Whole of Worthing Locality Group

Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers/Visitors

(and those with devolved responsibility for drop-off/pick-up of children)

Why is this Code of Conduct needed?

Within the Worthing Locality group of schools, all school staff and governors recognise the vital importance of constructive partnership with parents/carers/visitors in securing the best possible educational outcomes for children and young people within our care. We welcome and encourage parents/carers/visitors to participate fully in the life of our schools and appreciate their contact and support.

On rare occasions, misconceptions and difficulties can occur resulting in frustration for all parties. In these circumstances it is imperative that all adults model the respectful behaviour we require of children; staff already have a Code of Conduct to adhere to so, in order to include parents/carers/visitors in our working partnership, this document lays down expectations in terms of their conduct.

In order to provide a safe and harmonious environment, our schools will not tolerate the following:

• Disruptive behaviour which threatens to interfere with the school’s normal operation
• Using loud and/or offensive language
• Threatening (in any way) staff, other parents/carers/visitors, children or school visitors
• Use of intimidating language or behaviour
• Damaging or destroying school property
• Smoking, vaping, taking illegal drugs or consuming alcohol on school premises
• Visiting the school premises whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• The use of physical, verbal or written aggression towards another adult or child (including parent’s own child)
• Language, or actions, which breach our commitment to Equality and Diversity including racist, homophobic, sexist and disability-discrimination remarks
• Sending abusive/threatening emails, texts, voicemail, phone messages or other written communications to anyone within the school community
• Using social media to post defamatory, offensive or derogatory comments regarding the school, or any of the staff/children/parents/governors at the school
• Bringing dogs onto the school site (with the exception of assistance dogs)
• Breaching, or ignoring, school security procedures
• Filming or recording without permission
• Confronting another child following a school based incident. Any such incidents should be reported to and dealt with by the school.

Schools cannot become involved in disputes between or within families.                                                                                                   

What happens if the Code of Conduct is broken?

Breaches of this Code of Conduct can be devastating; intimidating behaviour towards staff prevents the school from focussing on its core purpose. Should any of the above occur on our school premises, then proportionate action will be taken as follows:

• Where the behaviour is potentially criminal such as threats of and/or actual violence, harassment on social media, criminal damage etc the matter will be reported to Sussex Police
• Where evidence suggests libel on social media sites, the case will be reported to the appropriate ‘Report Abuse’ section of the relevant network site and referred to West Sussex Legal Team for action
• Where the Code of Conduct has been broken, a time-limited site ban under Section 547 of the Education Act 1996 (The Department for Education) may be issued if parents/carers/visitors fail to moderate their future conduct https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/17644/1/school%20security%20advice%20181212.pdf

Complaints

This Code of Conduct does not prevent parents/carers/visitors from raising a legitimate complaint with schools; in most cases, concerns and complaints will be resolved through open and professional discussion with relevant staff.

Where, however, parents/carers/visitors remain dissatisfied with the response they receive they have recourse to follow the Complaints Policy published on each school’s respective website; alternatively, a paper copy can be requested from the relevant school’s Reception Office.

The above group of schools trust that parents/carers/visitors will appreciate why this Code of Conduct has been established and support us all by adhering to its requirements; by working together, through mutual respect and understanding, we benefit all our children and young people.

The Whole of Worthing Locality Group