Staff Code of Conduct
Manor Farm Experiences and Learning Barn on Manor Farm
Purpose
This code sets out the professional standards expected of employees, volunteers, contractors and work experience participants when working with children and young people. It supports the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Behaviour and Restraint Policy, Whistleblowing Policy and Online Safety and Acceptable Use Policy.
Our standards
All adults must put children’s welfare first, treat each child with dignity, communicate respectfully, follow agreed plans and risk assessments, and act within their role, training and competence. Adults must model calm, inclusive and appropriate behaviour and maintain clear professional boundaries.
Professional boundaries
Adults must work in an open and observable way wherever possible. One-to-one work must be agreed, risk assessed and carried out using the arrangements set for the session. Do not meet a child privately, give personal contact details, communicate through personal social media, or form a personal or financial relationship with a child or family outside the professional role.
Physical contact must be appropriate, necessary and respectful of the child’s wishes, needs and dignity. Personal care must follow the agreed plan. Physical intervention may only be used where lawful, necessary and proportionate to prevent harm, in line with the Behaviour and Restraint Policy. It must never be used as punishment.
Phones, images and information
Personal phones and devices must not be used during sessions with students. Use is permitted only during breaks or for an authorised emergency or work purpose. Photographs or recordings may only be made for an approved purpose, with the required permission and using approved devices and storage. Keep personal, medical, educational and safeguarding information confidential and share it only with people who need it for a legitimate purpose.
Health, safety and animals
Follow site rules, hygiene requirements, first-aid arrangements and activity risk assessments. Never leave a child unsupervised or allow access to restricted areas. Handle animals only when authorised and in accordance with animal welfare and safety instructions. Report hazards, injuries, near misses and animal welfare concerns promptly.
Safeguarding, concerns and allegations
Report any safeguarding concern immediately to Antonia Stewart, Designated Safeguarding Lead. If the concern involves Antonia or you cannot safely report to her, contact Caroline Thomas. Follow the safeguarding procedure; do not investigate, promise secrecy or confront the person concerned. Allegations about an adult must be reported promptly and handled under the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Staff may raise wider wrongdoing under the Whistleblowing Policy.
Breaches
A breach of this code must be reported to the owner or Designated Safeguarding Lead. The matter will be considered fairly and may lead to further training, restrictions on duties or formal action. Safeguarding referrals will be made where required. No one will be penalised for raising a genuine concern.
Review
The policy owner will review this code annually and after a significant incident or change in guidance. All workers must read it at induction and confirm that they understand it.
