18islefttostaffdiscretion.Pleasebeconsciousofthefactthatex-pupilsmaybeincontactwithcurrent pupils.
Beawarethatactionsthatbringtheschoolinto / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • onlygivetheirpersonalcontactdetails topupils,includingtheir mobiletelephonenumber, forprofessionalreasonsand withtheknowledgeoftheirlinemanager.
  • communicatewith pupilsin anappropriateand professionalmanner, makingsurethatparentshavegiven permissionforthisformofcommunication tobe used
  • onlymakecontactwith pupilsforprofessionalreasons
  • Use the internet and all IT in a responsible manner
  • notuseinternetorweb-basedcommunicationchannelstosendpersonalmessagesto apupil
  • have photos of pupils for activity-based reasons only and after discussion with the line manager with a clear understanding of why the image in required. Images should be deleted when no longer required.
  • nottohaveimagesofpupilsstoredonpersonalcameras, devicesorhomecomputers.
  • notmakeimages of pupilsavailableontheinternet,otherthan throughtheschoolnetwork/website,withoutpermissionfromparentsand seniorteachers.
  • Becautiousintheircontactwith ex-pupils,asthere isstillaprofessionalrelationshipandthere maybecontactwith currentpupils.

disrepute could lead to disciplinary proceduresbeingtaken.
12. SocialContact
Staffshouldnotestablishorseektoestablishsocialcontactwithpupils,ortheirfamilies,forthepurposeofsecuringafriendshiportopursueorstrengthenarelationship.Evenifayoungpersonseekstoestablishsocialcontact,orifthisoccurscoincidentally,thememberofstaffshouldexerciseher/hisprofessionaljudgementinmakingaresponsebutshouldalwaysdiscussthiswithaseniorleader.Staffmustbeawarethatsocialcontact,incertainsituations,couldbemisconstrued as grooming.
Staffshouldnotgivetheirpersonaldetailssuchastheirhomeore-mailaddress;socialnetworksites,gamertagsorwebpagestopupilsunlesstheneedtodosoisagreedwithseniorleadership.Ifpupilsdobecomeawareofyourgamertagyoumustchangeit. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • have no secretsocialcontactwith pupils
  • considertheappropriatenessofthesocialcontactaccordingtotheir roleandnatureoftheir work
  • always approveanyplannedsocialcontactwithseniorcolleagues, for examplewhen itispartof arewardschemeorpastoralcareprogramme
  • advisesenior leadershipofanyregular socialcontacttheyhavewithapupilor parentwhichmaygiverisetoconcern
  • reportand recordany situation,which theyfeel, mightcompromisetheschoolortheirownprofessionalstanding.

13.SocialNetworkingSitesandOnlineGaming
ERS Schoolstaffmay use socialnetworkingsites forpersonaluse. However,theschoolrequires that profile and photos of themember ofstaff are‘locked down’as privatesothatpupilsor parents donot haveaccess toyour personaldata or images.
Staffmust deny current or recent pupils accesstoyour profilesoyou donot put yourself in avulnerableposition.
Staffshould be awarethatthey leave themselvesopentoa charge ofprofessionalmisconduct ifimages ofamemberof staffina compromisingsituationaremade available ona public profilebyanyone.
Ifapupil does gainaccess tothe profile ofamemberof staff byfraudulent means(impersonationor hacking)seniorleadershipshould beinformed immediately.
Whererelationships exist betweenstaffand those / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • Lockdowntheirprofiletoensurethatdata andimages arenotfreelyavailable.Seek adviceifyouareunsurehowtodothis.
  • Donotpermit currentandrecentpupilsorparentstohaveaccesstoyourprofile.
  • Ensure allyourpasswords are keptstrongandsecure
  • Beawarethatimages ofothers should beprotectedandbetreated ascarefullyasyouwould yourown

who are alsoparents attheschool,or personalfriends who are parents attheschool,socialnetworkingisacceptablebut cautionmust beexercised so thatprofessionalstandards aremaintained and staffdonot compromisethemselves or the school.

As soonasamember of staff becomes awarethatthey arein anonlinegamewithapupilofEgertonRothesay School,the member of staff should ceasetoplay againstthatpupiland shouldnot enterany games containingthatplayer as part of thegroup.

Under no circumstancesshould staff seek outpupilsand/or sharetheir own gamer tags/IDwith pupils,or use schoolequipment toplayonlinegames.

