Guidance for Safe Working Practice for the Protection of Children and Staff in Education Settings
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The vast majority of adults who work with children in education settings act
professionally. They seek to provide a safe and supportive environment, which
secures the well-being and very best outcomes for children and young people in
their care. It is recognised that achieving these aims is not always
straightforward. Much relies on pupil and staff interactions where tensions and
misunderstandings can occur. It is here that staff behaviours can give rise to
allegations being made against them. Allegations may be genuine, malicious or
misplaced. They may arise from differing perceptions of the same event, but
when they occur, they are inevitably distressing and difficult for all
concerned.
Staff working in education settings have expressed concern about
their vulnerability and have requested clearer advice about what constitutes
illegal behaviour and what might be considered as misconduct. They have asked
for practical guidance about which behaviours constitute safe practice and
which behaviours should be avoided. This document has been produced in response
to these concerns and contains information on the following areas.
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Exercise of Professional Judgement
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Power and Positions of Trust
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Confidentiality
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Propriety and Behaviour
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Dress and Appearance
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Gifts
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Infatuations
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Social Contact
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Physical Contact
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Physical Education and Other Activities that require Physical Contact
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Showers and Changing
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Pupils in Distress
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Behaviour Management
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Care, Control and Physical Intervention
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Sexual Contact with Young People
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One to One Situations
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Overnight Supervision and Examinations
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Transporting Children
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Educational Visits and After School Clubs
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First Aid and Administration of Medication
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Intimate Care
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Curriculum
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Photography, Video and other Creative Arts
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Internet Use
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Whistleblowing
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Sharing Concerns and Recording Incidents
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