Behaviour Code
2020 

Behaviour Code

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This behaviour code outlines the conduct expected of staff and volunteers from Play Inclusion Project along with staff from other organisations who engage with children and young people through Play Inclusion Project and its activities.

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Purpose

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Following this code will help to protect children from abuse and inappropriate behaviour from adults. It will also help staff and volunteers to maintain the standard of behaviour expected of them and will reduce the possibility of unfounded allegations of abuse being made against them.

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Upholding this code of behaviour 

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All members of staff and volunteers are expected to report any breaches of this behaviour code to the Charity Manager under the whistle-blowing procedure or, if necessary, under child protection procedures. Staff and volunteers who breach this code of behaviour may be subject to Play Inclusion Project’s disciplinary procedures.

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Any breach of the code involving a volunteer or member of staff from another agency may result in them being asked to leave Play Inclusion Project. Serious breaches may also result in a referral being made to a statutory agency such as the police, the local authority children’s social care department and/or the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

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When working with children and young people all staff and volunteers are acting in a position of trust. It is important that staff and volunteers are aware that they are seen as role models by children and young people and must act in an appropriate manner at all times.

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When working with children and young people, it is important to:

• operate within Play Inclusion Project’s principles, policies and procedures including Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy and Social Networking Policy

• always listen to and be respectful towards children

• avoid favouritism

• treat children and young people fairly and without prejudice or discrimination

• value and take children’s contributions seriously, actively involving children and young people in planning activities wherever possible

• ensure any contact with children and young people is appropriate and in relation to the work of the project

• always ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory

• always ensure equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose

• provide examples of good conduct you wish children and young people to follow

• challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse

• ensure that our 2:1 ration is upheld and that there is always is more than one adult present with children and young or if this isn’t possible, ensure that you are within sight or hearing of other adults

• respect a young person’s right to personal privacy

• encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like; recognise that special caution is required when you are discussing sensitive issues with children or young people.

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You must not:

• patronise or treat children and young people as if they are silly

• allow allegations to go unreported

• develop inappropriate relationships such as contact with children and young people that is not a part of the work of Play Inclusion Project or agreed with the manager or leader

• conduct a sexual relationship with a child or young person or indulge in any form of sexual contact with a child or young person. Any such behaviour between an adult member of staff or volunteer and a child or young person using the services of Play Inclusion Project represents a serious breach of trust on the part of the staff member or volunteer and is not acceptable under any circumstances

• let children and young people have your personal contact details (mobile number or address)

• make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to or in front of children and young people

• act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive

• make inappropriate promises to children and young people, particularly in relation to confidentiality

• jump to conclusions about others without checking facts

• either exaggerate or trivialise safeguarding issues

• rely on your reputation or that of the organisation to protect you

• use a mobile phone or take pictures of children or young people unless instructed to do so by your Activity Coordinator

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The Role of Parents and Carers

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Play Inclusion Project welcomes and encourages parental involvement. Parents and carers are regarded as valuable partners in promoting positive behaviour and will be involved as appropriate. In the event of their child becoming the subject of behaviour sanctions, parents/carers will be informed and involved.