14.PhysicalContact

Thereareoccasionswhenitisentirelyappropriateandproperforstafftohavephysicalcontactwithpupils,butitiscrucialthattheyonlydosoinways appropriatetotheirprofessionalrole.

A'notouch'approachisimpracticalformoststaffandmayinsomecircumstancesbeinappropriate.Whenphysicalcontactismadewithpupilsthisshouldbeinresponsetotheirneedsat thetime,oflimited durationandappropriate.

Staffshouldusetheirprofessionaljudgementat alltimesabouttheappropriatenessofanyphysicalcontact.

Physicalcontactshouldneverbesecretive,orforthegratificationoftheadult,orrepresentamisuseofauthority.Ifamemberofstaffbelievesthatanactioncouldbemisinterpreted,theincidentandcircumstancesshouldbemadecleartoseniorstaff.

Physicalcontact,whichoccursregularlywithanindividualpupil,islikelytoraisequestionsunlessthejustificationforthisispartofaformallyagreedplan(forexampleinrelationtoour pupilswithSENorphysicaldisabilities).Anysuchcontactshouldbethesubjectofanagreedandopenschoolpolicyand subjecttoreview.

Thismeansthatstaffshould:

  • beawarethatevenwell intentionedphysicalcontactmaybemisconstruedbythe pupil,an observerorbyanyonetowhomthisactionisdescribed
  • nevertouchapupilina way which maybeconsideredindecent
  • always bepreparedtoexplain actionsandaccept thatallphysicalcontactbe open toscrutiny
  • Beware of undue physical contact if joining in sports activities with pupils
  • Understand that corporal punishment is against the law and banned.

ThismeansthatERS should:

  • ensuretheyhave asysteminplaceforrecordingseriousincidentsandthemeansbywhichinformationabout incidentsandoutcomescanbeeasilyaccessedbyseniorleadership.
  • Providestaff, on a"need toknow"basis, withrelevantinformation aboutvulnerablepupilsin their care.
15.PhysicalEducationandotheractivitieswhichrequire physicalcontact.
Somestaff,forexample,thosewhoteachPEandgames,orwhooffermusictuition,willonoccasionshavetoinitiatephysicalcontactwithpupilsinordertosupportapupilsotheycanperformatasksafely,todemonstratetheuseofaparticularpieceofequipment/instrumentorassistthemwithanexercise.Thisshouldbedonewiththepupil's agreement. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • consideralternatives, where it isanticipatedthat a pupilmightmisinterpretanysuchcontact,perhapsinvolvinganother memberofstaff,ora lessvulnerablepupil in thedemonstration.

Contactunderthesecircumstancesshouldbefortheminimumtimenecessarytocompletetheactivityandtakeplaceinanopenenvironment(seesection19,one-to-onesituations,below).Staffshouldremainsensitivetoanydiscomfortexpressed verbally or non-verbally by thepupil. /
  • always explain toa pupilthereasonwhycontact isnecessaryand whatformthatcontactwilltakeunlesstheirsafety isatimmediate risk

16. ShowersandChanging
Youngpeopleareentitledtorespectandprivacywhenchangingclothesortakingashower.However,thereneedstobeanappropriatelevelofsupervisioninordertosafeguardpupils,satisfyhealthandsafetyconsiderationsandensurethatbullyingorteasingdoesnotoccur.Thissupervisionshouldbeappropriatetothe needsandageofthepupilsconcernedandsensitivetothepotentialforembarrassment.
Staffthereforeneedtobevigilantabouttheirownbehaviour,ensuretheyfollowagreedguidelinesand bemindful oftheneeds of thepupils. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • avoidanyphysicalcontactwhenpupilsareina stateofundress
  • avoidanyvisually intrusivebehaviourandwheretherearechangingrooms:
  • supervise appropriately when necessary
  • sensitivepupilsareofferedtheopportunitytochangeprivately
Thismeansthatstaffshould not:
  • changeinthesameplaceaspupils
  • showerwith pupils

17. PupilsinDistress
Theremaybeoccasionswhenadistressedpupilneedscomfortandreassurance.Thismayincludeage-appropriatephysicalcontact.Staffshouldremainself-awareatalltimesinorderthattheircontactisnotthreatening,intrusiveorsubjecttomisinterpretation.
Whereamemberofstaffhasaparticularconcernabouttheneedtoprovidethistypeofcareand / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • considertheway inwhich they offercomforttoa distressedpupil
  • always tella colleaguewhen andhowtheyofferedcomforttoa distressed pupil
  • recordsituationswhich may giverisetoconcern.

