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CaSS Code of Practice for work in Schools

Below is a useful Code of Practice for Christian volunteers or visitors going into schools.

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          Guidelines for Working in Schools

 

Introduction

CaSS aims to help Christians serving schools to understand the parameters of the school environment, to help them operate with a clear code of conduct.

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Principles

  • People working in or serving schools are responsible for their own actions and behaviour.

  • People should be careful to avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question motives/ intentions.

  • People should work in an open and transparent manner.

 

Purpose

  • To connect with the 95% of children or young people have no contact with a church.

  • To serve/invest in the next generation.

  • To help schools who are on the frontline with our children & young people, as they face all sorts of challenges.

  • To do life with children & young people where they are.

 

Attitude

  • Serving the needs and expectations of the schools, respecting its ethos with grace and integrity.

  • Engaging with all pupils – irrespective of ethnicity, disability, political or religious persuasion, gender or sexuality.

 

Standards

  • A high level of professionalism in following school procedures and meeting expectations including preparation, punctuality, speech and dress.

  • Transparency and openness – being prepared to share lesson plans, aims and objectives for collective worship, curriculum for clubs etc. prior to delivery. Welcoming observers.

  • Ensuring all materials/resources are fit for purpose, educationally appropriate, inviting and with a high level of technical accuracy (spelling & grammar).

  • Seeking & receiving permission before handing out follow up/promotional material to pupils.

 

Evaluation/Development

  • A commitment to improvement through seeking feedback from teachers and pupils as appropriate.

  • Be prepared to learn from mistakes.

 

Safeguarding

Everyone working in schools should have received safeguarding training and be committed to:

  • Protecting the safety and well-being of all pupils who they come into contact with

  • Ensuring relevant DBS checks have been undertaken.

  • Assessing risk and adapting accordingly – especially relevant to clubs/church visits.

  • Abiding by and supporting the safeguarding policy of the school in which they are working.

 

Professional Conduct

  • Be familiar with the policies, framework, practices and ethos of the school.

  • Behave in a mature, respectful, fair, safe and considerate manner at all times.

  • Dress appropriately.

  • Wear any ID you are given by the school.

  • Relationships with students should always be on a professional footing.

  • Do not make arrangements to contact (email, text, social media) students outside school.

  • Take advice promptly from school staff about any incident which gives rise for concern – a record should be kept and agreed upon.

  • Know who to call if you are ill and cannot fulfil your commitments.

  • Schools run to very strict timetable – know the timings and work within them.

  • Prepare well – clear aims, assess risks, know your material

  • Know and respect the rules of the school.

  • Know where to get help or advice.

  • Do not make a direct gospel challenge, recruit for a church activity or give out advertising material for an event without permission.

 

CaSS wishes to thank Scripture Union for their help in producing these guidelines.

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