- Introduction
1.1 This Code of Conduct is designed to give clear guidance on the standards of behaviour of all school staff and as such:
- Makes a clear statement about the standards of conduct expected of employees of, and those working with, Kildwick CE VC Primary School.
- Ensures all employees and associated persons understand their obligations with regard to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils
- Ensures the highest standards of conduct by identifying the school’s standards which sit alongside professional codes and guidelines
- Helps all employees to act in a way which upholds the school’s standards and, at the same time, protects them from criticism, misunderstanding or complaint
- Helps build trust between the school and the people who come into contact with those working for it.
1.2 All individuals working in school are expected to comply with the law as it applies to their work in school, particularly in matters such as health and safety, safeguarding of children and data protection. They are also expected to carry out their duties in accordance with the relevant policies, procedures, rules and guidance adopted by the Governing Body.
1.3 In addition to this Code of Conduct, all employees engaged to work under teachers’ terms and conditions of employment have a statutory obligation to adhere to the Teachers’ Standards (England) and in relation to this policy, Part 2 of the Teachers’ Standards – Personal and Professional Conduct.
- Scope
2.1 This Code of Conduct applies to:
- Employees - all employees of the school, including apprentices and temporary and casual staff
- Associated persons - individuals providing services for the school but who are not employed, e.g. contractors and their sub-contractors, supply and agency staff, students, volunteers, secondees from other establishments and self-employed consultants
2.2 This Code does not apply to Governors when they are fulfilling their statutory role, including as a link governor and when attending meetings with senior staff and/or the Governing Body. However, should a Governor take a volunteer role within the school, then they should be considered to be an associated person under this policy whilst undertaking that role.
2.2 Disregarding this Code will, in certain circumstances, result in disciplinary action being taken in the case of employees. For associated persons failure to follow the code may result in the cessation of contractual arrangements.
2.3 All employees will be supplied with a copy of this Code, against which their conduct will be measured. Associated persons will also be issued with a copy of this Code and will be expected to comply with it whilst engaged to work with the school.
2.4 Some provisions contained within this code will continue after employment or the contractual relationship has ended e.g. the requirement to maintain confidentiality. Where this is the case, it will be highlighted within the relevant section of the code.
2.5 For ease of reading, and from this point onwards, the term ‘employee’ will be used for both directly employed staff and associated persons working within the school. Should the arrangements for each group differ then this will be highlighted accordingly.