reassurances/heshouldseekfurtheradvicefromaseniorleader.
18. BehaviourManagement
Allpupilshavearighttobetreatedwithrespectanddignity.Staffshouldnotuseanyformofdegradingtreatmenttopunishapupil.Theuseofhumourcanhelptodefuseasituation.Theuseofshouting, humiliation, sarcasm,demeaningorinsensitivecommentstowardspupilsisnotacceptableinanysituation. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • notuseforceasaformof punishment
  • trytodefusesituationsbeforethey escalate
  • keepparentsinformedofanysanctions
  • adhereto EgertonRothesaySchool'sBehaviourpolicy.

19. Care, Control andPhysicalIntervention
Staffmaylegitimatelyintervenetopreventapupilfromcommittingacriminaloffence,injuringthemselvesorothers,causingdamagetoproperty,engaginginbehaviourprejudicialtogoodorderandtomaintaingoodorderanddiscipline.Staffshouldhaveregardtothehealthand safety of themselves and others.
Undernocircumstancesshouldphysicalforcebeusedasaformofpunishment.Theuseofunwarrantedphysicalforceislikelytoconstituteacriminaloffence.
Inallcaseswherephysicalinterventionisdeemednecessary,theincidentandsubsequentactionsshould bedocumented and reported. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • always seektodefusesituations
  • always usereasonable minimumforcefortheshortestperiod necessary.

20. Sexual Contactwith Pupils
Anysexualbehaviourbyamemberofstaffwithortowardsapupilisbothinappropriate andillegal. Pupilsareprotectedbythesamelawsasadultsinrelationtonon-consensualsexualbehaviour.Theyareadditionallyprotectedbyspecificlegalprovisionsregardlessofwhetherthechildoryoungpersonconsentsornot.Thisincludestheprohibitiononadultsinapositionoftrust(seeSection5).
Thesexualactivityreferredtodoesnotjustinvolvephysicalcontactincludingpenetrativeandnon-penetrativeacts.Itmayalsoincludenon-contactactivities,suchascausingchildrentoengage in or watch sexual activity or the / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • notpursuesexual relationships withchildrenandyoungpeopleeither in oroutofschool.
  • avoidanyformofcommunication withachildoryoungpersonwhich couldbeinterpretedassexuallysuggestiveorprovocativeieverbalcomments,letters,notes, electronicmail,phonecalls, texts, physicalcontact.
  • Ensure pupils are not exposed to inappropriate images or recorded material.
  • Films, clips shown for educational purposes, or other, should be age appropriate, and screened before showing to pupils.

productionof pornographic material.
Thereareoccasionswhenadultsembarkonacourseofbehaviourknownas'grooming'wherethesolepurposeistogainthetrustofachild,andmanipulatethatrelationshipsosexualabusecantakeplace.Staffshouldbeawarethatconferringspecialattentionandfavouruponachildmightbeconstruedasbeingpartofa'grooming'process,which is an offence.
21. Oneto OneSituations
Staffworkinginonetoonesituationswithchildrenandyoungpeoplearemorevulnerabletoallegations.Teachersandothersshouldrecognisethispossibilityandplanandconductsuchmeetingsaccordingly.Everyattemptshouldbemadetoensurethesafetyandsecurityneedsofboth staffand pupilsare met.
Pre-arrangedmeetingswithpupilsawayfromtheschoolpremisesshouldnotbepermittedunlessapprovalisobtainedfromtheirparentandtheHeadmasterorotherseniorcolleaguewithdelegated authority. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • avoidmeetings with pupils inremote,secludedareasof theschool
  • ensurethereisvisualaccessand/oran opendoorinonetoonesituations
  • inform other staff ofthemeetingbeforehand,assessingtheneedtohavethempresentorclose by
  • avoiduseof'engaged' orequivalentsignswherever possible.Suchsignsmaycreateanopportunityforsecrecyor theinterpretationofsecrecy
  • alwaysreportanysituation where a childbecomes distressedorangryto aseniorcolleague
  • considertheneedsandcircumstancesofthechild/childreninvolved.

