Page 9 - Staff Code of Conduct 2020 12.28 a.m. 17th January 2021

• Ensure that unnecessary contact with children is avoided (e.g. children sitting on laps or hair stroking,
etc.) and that outward displays of affection are only appropriate in the case of comforting a
distressed child, and should never occur unless there is another adult present;
Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and

children, staff are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their
actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation.
• Staff should take great care that relationships with individual children are kept on a professional level.
It is important that all children are treated the same and that discipline is fair, consistent and
impartial. Staff should take care that "joking comments" cannot be misconstrued to give offence;
• Staff must not be party to gossip about colleagues or children;

• Personal or academic Information on children should be kept confidential and away from other
children or parents;
• The highest level of confidentiality should be maintained at all times in relationships with both adults
and children. Staff, however, should make it clear that there are certain circumstances (e.g., where a

child is suffering or is likely to suffer harm) when other people will need to be told so that the
community or the child can be protected. If a child asks to tell a member of staff something in
confidence, they should always be told that this will depend upon the circumstances and absolute
confidence cannot be guaranteed;
• If a child behaves inappropriately or makes an inappropriate advance to a member of staff, it is
essential that the child be immediately informed that the language or behaviour is unacceptable. The
incident, and what has been done and said, should be recorded, and reported to the Designated

Safeguarding Lead immediately.
• One-to-one meetings should, wherever possible, take place in public or semi-public places such as
classrooms or offices. If in classrooms, ensure you are seated so that you and the child can be seen
through the visibility panel in the door;
• When in a private meeting with a child or one-to-one session as occurs with counsellors, ensure

furniture is positioned to allow easy access into or out of the room and that the glass panel in the
door is not obscured so that you can be seen clearly;
• Staff will at no time travel unaccompanied outside of the School with children;
• Staff should always inform another adult of where they are and that they are meeting a student;
• Staff should ensure that a meeting is arranged during normal School hours when there are plenty of

other people about;
• Do not continue the meeting for any longer than is necessary to achieve its purpose;
• Avoid sitting or standing in close proximity to the student, except as necessary to check work;
• Avoid using "engaged" or equivalent signs on doors or windows;

• Avoid idle discussion;
• Avoid all unnecessary physical contact and apologise straight away if there is accidental physical
contact;
• Avoid any conduct that could be taken as a sexual advance;
• Report any incident that causes you concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead in accordance with
the School’s Child Protection Policy, and make a written record (signed and dated); and

• Report any situation where a student becomes distressed or angry to the Designated Safeguarding
Lead.

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Rasami British International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students
and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our aim that all students fulfil their potential.