Ark Dickens
Primary Academy
Staff Code of Conduct
Staff Code of Conduct
September 2015
Code of conduct
Teaching in any Academy is a challenge. Absolute commitment is required of teachers and
support staff, and they are expected to bring a positive and dedicated attitude to all aspects
of their work and their relationships at the Academy, adhering to Academy routines and
procedures at all times. In return the Academy will endeavour to support and reward them
fully, and will take their opinions and concerns seriously.
All teachers and support staff should:

Abide by a professional dress code.

Speak and behave with respect, bearing in mind we are role models for our
pupils.

Behave, act and respond professionally.

Take pride in what we do.

Never speak to pupils in an intimidating or aggressive manner.

Be consistently present and on time.

Plan and prepare lessons well.
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Ensure assessment including marking of books is in line with the Academy policy.

Ensure that the class register is taken.

Ensure that pupils enter and leave classrooms in an orderly manner.

Ensure that pupils behave in an orderly manner and that the atmosphere in the
class is conducive to learning.
Dress code
The uniform requirements for the Academy are formal and strict, so it is logical for pupils to
expect their teachers to dress in a similarly professional way. The Academy expects both
teaching and non-teaching staff to look smart, clean and tidy, with ‘office wear’ as a basic
guideline for appropriate clothing. Staff dress codes should reflect our position as role
models and educators, working in a culturally diverse community. Teachers are expected to
wear appropriate clothes when teaching PE. Jeans, vests, strappy tops, clothing with logos
and shorts (unless they are ‘tailored ‘and long) are not permitted as is the wearing of hats
inside. Tattoos and piercings, other than those in the ear, must be kept covered, wherever
possible, when at the Academy.
Culture and ethos
The Academy places significant importance on instilling amongst the children a strong sense
Staff Code of Conduct
September 2015
of social responsibility and social conduct. Staff are expected to be exemplary role models
and as such should always speak to others in a positive, professional manner, and
remember to be discrete when talking in communal areas.
Time-keeping
Effective time-management is critical to the Academy day. It is imperative that each
member of staff arrives on time for all events, particularly staff briefings, registration, break
or lunch duties and assemblies, and any appointments with pupils or parents/carers. Staff
are required to start work at the allocated times, this means being in the classroom or
playground ready to start work. ARK Dickens expects staff to arrive at school at such a time
to allow yourself to be organised before starting work (i.e. put your belongings away, get a
drink).
Smoking policy
Smoking is not permitted on any of the Academy’s premises. Anyone wishing to smoke must
do so outside of the Academy grounds. Staff are requested not to congregate outside of the
school premises but to walk away from the school building if they wish to smoke.
It is against the law to smoke anywhere on the Academy site at any time, including
weekends, holidays and out of school hours.
Where an employee refuses to comply with these requirements, disciplinary action will be
considered.
All areas of the Academy are smoke free. There must be no smoking in any part of the
Academy.
Phones
Personal telephones must be locked away and only checked out of sight of the pupils. If a
member of staff wishes to check their telephone it must be done during a break time.
Personal telephones must never be used to take photos of pupils.
Academy phones may only be used for personal reasons in exceptional circumstances.
In case of emergencies, request permission from your line manager.
All phones or digital equipment brought on to the Academy site must be password
protected and must not be used for taking photographs.
Reference requests
Only the Headteacher may write a reference for any member of staff. The Headteacher may
delegate this to other senior leaders but will sign off all references before they are sent out.
No other member of staff may be put down as a first referee.
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September 2015
Passport applications
Parents/carers often ask members of Academy staff to complete part of their passport
application. Under no circumstances are staff to do so. All requests for such applications are
to be directed to the Academy Office and on to the Headteacher.
Internet/Email
E-mails are a useful but relatively insecure form of communication, and are easily
forwarded. You should assume that anyone mentioned in an e-mail can see and hear what is
said about them or anyone else. You should also be aware that your e-mails could be
subject to audit by the Academy and could be used as evidence in court.
It is prohibited to let any other member of the Academy, especially a pupil, use your login
details to access the internet or e-mail facilities.
Please note:
 Sending unsolicited mail (spam) from your Academy e-mail address is prohibited.
 Do not open attachments from unknown sources.
 Ensure that your virus software is up to date.
 Do not send personal e-mails during Academy hours.