22. TransportingChildren
Incertainsituations,forexampleoutofschoolactivities,stafforvolunteersmayagreetotransportchildren.Adesignatedmemberofstaff, ERS Bursar,shouldbeappointedtoplanandprovideoversightofalltransportingarrangementsandrespondtoanydifficulties that mayarise.
Whereverpossibleandpracticableitisadvisablethattransportisundertakenotherthaninprivatevehicles,withatleastoneadultadditionaltothedriveractingasanescort.Thedrivermustalsohave appropriate insurance.
Staffshouldensurethattheirbehaviourissafeandthatthetransportarrangementsandthevehiclemeetalllegalrequirements.Theyshouldensurethatthevehicleisroadworthyandappropriatelyinsured and that the maximum capacity is not / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • plan andagreearrangementswith all partiesin advance,responding sensitivelyandflexiblytodisagreements
  • ensurethattheyarealonewith a child fortheminimumtimepossible
  • beawarethatthesafety andwelfareofthechildistheir responsibilityuntilthisissafelypassedoverto a parent/carer
  • reportthenatureofthejourney,therouteandexpectedtimeofarrivalinaccordancewithagreedprocedures
  • ensurethattheirbehaviourandallarrangementsensurevehicle,passengeranddriversafety
  • takeintoaccountanyspecificneedsthatthe

exceeded. / child mayhave.
23. Extra-curricularactivities
Staffshouldtakeparticularcarewhensupervisingpupilsinthelessformalatmosphereofaresidentialsetting or after-schoolactivity.
Duringschoolactivitiesthattakeplaceofftheschoolsiteoroutofschoolhours,amorerelaxeddisciplineorinformaldressandlanguagecodemaybeacceptable.However,staffremaininapositionoftrustandneedtoensurethattheirbehaviourcannotbeinterpretedasseekingtoestablishaninappropriaterelationshiporfriendship.
Whereoutofschoolactivitiesincludeovernightstays,carefulconsiderationneedstobegiventosleepingarrangements.Pupils,staffandparentsshouldbeinformedofthesepriortothestartofthetrip.
HealthandSafetyarrangementsrequiremembersofstafftokeepcolleagues/employersawareoftheirwhereabouts,especiallywheninvolvedinanoutof schoolactivity. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • alwayshaveanotheradultpresentin out ofschoolactivities,unlessotherwiseagreed withseniorstaffin the school
  • undertake ariskassessments
  • haveparentalconsenttotheactivity
  • ensurethattheirbehaviourremainsprofessionalatalltimes.

24.FirstAidandAdministrationofMedication
Theschoolhasa First Aid and medicationpolicy,which must beadhered to atall times.
25. Intimate Care
Allchildrenhavearighttosafety,privacyanddignitywhencontactofanintimatenatureisrequired(forexampleassistingwithtoiletingorremovingwet/soiledclothing).Acareplanshouldbedrawnupandagreedwithparentsforallchildrenwhorequireintimatecareonaregularbasis.
Childrenshouldbeencouragedtoactasindependentlyaspossibleandtoundertakeasmuchoftheirownpersonalcareasispracticable.Whenassistanceisrequired,staffshouldensurethatanotherappropriateadultisinthevicinityand is aware of thetask to beundertaken. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • makeother staff awareofthetaskbeingundertaken
  • explain tothechild whatishappening
  • consultwithcolleagueswhereanyvariationfromagreedprocedure/careplanisnecessary
  • recordthejustification for anyvariationstotheagreedprocedure/careplan andsharethisinformationwith parents.

Additionalvulnerabilitiesthatmayarisefromaphysicaldisabilityshouldbeconsideredwithregardtoindividualteachingandcareplansforeachchild.Aswithallarrangementsforintimatecareneeds,agreementsbetweenthechild,theirparentsandtheorganisationmustbenegotiated,agreedand recorded.
26. Curriculum
Manyareasofthecurriculumcanincludeorraisesubjectmatterwhichissexuallyexplicit,orofanotherwisesensitivenature.Careshouldbetakentoensurethatresourcematerialscannotbemisinterpretedandclearlyrelatetothelearningoutcomesidentifiedbythelessonplan.Thisplanshouldhighlightparticularareasofriskandsensitivity.
Thecurriculumcansometimesincludeorleadtounplanneddiscussionaboutsubjectmatterofasexuallyexplicitorotherwisesensitivenature.Respondingtopupils'questionscanrequirecarefuljudgementandstaffmaywishtotakeguidanceinthesecircumstancesfromaseniormemberofstaff.
Careshouldalsobetakentoabidebythegoverningbody'srequiredpolicyonsexandrelationshipseducationandthewishesofparents.Parentshavetherighttowithdrawtheirchildrenfromallorpartofanysexeducationprovided(butnotfromthebiologicalaspectsofhumangrowthandreproductionnecessaryunderthesciencecurriculum). / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • haveclearwrittenlessonplans.
Thismeansthatstaffshould not:
  • enterintoorencourageinappropriateoroffensivediscussion aboutsexualactivity.

