Schools and the Youth Service Working Together

Code of conduct

A model code of conduct for pupils/young people on school sites

1 Introduction

1.1 This code of conduct is designed to assist pupils, young people, school and Youth Service staff to create and ensure a positive and attractive working environment for everybody involved in activities within a school site. Schools and the Youth Service should consider this model code of conduct and incorporate the arrangements into the local Agreement.

2 Managing behaviour

2.1 The behaviour of young people and pupils on school sites will be effectively managed if staff follow these guidelines:

2.1.1 Youth Service and school staff should develop good working relationships with young people based on mutual respect.

2.1.2 Youth Service and school staff should recognise and support self-discipline, politeness and respect for others, and reciprocate. Acting as positive role models is a powerful strategy for securing effective development.

2.1.3 Youth Service and school staff should remain flexible in their use of strategies for managing poor behaviour, focusing upon rewards and praise for achievements but providing clear boundaries defining and responding to inappropriate behaviour.

2.1.4 Youth Service and school staff should work in partnership and involve parents/carers as early as possible if there is reason for concern.

2.1.5 Youth Service and school staff should ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to facilitate partnership working.

2.1.6 Youth Service staff are responsible for the management of young people involved in Youth Service activities in the youth centre and elsewhere.

2.1.7 Information which may impact upon the behaviour and welfare of young people engaged in Youth Service activities on the school site should be shared between Youth Service and school staff.

2.1.8 Youth Service and school staff are expected to:

_ work together, to resolve issues where they arise

_ model appropriate behaviour at all times and ensure that the code of conduct is embedded in the ethos of the school, youth centre or Youth Service project.

3 Young people, pupils and visitors to the school site

3.1 All participants in activities on school sites are expected to:

· Show respect for others by behaving positively towards them

· Care for the buildings and natural environment

· Ensure that they respond responsibly to matters that may affect health, safety and security

· Refrain from physical assault or abusive language

· Refrain from using and/or possessing alcohol or other non-prescribed drugs on site. (The use of alcohol and tobacco on school sites, e.g. a bar area, may be agreed locally)

· Show respect for the school, Youth Service, and other organisations providing services within the school site

· Follow the directions of all staff

· Conduct themselves positively to achieve the targets/objectives for the purpose of their visit.

4 Unacceptable Conduct by young people and pupils

4.1 Interventions to stop unacceptable behaviour and promote appropriate behaviour are most effective if they are immediate, if young people/pupils are given the opportunity to discuss and understand what is unacceptable and why it is.

4.2 Violence towards others and the abuse of adults by young people and vice versa, will not be tolerated. Bullying, racist or sexist behaviour is regarded as a very serious breach of the code of conduct and will be addressed accordingly.

4.3 The abuse of substances is a matter of great concern. Youth Workers and school staff should liaise in order to ensure that a consistent approach to this issue is adopted. The school's policy on substance abuse lays down the school's response in situations where pupils abuse, possess, sell or supply drugs either on site or in association with school activities. The County Council policy determines Youth Service procedures for dealing with substance abuse. School and Youth Service staff should ensure that local arrangements are made to co-ordinate policy and responses.

4.4 Action taken in the event of a serious breach of the code of conduct will be consistent with the following policies:

· Hampshire County Council policies on equal opportunities; bullying; child protection; physical restraint; drugs education and incidents; and the code of conduct for Youth Service staff.

· School policies on behaviour; smoking; child protection; and special educational needs.

5 Sanctions

5.1 Annex 1 is provided as an example of strategies for managing inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, and is designed to support local procedures. These should include a range of agreed sanctions that will operate at different levels, in order to respond to the full range of behaviours. It may be appropriate to move directly to more serious sanctions in response to serious breaches of the code of conduct. An approach which is consistently applied will be most successful.

6 Implementing the Code of Conduct

6.1 The school and Youth Service staff should adapt and agree the code of conduct which will be implemented within the school site.

6.2 The code of conduct should be given to all pupils and young people attending the school and youth centre, as part of their introduction to school/Youth Service activities.

6.3 The code of conduct should be part of the induction process for school and Youth Service staff.

6.4 Staff should ensure that pupils/young people are clear about the expectation of good behaviour at all times.

7 Review of code of conduct

7.1 The effectiveness of the code of conduct should be reviewed on an annual basis by the Senior Youth Worker (or delegate) and headteacher (or delegate). Young people using the youth centre should be given opportunities to monitor and comment on its effectiveness in achieving and maintaining good relationships.