COLMORE EDUCATION CODE OF CONDUCT

This document outlines our expectations of supply staff working through us, and general guidance on best practice for the work that you do through us.

GOLDEN RULES:

  • Be prepared and on time for your session, notify Colmore Education if you are going to be late.
  • Take your DBS and photo ID.
  • Take all reasonable steps to the safety and welfare of pupils in your care.
  • Report all incidents, which impact student /pupil welfare.
  • Mark any work, where expected.
  • Dress respectfully, conservatively and appropriately; smart business dress, no jeans, open toe shoes.  Only wear sportswear if you are covering PE.
  • Ask for, and familiarise yourself with, the school’s core policies procedures, and guidelines and follow them at all times.
  • Notify Colmore Education of any sickness by 7:30am on the day of work.
  • Turn off mobiles phones during lesson times.

PROCEDURES AND CONDUCT

Always enquire about the school’s discipline procedures. Whilst working through Colmore Education you are always under the supervision, direction and control of the school where you work. If you are ever in doubt, always follow the policies of the school that you are working in.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Always enquire about the school’s discipline procedures upon arrival and follow them at all times. Colmore Education has a no physical contact policy and any form of physical contact with pupils should be avoided.

Although The Education Act 1997 authorises teachers to use physical contact in an emergency, it emphasises that you must avoid doing anything that might reasonably be expected to cause injury e.g., hitting, forcing limbs, excessive holding, pulling or restraining. In such situations, communicate clearly at all times and enlist support from other staff wherever possible.

Always try to handle conflict through strategies than using physical contact and make sure your actions are considered and appropriate; using excessive force in a situation where it is not appropriate can result in DfE disciplinary action or criminal charges.

CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING

Always follow the school’s child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.

All members of staff in a school have a positive role to perform in the safeguarding of children and can play a part in the prevention of abuse and neglect through their awareness of safeguarding, child protection policies and procedures.

If you have concerns about a child, report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

If a child chooses to disclose to you that they have been or are the subject of some form of abuse, listen to the disclosure, do not interview the child or ask them to repeat the account; avoid asking leading questions, never examine a child, and do not promise confidentiality where an allegation of abuse has been made; explain what is going to happen next i.e. that you need to inform the DSL. The DSL will inform you what action has been taken.

Ensure everyone under your supervision are safe at all times. Always ask for support or help from the school SLT if you need it, or you think your own actions could put pupils at risk.

Take appropriate action if you observe another member of staff having a negative impact on pupils.

Your relationships with pupils must remain professional at all times.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

It is your responsibility to obtain as much information as possible before you start any booking and carry out your duties in accordance with the school’s policies and procedures.

It is the school’s responsibility to advise you of their health and safety policy and associated procedures.

When you arrive at your place of work, you must:

  • Find out the health and safety guidelines for that site, including any specific guidelines on the use and storing of equipment, how to manage disruptive behaviour and the supervision of pupils.
  • Find out the procedure for fire/ emergency evacuation, the name of the qualified First Aider and the reporting structure for accidents, incidents or near misses.
  • Ensure that you carry out your duties in a safe and controlled manner.
  • Minimise any harm that may be caused to the pupils in your care, or to yourself. Report any accident, incident or near miss.

SOCIAL MEDIA, INTERNET, AND MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Colmore Education acknowledges the value of social media, however you need to always be mindful that your use of social media may have an impact on yours and Colmore Education’s professional reputation.

The Internet is a valuable tool for learning, however steps must be taken to ensure only appropriate material is used with children. Please adhere to individual school’s policies for Internet usage and do not use school equipment to access the Internet for private use.

Only use mobile phones during break times and never in the presence of children, other than for work-related emergencies or where you have been asked to by the school. Do not use school equipment for personal access to the Internet or social media. You should not use social media during school hours whilst working in a school through Colmore Education. You are working with children and/or vulnerable adults, and you should not interact with them on a personal basis via social media sites.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Whilst working with Colmore Education always maintain professional confidentiality. You should not discuss information about the children in your care, schools and establishments where you work, or any other issue which may be considered inappropriate or unprofessional. Please be aware    of this in both verbal and written communication.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Colmore Education is committed to equal opportunities and opposed to any form of prejudice; we make every effort to ensure that it plays no part in our practice. We respect and value cultural and religious diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, ethnic origin, religion, culture or disability. Each individual is assessed on merit alone.

We expect you to support this approach when working through us. In particular you should promote equality of learning irrespective of ethnicity, class, gender, age, religion or special educational needs and this should be reflected in your planning, resources and links with the school community.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY & PRACTICE

Demonstrate honesty and integrity in all aspects of your work.

Respect the privacy of others and confidentiality of information gained in course of professional practice, unless there is a legitimate concern for well-being of an individual.

Maintain high standards of all aspects of professional practice. Plan and communicate clear, challenging and achievable expectations for pupils. Act in the best interest of pupils at all times.