27.Photography,VideosandotherCreativeArts
Manyschoolactivitiesinvolverecordingimages.Thesemaybeundertakenaspartofthecurriculum,outofschoolactivities,forpublicity,or tocelebrateachievement.
Staffneedtobeawareofthepotentialfortheseaspectsofteachingtobe misused forpornographicor'grooming'purposes.Carefulconsiderationshouldbegivenastohowtheseactivities areorganisedand undertaken. / Thismeansthatstaffshould:
  • beclearaboutthepurposeoftheactivityandabout whatwill happentothephotographswhen thelesson/activityisconcluded
  • ensurethat a senior memberofstaffisawarethatthephotography/imageequipment isbeingusedand forwhatpurpose.
  • ensurethat allimagesareavailableforscrutiny inorder toscreenforacceptability
  • beabletojustifyimagesofchildren intheir

Usingimagesofchildrenfortheschool’spublicitypurposeshasalreadyhadtheconsentofparentsthroughtheHome-SchoolAgreement.Imagesshouldnotbedisplayedonotherwebsites,inpublicationsorinapublic placewithoutadditionalconsent. / possession
  • avoidmakingimagesinonetoone situations.
Thismeansthatstaffshould not:
  • haveimagesof pupilsstoredonpersonalcameras, devicesorhomecomputers.
  • makeimagesof pupilsavailableon theinternet,otherthan throughthe schoolnetwork/websitewith permissionfromparentsandseniorteachers.

28. InternetUse
ERShasaclearpolicyaboutaccesstoandtheuseoftheInternet.PleaserefertotheacceptableuseofInternetpolicyforfurtherguidance.
Undernocircumstancesshouldadultsintheschoolaccessinappropriateimages.Accessingchildpornographyorindecentimagesofchildrenontheinternet,andmaking,storingordisseminatingsuchmaterial,isillegaland,ifproven,willinvariablyleadtotheindividualbeingbarred fromwork with childrenandyoungpeople.
Usingschoolequipmenttoaccessinappropriate orindecentmaterial,includingadultpornography,wouldnormallyleadtodisciplinaryaction,particularlyifas aresultpupils mightbeexposedtoinappropriate or indecentmaterial.
29. Whistleblowing
Whistleblowingisthemechanismbywhichstaffcanvoicetheirconcerns,madeingoodfaith,withoutfearofrepercussion.PleaserefertotheschoolWhistleBlowingPolicy
Staffshouldacknowledgetheirindividualresponsibilitiestobringmattersofconcerntotheattentionofseniorleadershipand/orrelevantexternalagencies.Thisisparticularlyimportantwherethewelfare of childrenmaybeat risk. / Thismeansthat staffshould:
  • reportanybehaviourby colleagues thatraisesconcern.

30.SharingConcernsandRecordingIncidents

Allstaffshouldbeawareoftheschool'schildprotectionprocedures,includingproceduresfordealingwithallegationsagainststaff.Staffwhoarethesubjectofallegationsareadvisedtocontact their professionalassociation.

Intheeventofanincidentoccurring,whichmayresultinanactionbeingmisinterpretedand/oranallegationbeingmadeagainstamemberofstaff,therelevantinformationshouldbeclearlyandpromptlyrecordedandreportedtoseniorstaff.Earlydiscussionwithaparentcouldavoidanymisunderstanding.

Membersofstaffshouldfeelabletodiscusswiththeirlinemanageranydifficultiesor problemsthatmayaffecttheirrelationshipwithpupilssothatappropriatesupportcanbeprovidedoractioncanbetaken.

Thismeansthatstaff:

  • shouldbefamiliar withEgertonRothesaySchool’sSafeguardingprocedures
  • shouldtakeresponsibilityforrecordinganyincident,andpassingonthatinformationwheretheyhaveconcernsabout anymatterpertainingtothewelfareofan individualinthe schoolorworkplace.– SeeSafeguardingPolicyforfurtherinformation