 Facebook accounts with pupils, parents of pupils or ex-pupils are not permitted.
Access to the internet is provided for Academy purposes and must not be abused for
personal use. Commercial use, which is not connected to or approved by the Academy, is
strictly prohibited. Users are expected to act ethically and responsibly in their use of the
internet and to comply with relevant national legislation. Any use of the internet which is
illegal or brings the Academy into disrepute will be viewed as a serious breach of conduct.
The use of the Academy internet connection to download or distribute copyright material
using peer-to-peer applications is strictly prohibited.
Please note:
All devices connected to the internet must be equipped with up to date anti-virus software,
which has been approved by the Academy.
All data sent or received over the internet should be virus-checked before use.
Always log off before you leave your workstation.
All security incidents involving internet access or e-mail must be reported to the Operations
Manager.
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September 2015
Eating/Drinking in class
Staff may only take hot drinks on to the playground or into classrooms in an insulated mug
with a secure lid. Hot drinks should only be made in the staffroom. Staff are encouraged to
drink water throughout the day.
Staff may only eat in the staff room during break/lunchtimes (or in the lunch halls with the
children) and not in classrooms, offices or other parts of the building.
Staff lateness/absences
Every member of staff must sign in/out using the appropriate staff register each day. The
staff registers will be located at the School Reception desk as you enter the main entrance
of the school. All available staff are required to attend the staff briefing at 8:35am each
morning Monday to Friday. The Academy will be opened by a member of the Site Team no
later than 7.00am each morning.
Lateness
Teachers are asked to notify the Headteacher, a member of the Admin Team or Phase Leads
if they expect to be late, so that necessary arrangements can be made. If you do arrive late
for work you are requested to go straight to your Line Manager, let them know you have
arrived and give a reason for your lateness.
Absence
In the event of an unplanned absence, the member of staff must inform the Absence
Coordinator (the Headteacher, unless otherwise advised) before 7.30am on the morning of
the first absence. Members of staff must telephone the absence coordinator (text messages
and emails are not acceptable) and give the following information:
A reason for their absence.
Any responsibilities i.e. clubs which they may miss that day.
Staff will be notified during morning briefing of any absences. Phase leaders will take
responsibility for ensuring the absence is communicated to their team. The Pastoral Deputy
Head will be responsible for arranging cover, if necessary. Members of staff are requested
to complete a self-certification form on their return to work, where appropriate, and Line
Managers will schedule a return to work interview. Staff are requested to telephone the
office by 2pm on the day of absence to inform them of their intention to return to work or
of their continued absence.
In the event of a planned, agreed, absence, the member of staff must complete a
‘Requesting Leave of Absence Form’. This must be filled in and handed to the Support
Officer (HR) a minimum of two weeks before the date requested. The Phase leader will take
responsibility for ensuring the absence is communicated to their team. Again, the Pastoral
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September 2015
Deputy Head is informed and cover arrangements are made including duty cover.
Staff are requested to remind their colleagues the day before a planned absence and ensure
all lessons are planned and prepared for.
Every absence, other than those requested ahead of time, will be followed by a Return to
Work meeting with the individual's line manager. The self-certification form will be
completed during this meeting, where appropriate, and handed in to the school office to
allow HR records to be updated.
If you are sick during your PPA or NQT day, this time will not be re-allocated on your return.
Failure to follow the above guidelines may lead to a loss of pay.
Leaving the premises
If you need to leave the building for an extended period of time, please inform a member of
the Senior Leadership Team and the Academy office. In case of fire, you must also sign in
and out of the appropriate staff register.
Staff must consult the Headteacher before taking any children off site. Forms outlining the
nature and length of the visit must be completed by the teacher and signed by the
Headteacher/ Deputy Headteacher. Please seek advice and forms concerning visits and the
necessary risk assessments from the Educational Visits Coordinator.
Risk assessment forms can be found on the shared staff drive.
Cover
Cover is arranged by the Pastoral Deputy Head and is recorded in the Academy absence
diary. The Academy absence diary and notice board will inform staff who is covering for
absent colleagues. Please check at regular intervals during the day as circumstances often
change.
Please ensure that your cover work folder is up to date and that your weekly planning is
easily available for use by the cover teacher.
Staff Code of Conduct
September 2015