Code of Conduct Parents Guardians & Volunteers Policy
1 PURPOSE
Tintern Schools aims to provide an open, welcoming and safe environment for all. We believe that all parents/guardians and volunteers play a valuable role in the life of the school.
This code of conduct for parents/guardians and volunteers outlines the type of practice we require all adults working and volunteering in our school to follow. It will assist in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, families and staff. The Code of Conduct is a broad outline of behavioural principles, expectations and ideals. This policy will provide guidelines to promote desirable and appropriate behaviour to ensure that all interaction with students and adults is respectful, honest, courteous, sensitive, tactful and considerate.
Tintern Schools has a legal and moral responsibility to provide a safe and happy environment for all students and staff.
2 POLICY STATEMENT
VALUES
Tintern Schools is a place of learning for students and the rights of the student will be considered first and foremost.
The school is committed to:
- The wellbeing of each student having fundamental importance.
- The provision, as far as is practical, of a safe and secure environment for students and staff.
- Providing an open, welcoming environment where everyone’s contribution is valued and respected.
- Encouraging parents/guardians, volunteers and community members to support and participate in the life of the school.
3 SCOPE
This code of conduct applies to all adults, including parents/guardians, volunteers, extended family, visitors and others while involved in any activities related to Tintern Schools.
4 BACKGROUND AND LEGISLATION
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Children’s Services Act 1996 (Pre Prep)
- Children, Youth and Families Act 2005
- Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992
- Equal Opportunity Act 1995
- Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2005
- Educational Act for State 2004
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984
- Workplace Relations Act 1996
Tintern Schools needs to ensure:
"..that the children’s service is operated in a way which ensures the safety of the children being cared for or educated and that their development needs are met" Children’s Services Act 1996 Section 18 (4), Education Act.
As an employer Tintern Schools has an obligation to ensure a safe and discrimination free working environment for staff in accordance with relevant legislation.
Tintern Schools needs to ensure all parents/guardians, volunteers, staff, students and any other persons involved in the school, adhere to clear guidelines regarding appropriate interaction and communication with one another, and with students and staff at the school.
5 PROCEDURES
General guidelines for interactions:
Safety: Comply with all relevant policies and procedures of each school. These are displayed on the Tintern Schools internet. Be aware of the emergency evacuation procedures.
Ethical conduct: Always act in the best interests of students, their families, and staff members.
Support: Work in a cooperative and positive manner.
Communication: Use courteous and acceptable written and spoken language. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, aggressive or otherwise offensive language. Response to emails and telephone calls are not expected to be instantaneous or out of normal working hours, unless of an urgent nature. Normal service standard suggests that an acceptable response time for emails is within 48 hours
Respect: Value the rights, religious beliefs and practices of individuals. Refrain from actions and behaviour that constitutes harassment or discrimination.
Confidentiality: Comply with the schools Privacy Policy.
Children’s program: If participating in the program seek guidance and direction from staff. If unsure ask staff for further information. Behaviour guidance of the students is the responsibility of staff. Immediately refer any issues or concerns related to managing student’s behaviour to staff.
Tintern Schools is responsible for:
- Ensuring all parents/guardians, staff, volunteers, students and visitors are provided with a copy of this policy upon arrival, employment and enrolment.
- Maintaining currency and relevancy of the Code of Conduct Policy.
- Implementing the standards of conduct as set out in this policy as (Schedule1).
The Staff are responsible for:
- Respecting the individual needs, cultural practices and beliefs of families in all interactions, both verbal and non-verbal.
- Working with colleagues, the Board and parents/guardians to provide an environment that encourages positive interactions and supports constructive feedback.
- Providing guidance to parents/guardians and volunteers through positive role modelling and when appropriate, clear and respectful directions.
The Parents/guardians are responsible for:
- Reading the Code of Conduct Policy
- Abiding by the standards of conduct as set out in this policy (Schedule 1).
Procedure for dealing with a breach in the code of conduct:
On notification of a possible breach of the code the appropriate Tintern Schools Executive member will investigate the complaint and recommend a course of action to the Tintern Schools Executive which may include, but is not limited to:
- A first and final warning meeting and subsequent letter being issued to inform the relevant person/s of the outcome of the investigation and that another breach of the code of conduct will not be tolerated.
- A restraining order (via the legal system) being sought against the relevant person. The restraining order will detail the limitations, and constraints imposed on the named individual in their actions and interactions with Tintern Schools.
- The withdrawal or suspension of a student’s place in the school due to the parents/guardians serious breach of the code of conduct. This action will only be taken if no other alternatives are deemed appropriate.
6 RELATED DOCUMENTS
The Code of Conduct is to be read with and operates in conjunction with Tintern Schools Policies and Conditions of Enrolment.
7 AUTHORISATION
This policy was adopted by the Tintern Schools Executive committee at the Tintern Schools Executive meeting on July 29 2008.
8 REVIEW DATE
This policy shall be reviewed in 2010 or earlier if required.
9 EVALUATION
In order to assess whether the policy has achieved its values and purposes the Executive will:
- Monitor compliance with the expectations and procedures set out in the policy.
- Take into consideration feedback on the policy from staff, parents/guardians and Tintern Schools Executive members.
- Assess whether a satisfactory resolution has been achieved in relation to issues arising from this policy.
SCHEDULE 1
Standards of Conduct
Behavioural practices to follow
In relation to students
- Be a positive role model at all times
- Always speak in an encouraging and positive manner
- Listen actively to students and offer empathy, support and guidance where needed
- Regard all students equally and with respect and dignity
In relation to other adults (including staff)
- Use respectful, encouraging and accepting language
- Respect the rights of others as individuals
- Give encouraging and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism
- Accept staff decisions and follow their directions. Speak with the staff member if you have a problem complying with any directions
- Be aware of emergency evacuation procedures
- Discipline of students is the responsibility of staff and therefore any matters or concerns related to managing students behaviour should be referred to staff immediately
- Refrain from public criticism of children and staff at the school
- Under NO circumstances should a student, parent/guardian or member of staff be approached directly or in a confrontational manner
- Responses to emails and telephone calls are not expected to be instantaneous or out of normal working hours, unless of an urgent nature. Normal service standard suggests that an acceptable response time for emails is within 48 hours
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Smoking is prohibited on the school property at all times
In general
- Tintern Schools staff are responsible for the students that are enrolled in the schools.
- Parents/guardians, and other persons attending with children not enrolled in the school are responsible for supervision of their children at all times.
Download Code of Conduct Parents, Guardians and Volunteers policy