Our Code of Conduct 

All staff are expected to follow the policies: including behaviour and anti-bullying in all interactions. 

Pupils and staff are expected to work together to build relationships which are characterised by mutual and appropriate respect. Praise and building on the positive should always come first. Where firmness/admonition is called for this should be exercised calmly, and staff should avoid shouting unless there is a Health and Safety risk. Our ethos is to establish good expectations and approved sanctions. All new staff should be trained, and any behaviour concerns should be dealt with in line with existing super scientists' policies. Where a member of staff is having difficulties managing pupil behaviour, they should discuss this matter with the lead educator at the earliest opportunity. 

All staff should be aware of what physical contact with pupils is appropriate. 

Staff should only exercise physical restraint as a last resort to prevent injury. 

Staff are allowed to comfort a child who is hurt/distressed in a manner appropriate to the age of the child. 

Adults should not initiate any physical contact unnecessarily, and there should be clear boundaries: 

• Children should not be picked up. (unless medically necessary or being restrained) 

• Adults cannot avoid being in a room alone with a child where the door is closed but should have no closed blinds on site and should be in direct sight of another member of staff.  

All staff are expected to treat each other with respect. 

Relationships between staff should be characterised by fairness, openness, and respect. This means valuing all contributions, acknowledging difference, and working together to build a climate of continuous improvement. Politeness and respect are essential ingredients: where differences occur, they should be dealt with calmly and fairly. 

All staff should treat resources responsibly, and exercise due financial care. 

All staff have a responsibility to look after the resources. This includes not wasting resources unnecessarily (including physical resources and those such as heat/electricity); following the principles of ‘reduce, re-use, recycle’ where appropriate. Any money handled should be clearly labelled and stored securely in the office by staff. 

Acceptable use of ICT Equipment 

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Online Safety, GDPR/Data Protection Policy and Safeguarding Policy. Any photograph taken must be only of hands and the activity being carried out and added to the daily teaching record.  

All staff are expected to behave professionally, exercise confidentiality and dress appropriately with no offensive wear or short tops/skirts/shorts. 

All staff are expected to behave thoughtfully and responsibly. Staff should be punctual and well-prepared and should carry out tasks to the best of their ability, taking pride in their work. All absence should be genuine. Staff are expected to dress appropriately; all staff should set a good example in what they wear, avoiding clothing that is overly casual or offensive. Staff should exercise due confidentiality towards matters that are either discussed or overheard. Staff must exercise caution when using information technology and be aware of the risk to themselves and others. Staff must have no personal contact with pupils out of hours until they reach the age of 18. Staff must not engage in inappropriate use of social network sites which may bring themselves or employer into disrepute. 

Conduct Outside of Work 

Staff must not engage in conduct outside work which could seriously damage the reputation and standing of Super Scientists. In particular, criminal offences that involve violence or possession or use of illegal drugs or sexual misconduct are likely to be regarded as unacceptable and could lead to dismissal. Staff must exercise caution when using information technology and be aware of the risks to themselves and others. Staff must not use social media e.g. Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat with students unless the former pupil is aged at least 18. Staff must only use their super scientist email account when communicating electronically with students, parents, colleagues and county providers. Staff may undertake work outside school, either paid or voluntary, provided that it does not conflict with the interests of the super scientists and is not to a level which may contravene the working time regulations or affect an individual's work performance. All members of staff must declare any business interests that may be connected either to the supply of goods / services to super scientists or be rewarded through association. 8. Confidentiality 

Where staff have access to confidential information about students or their parents or carers, staff must not reveal such information except to those colleagues who have a professional role in relation to the student. All staff are likely at some point to witness actions which need to be confidential (e.g where a student is bullied by another student/member of staff), this needs to be reported and dealt with in accordance with the appropriate procedure or reported to the manager. If this instance involves the manager, it should be reported to Ofsted for investigation. It must not be discussed outside the school, including with the pupil’s/student’s parent or carer, nor with colleagues in the school except with a senior member of staff with the appropriate role and authority to deal with the matter. However, staff have an obligation to share with their line manager, any information which gives rise to concern about the safety or welfare of a student. Staff must never promise a student that they will not act on information that they are told by the student. Staff should seek to establish a good and open relationship with parents. All parental concerns should be treated seriously and dealt with promptly. All staff need to be aware of the policy and procedures for Child Protection. It is essential that all staff have regular training in Child Protection issues and know the procedures for dealing with and reporting concerns. All staff have a duty to look out for signs of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect of pupils in the light of a child’s behaviour. Staff must pass any concerns on to their manager who will in turn report the case appropriately. 

Staff need to take a proactive approach towards both safeguarding and behaviour policies, through the creation of a positive classroom environment where all children are respected, and through talking therapy as engagement is often 1:1. This includes not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. The expression of extremist views by staff will not be tolerated and should be reported to the manager, who will contact relevant authorities if necessary. 

All staff need to be aware of how to record/report concerns (“whistleblowing”). 

Where staff have any concerns about another member of staff, these should be reported immediately to the manager. Where the concern is about the manager, it should be reported directly to Ofsted. All concerns will be investigated thoroughly and confidentially, and appropriate action taken. 

All staff should take care of their physical and mental wellbeing and staff are encouraged to look after their physical and mental wellbeing by maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We take issues of stress very seriously and look to provide appropriate support and help in these cases. 

All staff should have access to counselling and support. Staff needing support are encouraged to discuss issues and concerns with the manager in confidence. Support can be provided both internally (eg through the provision of a mentor), or externally through the Occupational Health Service. Trades Unions also provide help, support and advice for their members, and membership of a trade's union is strongly encouraged. Teaching Unions will accept our tutors under a supply teachers' rate. 

Conclusion 

All staff are expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. By adhering to this code of conduct staff can be assured they are playing their part in safeguarding pupils and protecting themselves. It is our expectation that all staff should sign a copy of this code of conduct. 

This document was prepared by K. Esgate-Green  

Up-dated 5/1/25 by K Esgate-Green. Review needed 5/1/26.