Staff code of conduct

Standards of Professional Behaviour and Boundaries
Everyone working with Happy Feet needs to demonstrate safe
behaviour in order to protect the students in our care and also to
protect ourselves from allegations of misconduct. For this reason
we have developed a Code of Conduct for all of those who work
with us.

Good Practice
As an adult working with Happy Feet you are acting in a position of
trust and authority, and you have a duty of care towards the
children and young people you work with. You carry the ethos and
the culture of care and concern. By setting an example, you are
role models for our students and are expected to act appropriately.
We expect you to display appropriate behaviour at all times. This
includes behaviour that takes place in public arenas outside of
Happy Feet and behaviour that takes place online.
Always work in an open environment.
Avoid private or unobserved meetings with students and never
allow yourself to be left alone with a student. There may be rare
occasions in schools when a confidential interview or a one-to-one
meeting is necessary and, in such circumstances, the interview
should be conducted in a room with an open door or one with
visual access. If this is not possible, the teacher or Principal should
ensure there is another adult nearby. This is particularly relevant
with regard to training for examinations, which can by its nature be
one-to-one. Ensure that parents understand that training for
examinations is carried out on a one-to-one basis where
necessary.

Appropriate touch.
It is unrealistic and inappropriate for Happy Feet to prohibit
physical contact between teachers and students. Touch is very
much part of what we do and it is an essential part of the creative
interpretation of roles as well as a means of directing movement,
encouraging performance and providing comfort and reassurance.
Where physical contact is necessary, the teacher should explain
the reason. However, teachers must bear in mind that even
innocent actions can be misconstrued. It is important for you to be
sensitive to a student’s reaction to physical contact and to act
appropriately. No student should ever be touched on a part of their
body or in a way that is indecent. The areas covered by bra and
underpants should never be touched, except in case of
emergency. If there is a reason why you have had to touch a child
in these areas then you should record what you have done and
contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Laurie Walker, to
discuss. Touch must always be related to the needs of the student.

Diversity and inclusion.
Treat all students equally, with respect and dignity and encourage
students to speak out about attitudes or behaviour that makes
them uncomfortable. Challenge discriminating comments and
behaviour and take positive action to eliminate discrimination
against anyone. Ensure that students are protected from
discrimination on any grounds, including ability, gender, sexual
orientation, culture, race, ethnicity, disability, and religious belief
systems. We need to appreciate that all participants bring
something valuable and different to Happy Feet.
Activities should be designed to include all students and to
promote positive attitudes towards diversity.
Be an excellent role model and conduct yourself in a manner that
sets a good example to students. Demonstrate and promote
relationships that are based on openness, honesty, trust and
respect. Avoid showing favouritism and be patient with others.
• Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than
negative criticism.
• Always question and challenge any unknown adult who enters
the premises and/or who attempts to engage with the students.
• Maintain a safe environment and act in a responsible manner
with regard to the care of students.

Bad Practice
The following practices should never be sanctioned, and these
sorts of behaviours give rise to serious concerns about an
individual worker, they are:
• Entering into an intimate relationship with a student or share a
room with students during residential events.
• Using physical force against a student unless it constitutes
reasonable restraint to protect them or another person or to
protect property. The incident should be recorded in writing, with
witness statements (where possible), immediately afterwards.
• Engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games,
including horseplay.
• Using physical punishment.
• Engaging in any form of inappropriate touching.
• Tolerating a student’s inappropriate use of language and/or
behaviour. This should always be challenged, and the Student
Code of Conduct be used to reinforce standards of behaviour at
Happy Feet.
• Making sexually suggestive comments to a student, even in a
light-hearted manner.
• Using sarcasm and bad language and/or reducing a pupil to
tears as a form of control.
• Failing to report an allegation made by a student.
• Doing things of a personal nature for students who can do it for
themselves (e.g. apply sunscreen).
• Allowing students access to your personal social
media/networking sites.
• Exchanging personal mobile phone numbers or other contact
details with students.
• Exchanging personal mobile phone numbers or other contact
details with students.
•Inviting or allowing students to stay with you at your home or
arrange meetings with them away from the school.