Code of Conduct

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with children for our safety and the safety of the children.

• Never exchange personal telephone, email, social media or contact details directly with children.

• Do not become ‘friends’ with children in our care on social media.

• Do not take photographs of the children during workshops – only images of children’s work are permitted, and permission has been given by the parents. Specific permission should be sought from parents to take photos including children’s faces.

• If any child makes any form of disclosure to us regarding potential abuse or maltreatment, or we have reason to be concerned for their welfare in any way the correct procedures identified by the NSPCC will be followed.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

DBS clearance forms are required for anyone working directly with children in our care.

If adults are not DBS checked they will not be permitted to be with children unsupervised.

Supervision (Outside Activities)

If we are outside, children should stay with the group and be accompanied at all times. 

If we work elsewhere in small groups, children should be made aware of an identified perimeter and not permitted to leave the perimeter identified.

If the toilets are away from the working site, children should not go unaccompanied. Tutors will arrange this in small groups at set times.

Supporting Children

Tutors will work with the children and support them in what they are doing - helping with equipment and skills.

Tutors will not stick to one child (unless specifically asked to) – support is spread your around the group so all the children benefit.

Sometimes children will be asked to work independently.

Preparing and Clearing Equipment

Children are actively encouraged to clear the space after use. They are encouraged to help each other wash up, sweep the floor and wipe tables.

Helping to clear up, keeping workspaces tidy, and equipment easy to use and find, is also helpful whilst working.

Health and Safety

Toilet – Children should ask to use the toilet and be mindful of others privacy when in use. There is no lock on the toilet for safety reasons.

Kiln – Children are not permitted near the kiln unsupervised, and it will never be firing during a session.

Wheel – The wheel is only used where one-to-one supervision is available.

Children should be made aware of the hazards associated with dust – sanding and glaze preparation is not permitted unless closely supervised and masks worn.

Sharp implements – there are some knives and sharp implements in the studio – these must be used with close supervision and children briefed on how to use them safely.

Dangerous equipment  - will be kept out of children’s reach, for use only with adults.

Typical equipment with risk attached:

• Cutting knives

• Small hacksaws

• Glue guns

• Glaze ingredients and oxides

Arriving and Leaving

Children may come directly to the studio on arrival and will be escorted to the end of the drive at the end of class.

Written permission must be given by parents or carers if the child is allowed to go home unaccompanied.

Qualified First Aider

Annabel Johnson has been trained in basic First Aid for the workplace – this should be kept up to date.

First Aid

First Aid Kits are regularly checked at any venue where we are working.

Medication

A register for every session is kept with a list of any medication identified and highlighted.

Parents are required to identify any medication given on a registration form.

Snacks are prohibited in the studio due to dangers due to allergies and dust.

Identify any allergies before courses begin.

Special Needs

Identify and particular needs of any children through a registration form and mark on registers – these will be discussed with parents where appropriate and highlighted for attention where necessary.

On line Safety

Obtain photo permission from all parents – parents to indicate on form.

Never exchange telephone contacts directly with children.

Never friend a child on any social media.

Check settings on any social media accounts.

Omit names from any photos.

Find out more from the NSPCC website about:

• safeguarding children who come from Black, Asian and minoritised

• ethnic communities

• safeguarding d/Deaf and disabled children and young people

• safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people

• safeguarding children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

More Ways to Help Protect Children

Take the NSPCC online course: Child protection: an introduction.

Sign up to the NSPCC weekly safeguarding csafeguarding current awareness newsletter: CASPAR.

View more information and resources for voluntary and community organisations.