POLICY CONTENT

Our Code of Conduct aims to provide a framework for all employees of The Akidamy School of Early Learning to ensure an understanding of the standards of conduct and behaviour expected at all times. Our School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promotes the safety of all children and embeds the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. All staff and volunteers are responsible for promoting a culture of safety and wellbeing to minimise the risk of child abuse or harm to children whilst promoting children’s sense of security and belonging.  

The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, educators, staff members, volunteers, and students will maintain the following ethical conduct ideologies at all times, and demonstrate positive interactions within the school and the local community by: 

• committing to our school philosophy and values, inclusive of best practice in early childhood education and building positive relationships with children, families, staff and the community 
• adhering to our Child Safe Environment Policy and Child Protection Policy at all times and take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse 
• upholding the rights of children and always promoting their needs 
• promoting a commitment to a workplace that values and promotes the safety, health, and wellbeing of employees, volunteers, children and families 
• promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children 
• promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of children with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds 
• promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of children with a disability 
• treating colleagues, children, and families with respect. Bullying or insulting behaviour, including verbal and non-verbal aggression, abusive, threatening, or derogatory language or intimidation towards other employees, children, visitors, or families is unacceptable and will not be tolerated 
• promoting honesty and integrity in all interactions with children, families, employees and management 
• making a commitment to an Equal Opportunity workplace and culture that values the knowledge, experience, and professionalism of all employees, team members, and managers, and the diverse heritage of our families and children 
• listening and responding to the views and concerns of children particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused or they are worried about their safety or the safety of another  

 
The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Educators, Staff Members and Volunteers will:  

• ensure their work is carried out proficiently, harmoniously, and effectively 
• act in a professional and respectful manner at all times whilst at work, giving their full attention to their responsibilities and adhering to all School policies, procedures, Child Safe Standards, Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations, and the National Quality Standard 
• act honestly and exercise attentiveness in all School operations 
• carry out all lawful directions, retaining the right to question any direction which they consider to be unethical. If uncertain they can seek advice from the Nominated Supervisor, Approved Provider or the Ombudsman 
• uphold the rights of children and always prioritise their needs 
• treat all children and young people with respect 
• promote the safety of children and take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse 
• provide adequate supervision of children at all times 
• understand their legislative responsibility as mandatory reporters to report any allegation of child abuse, neglect or possible risk of harm to management  
• understand their legislative responsibility to report any inappropriate action of any other employee that involves children or young people to management as part of the Reportable Conduct Scheme 
• participate in all compulsory training 
• report any instances of suspected corrupt conduct, mismanagement of government funds or other serious allegation to the appropriate agency (email: tipoffline@dese.gov.au) 
• have a solid understanding of the School’s policies and procedures and the ECA Code of Ethics. If uncertain about the content of any policy or procedure with which they must comply, employees should seek clarification from the Nominated Supervisor 
• be courteous and responsive when dealing with colleagues, students, visitors, children and families 
• work collaboratively with colleagues and recognise and value diversity 
• be mindful of their duty of care towards themselves and others 
• be positive role models for children at all times 
• respect the confidential nature of information gained about each child enrolled in our school 
• engage in critical reflection to inform individual and collective decision making and ensure continual improvement.

 
 
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will:  

• promote a collaborative and interconnected workplace by developing a positive working environment where all employees can contribute to the ongoing continuous improvement of the School 
• promote leadership by working with employees and providing opportunities for professional development and growth 
• provide flexible opportunities to ensure all employees can participate in staff meetings and professional development 
• provide ongoing support and feedback to employees 
• keep employees informed about essential information and any relevant changes and make all documents readily accessible to them 
• ensure copies of the ECA Code of Ethics is available to staff and families upon request
• model professional behaviour at all times whilst at the School 
• implement supportive and effective communication systems, consulting employees in appropriate decision making 
• take appropriate action if a breach of the code of conduct occurs 
• share skills and knowledge with employees 
• give encouragement and constructive feedback to employees, respecting the value of different professional approaches

 
The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Educators, Staff Members and Volunteers will NOT:  

• use abusive, derogatory or offensive language 
• engage in conduct that is detrimental to the professional standing of our School, is improper or unethical, is an abuse of power, or harasses, discriminates against, victimises, humiliates, intimidates, or threatens other educators, staff members, volunteers, or visitors at the school, either directly or indirectly via information technology such as email, text or social media. Additionally, they will not support those who do this. 
• condone or participate in illegal, unsafe or abusive behaviour towards children, including physical, sexual or psychological abuse, ill-treatment, neglect or grooming 
• exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues 
• fail to report information to the approved provider if they know a child has been abused 
• engage in unwarranted and inappropriate touching involving a child 
• persistently criticise and/or denigrate a child 
• verbally assault a child or create a climate of fear 
• encourage a child to communicate with me in a private setting 
• share details of sexual experiences with a child 
• use sexual language or gestures in the presence of children 
• discriminate against any child, because of culture, race, ethnicity or disability 
• put children at risk of abuse- refusing food/play, making threats, exposing children to inappropriate language or material (movies, internet, photos) 
• drink alcohol or use illicit substances on the school’s premises, or come to the school under their influence 
• smoke on the School’s premises including in the car park 
• show preferential behaviour towards any child 
• accept an offer of money, regardless of the amount 
• seek or accept a bribe 
• acquire personal profit or advantage because of their position eg: through the use of school information 
• exchange any property of the school for own use unless properly authorised 
• approach other employees, managers or visitors directly on individual matters that are irrelevant to them 
• engage in any action in breach of our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy, including but not limited to disclosure of confidential school or customer information, or the improper or illegal use of that confidential information.  Authorised persons will only access confidential information for the purpose intended.   
• engage in or support any action in breach of school policies and/or procedures

 
Families, Visitors and children (not enrolled at the School) will:  

• treat all children at the school equally and respectfully 
• report any suspicious behaviour to the Nominated Supervisor and encourage and actively support a safe and supportive School environment 
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their abilities, gender, religion  
• or cultural background 
• refrain from bullying, harassing or discriminating against any child or adult at the school 
• respect the decisions of educators and staff members and teach children (if adults) to do likewise. 
• tell an educator (if a child) or the Nominated Supervisor if witness to any instances of bullying, harassment or discrimination at the School 
• cooperate and follow classroom routines and procedures 
• listen to educators’ instructions and follow them 
• speak to an educator or Nominated Supervisor if worried, concerned, or have a grievance about something. 

Families, Visitors and Children (not enrolled at the School) will NOT: 

• use abusive, derogatory or offensive language 
• drink alcohol or use illicit substances while on the school’s premises or come to the school under their influence 
• smoke on the school’s premises including in the car park 
• remove a child from the premises without advising a staff member.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have read and understood the school's Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its terms and conditions at all times.

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