Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers & Visitors

At Dewhurst St Mary Primary School we are very proud and fortunate to have a very dedicated and supportive school community. At our school the staff, governors, parents and carers alike all recognise that the education of our children is a partnership process between all these parties.  

As a partnership we are all aware of the importance of good solid working relationships to support our pupils. We welcome and encourage parents and carers to participate fully in the life of our school.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a reminder to all parents, carers and visitors to our school about the expectations around the conduct.  We understand that frustrations can cause misunderstandings and negative feelings. We are committed to resolving difficulties in a constructive manner through open positive dialogue. By finding a resolution we can continue to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.

Our school already has a code of conduct for all our employees, however, this document is aimed at the wider school community so that all can see and understand the expectations of the behaviour of all visitors or those connected with the school. The policy aims to clarify the types of behaviour that will not be tolerated. The policy also sets out the actions the school can take should this code be ignored, or where breaches occur.

Behaviour that will not be tolerated:

• Disruptive behaviour which interferes or threatens to interfere with any of the school’s normal operation or activities anywhere on the school premises.
• Any inappropriate behaviour on the school premises.
• Using loud or offensive language or displaying temper.
• Threatening in any way either in person or online, a member of staff, visitor, fellow parent/carer or pupil.
• Sending abusive or upsetting emails or text/voicemail/phone messages or other written communications (including social media) to anyone within the school community.
• Defamatory, offensive or derogatory comments regarding the school or any of the pupils/parents/staff/governors at the school on social media
• The use of physical, verbal or written aggression towards another adult or child. This includes physical punishment of your own child on school premises.
• Approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them because of the actions of this child towards their own child. (Such an approach to a child may be seen to be an assault on that child and may have legal consequences)
• Smoking, taking illegal drugs or the consumption of alcohol on school premises. (Alcohol may only be consumed during authorised events)

Should any of the above occur on school premises or in connection with school the school may feel it is necessary to act by contacting the appropriate authorities and/or sadly, consider banning the offending adult from entering the school premises.

Together we create a positive and uplifting environment not only for the children but also all who work and visit our school.

Please note, parents/carers should make sure all persons collecting their children are aware of this policy.

What happens if someone breaks the code?

 In the event of any parent/carer or visitor of the school breaking this code then proportionate actions will be taken as follows;

In cases where the unacceptable behaviour is considered to be a serious and potentially criminal matter the concerns will in the first instance be referred to the Police. This will include any or all cases of threats or violence and actual violence to any child, staff or governor in the school. This will also include anything that could be seen as a sign of harassment to any member of the school community, including social media cyber bullying.

In cases where evidence suggests that behaviour could amount to liable (false or unfair statement to damage reputation of a person or organisation) or slander (a false or malicious spoken statement) then the school will refer the matter to the County Councils Legal Team for further action.

In cases where the code of conduct has been broken but the breach was not libellous, slanderous or a criminal matter, then the school will invite the parent/carer to a meeting to discuss the code of conduct and school expectations

If the parent/carer refuses to attend the meeting then the school will write to the parent/carer and ask them to stop the behaviour causing the concern and warn that if they do not they may be banned from the school premises. If after this, behaviour continues the parent/carer will again be written to and informed that a ban is now in place.

Note: 

(1) a ban from the school can be introduced without having to go through all the steps offered above in more serious cases.

(2) Site bans will normally be limited in the first instance.

 If parents have any concerns about their child in relation to the school they should

1. Initially contact the class teacher by appointment this can be arranged by contacting the office
2. If the concern remains they should contact a senior member of staff and/or Headteacher by appointment
3. If still unresolved, the school governors through the complaints procedure

They should not use social media as a medium to air any concerns or grievances.

Complaints

This code of conduct does not prevent parent/carers from raising a legitimate complaint in an appropriate fashion.  In most cases we hope that all complaints and concerns can be resolved through open dialogue with class teachers or other members of staff as appropriate. Where you are not satisfied with responses received however, we would ask that you then follow the complaints procedure as laid out in our school complaints policy. This is available on the school’s website but if you would prefer please contact the school office and we can arrange for a hard copy to be made available.

Issues of conduct with the use of Social Media

 Most people take part in online activities and social media. It’s fun, interesting and keeps us connected.  There are various online school groups managed by parents for parents, such as WhatsApp groups and they can be a wonderful source of knowledge, support and advice. We encourage you to join in and positively participate if you wish.  Within these spaces however we ask that you use these with respect and caution when discussing school life online.

Think before you post

We ask that social media, whether public or private, should not be used to fuel opinions, seek views and voice complaints against the school, school staff, parents or pupils or be an arena to sort or investigate school matters.  We take very seriously inappropriate use of social media by a parent to publicly criticise another parent, pupil, governor or member of staff.

Online activity which we consider inappropriate:

1. Posting images/videos of pupils on social media without consent from parents/carers
2. Posting personal comments about staff, pupils, governors or other parents
3. Bringing the school into disrepute
4. Posting defamatory or libellous comments
5. Using social media to publicly challenge school policies or discuss issues about individual children
6. Threatening behaviour, such as verbally intimidating staff, or using bad language
7. Breaching school security procedures

At our school we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will deal with any reported incidents appropriately in line with the actions outlined above.