Parent Code of Conduct

Parent Code of Conduct - Caedraw Primary School

Dear parents and carers,

At Caedraw Primary School, we are extremely fortunate to have a supportive and friendly parent body. Our parents recognise that educating children effectively is a process that involves partnership between parents, staff and the wider school community.

As partners, our parents will understand the importance of a good working relationship to equip children with the necessary skills for adulthood. For these reasons we continue to welcome and encourage parents/carers to participate fully in the life of our school.

We are committed to resolving difficulties in a constructive manner, through an open and positive dialogue. However, we understand that everyday misunderstandings can cause frustrations and have a negative impact on our relationships. Where issues arise or misconceptions take place, please contact your child’s teacher or the Headteacher, who will be available to meet with you and go through the issue and hopefully resolve it. Where issues remain unresolved, please follow the school’s complaints procedure. This is available on the school website or a copy can be requested from the school office.

This letter aims to clarify the types of behaviour that will not be tolerated and also sets out the actions the school can take should this be ignored or where breaches occur.

Behaviour that will not be tolerated:

• Disruptive behaviour which interferes or threatens to interfere with any of the school’s normal operations or activities anywhere on the school premises.

• Any inappropriate behaviour on the school premises.

• Using loud or offensive language or displaying temper.

• Raising of voice in an intimidating manner

• Threatening in any way, a member of staff, visitor, fellow parent/carer or child.

• Damaging or destroying school property.

• Sending abusive or threatening emails or text/voicemail/phone messages or other written communications (including social media) to anyone within the school community.

• Defamatory, offensive or derogatory comments regarding the school or any of the pupils/parents/staff/governors at the school on Facebook or other sites and social media.

• The use of physical, verbal or written aggression towards another adult or child. This includes physical punishment of your own child on school premises.

• Approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them because of the actions of this child towards their own child. (Such an approach to a child may be seen to be an assault on that child and may have legal consequences).

• Smoking, taking illegal drugs or the consumption of alcohol on school premises. (Alcohol may only be consumed during authorised events).

Should any of the above occur on school premises or in connection with school, the school may feel it is necessary to take action by contacting the appropriate authorities or consider banning the offending adult from entering the school premises.

I would like to thank the vast majority of our parents for respecting all our staff and pupils, together we create a positive and uplifting environment not only for the children but also all who work and visit our school.

What happens if someone ignores or breaks the code?

In the event of any parent/carer or visitor of the school breaking this code then proportionate

actions will be taken as follows:

In cases where the unacceptable behaviour is considered to be a serious and potentially criminal matter, the concerns will in the first instance be referred to the Police. This will include any or all cases of threats or violence and actual violence to any child, staff or governor in the school. This will also include anything that could be seen as a sign of harassment of any member of the school community, such as any form of insulting social media post or any form of social media cyber bullying. In cases where evidence suggests that behaviour would be tantamount to libel or slander, then the school will refer the matter to the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Councils  Legal Team for further action. In cases where the code of conduct has been broken but the breach was not libellous, slanderous or criminal matter, then the school will send out a formal letter to the parent/carer with an invite to a meeting.

Note: A ban from the school can be introduced without having to go through all the steps

offered above in more serious cases.

Issues of conduct with the use of Social Media

Most people take part in online activities and social media. It’s fun, interesting and keeps us

connected. The school  has a Facebook page which allows parents to receive and

respond to messages about school events and celebrates the work of our pupils. We encourage you to positively participate if you wish.

However, within these spaces, we ask that you use common sense when discussing school

life online. ‘Think before you post’ We ask that social media, whether public or private, should not be used to fuel campaigns and voice complaints against the school, school staff, parents or

children. We take very seriously inappropriate use of social media by a parent to publicly humiliate or criticise another parent, member of staff or child. If the inappropriate use of Social media or private groups is founded then Legal advice will be obtained.

If parents have any concerns about their child in relation to the school as we have said above

they should:

1. Initially contact the class teacher.

2. If the concern remains they should contact the Headteacher.

3. If still unresolved, contact the school governors through the complaints procedure.

They should not use social media as a medium to air any concerns or grievances.

Online activity which we consider inappropriate:

• Abusive or personal comments about staff, governors, children or other parents.

• Bringing the school into disrepute.

• Posting defamatory or libellous comments.

• Emails or the use of private groups that are used to circulate or are  sent directly with abusive or personal comments about staff or children.

• Using social media to publicly challenge school policies or discuss issues about individual children or members of staff.

• Threatening behaviour, such as verbally intimidating staff, or using bad language.

We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will deal with any reported incidents appropriately in line with the actions outlined above.

Regards

Miss D Williams 

Headteacher

Mr P Jones

Chair of Governors