2. Safer Working Practice

A code of conduct should be in place within every setting. Its purpose is to help everyone who works in any capacity in the setting to consistently maintain the highest possible standards of professional conduct, and to clearly identify to service users what they can expect.

All adults who work with or for children have a personal responsibility to be aware of, and abide by, any code of conduct that applies to their profession or work setting.

What should be in a code of conduct?

All codes of conduct should ensure compliance with the Government's guidance regarding safer working practice. This includes requirements and commitments that ensure that the setting, its staff and volunteers are able to:

• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, and maintain a focus on their needs
• Treat children, parents, carers and colleagues with dignity and respect
• Provide good role modelling - in respect of professional behaviour
• Communicate effectively and professionally. This includes avoiding inappropriate language, remarks and gestures
• Maintain confidentiality as appropriate, and be clear about when information will be shared
• Maintain professional integrity and recognise appropriate boundaries. This includes not sharing personal phone numbers with children and parents, and not using social networking sites to communicate to anyone regarding the setting or any aspect of work in an early years and childcare setting
• Present themselves appropriately in a work context. This includes wearing appropriate and safe clothing and any activity undertaken outside of the setting whilst wearing the setting uniform/logo
• Behave appropriately in a work setting. This includes promoting healthy eating and drinking and all other behaviour
• Behave appropriately outside the work setting
• Not misuse substances such as drugs and alcohol that might have a detrimental effect on children or an individual's suitability to work in an early years and childcare setting
• Take responsibility for informing the line manager of any information about any health/personal issues that might have a detrimental effect on suitability to work with children
• Access relevant training, and ensure learning is embedded in practice

It should also set out what happens if there is a breach of the Code e.g. any breaches of this Code will be addressed in accordance with the setting's disciplinary policy.

These are example headings that could be included in a Code of Conduct Policy:

• Confidentiality
• Behaviour
• Dress and appearance
• Gifts, rewards, and favouritism
• Online Safety (including Photography, Videos, Mobile Phones, Social Media)
• Physical contact
• One to one situations
• Transporting children
• Trips and outings
• Intimate/Personal Care

As well as having a code of conduct in place, early years and childcare settings need to consider all areas of their work in relation to safer working practice. For example, staff who provide babysitting services outside the workplace for families using the nursery. Individuals and providers should think about possible implications and ensure the setting has a policy that details if babysitting is allowed.