Our Commitment to Families

At Children's Support Service, we are committed to working in partnership with families to support every student's development and wellbeing. We value open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative working.

Purpose of this Code

This code of conduct outlines the expectations we have for all families who are part of our community. It helps ensure that our setting remains a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for students, staff, visitors and families.

How can we show respect and communicate well together?

• Treat all staff, children, visitors and other families with courtesy and respect
• Communicate concerns calmly and constructively through appropriate channels
• Use respectful language at all times, both in person and in written communication
• Respect the professional judgement of staff whilst engaging in open dialogue
• Support the setting's policies and procedures

How can we keep everyone safe?

• Follow all safeguarding procedures and report any concerns appropriately
• Respect confidentiality regarding other children and families
• Inform staff of any changes to contact details or circumstances that may affect your child
• Not use mobile phones to take photographs or videos on the premises without permission

How can we work together as partners?

• Attend meetings and appointments as scheduled, or provide advance notice if unable to attend
• Respond to communications from the setting in a timely manner
• Support your child's learning and development at home
• Share relevant information about your child's needs, health, or circumstances
• Work collaboratively with staff to address any concerns about your child

How can we create a positive environment on site?

• Follow all health and safety guidance whilst on site
• Not smoke, vape, or consume alcohol or drugs on the premises or when collecting children
• Supervise your own children when on the premises outside of session times
• Park considerately and follow traffic management arrangements
• Keep noise to a reasonable level, particularly near learning spaces

What behaviours are not acceptable?

The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

• Aggressive, threatening, or abusive behaviour (verbal or physical) towards any member of the community
• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation of staff, children, or other families
• Discriminatory comments or behaviour related to protected characteristics
• Damaging or removing setting property
• Using social media to make complaints or negative comments about the setting, staff, or other families
• Approaching other people's children to discuss or reprimand behaviour
• Breaching confidentiality
• Smoking, vaping, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the premises
• Bringing dogs or other animals onto the premises (except registered assistance dogs)

How can I raise a concern?

We welcome feedback and take all concerns seriously. If you have a concern:

1. Speak to your child's tutor or class teacher - most concerns can be resolved quickly through informal discussion
2. Contact the Head of Centre, Medical Team or Essex Reintegration Project Team Leaders - for more significant concerns or if the initial discussion hasn't resolved the issue
3. Follow our formal complaints procedure - available on request and published on our website

Please do not:

• Approach staff on social media about concerns
• Discuss concerns with other families before raising them with staff
• Confront other children about behaviour issues

What happens if this code is not followed?

We will address any breaches of this code proportionately and fairly:

Minor breaches:

• Informal discussion with the setting team leaders
• Written reminder of expectations

Serious or repeated breaches:

• Requirement to communicate only in writing or through specific staff members
• Restriction from entering the premises (with alternative arrangements for drop-off/collection/meetings)
• We will report threatening, abusive, or violent behaviour to the police if necessary
• We may seek legal remedies including restraining orders where necessary

Review

This code of conduct will be reviewed annually and updated as needed. All families will be notified of any changes.