Code of Conduct

Policy

One World Children’s Centre staff, students and volunteers will follow the code of conduct at all times.

Relevant Legislation

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010: Section 166, 167, 174

Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011: Regulations 155, 156, 157, 175

National Quality Standard, Quality Area 4: Staffing Arrangements

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)

Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), as amended 2011

Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic), as amended 2011

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)

Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)

Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)

Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth)

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

Racial Discrimination Act 1975

Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic)

Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)

Background

A Code of Conduct establishes a standard of behaviour to be followed by the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators, staff, students on placement and volunteers at the service. The Code of Conduct defines how individuals should behave towards each other, towards the children in their care, and towards other organisations and individuals in the community.

Definitions

Assault: An incident where a person causes injury, pain, discomfort or damage to another person. It also includes insult or deprivation of liberty. Assault can be physical or verbal.

Duty of care: A common law concept that refers to the responsibilities of organisations to provide people with an adequate level of protection against harm and all reasonable foreseeable risk of injury.

Ethical conduct: Always act in the best interests of children, their parents/guardians and families, and users of the service.

Harassment: When someone is demeaning, derogatory or intimidating towards another person. Harassment includes:

racial taunts
taunts about sexual orientation or gender identity
sexual harassment: unwelcome physical, verbal or written behaviour of a sexual nature
repeated insulting remarks.

Respect: Value the rights, religious beliefs and practices of individuals. Refrain from actions and behaviour that constitute harassment or discrimination.

Support: Work in a co-operative and positive manner.

Serious incident: An incident resulting in the death of a child, or an injury, trauma or illness for which the attention of a registered medical practitioner, emergency services or hospital is sought or should have been sought. This also includes an incident in which a child appears to be missing, cannot be accounted for, is removed from the service in contravention of the Regulations or is mistakenly locked in/out of the service premises (Regulation 12). A serious incident should be documented in an Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record (sample form available on the ACECQA website) as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the incident. The Regulatory Authority (DEECD) must be notified within 24 hours of a serious incident occurring at the service (Regulation 176(2)(a)). Records are required to be retained for the periods specified in Regulation 183.

Professional Standards for Staff, students and Volunteers

Relationships with children

In their relationships with children, the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators all staff, students and volunteers will demonstrate their commitment to high-quality education and care for children by:

being a positive role model at all times
encouraging children to express themselves and their opinions
allowing children to undertake experiences that develop self-reliance and self-esteem
maintaining a safe environment for children
respecting the rights of all children
contributing to a service environment that is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment
speaking to children in an encouraging and positive manner
listening actively to children and offering empathy and support
giving each child positive guidance and encouraging appropriate behaviour
regarding all children equally, and with respect and dignity
having regard to the cultural values, age, physical and intellectual development, and abilities of each child at the service
providing opportunities for children to interact and develop respectful and positive relationships with each other, and with other staff members and volunteers at the service
informing children if physical contact is required for any purpose, and asking them if they are comfortable with this interaction
ensuring all interactions with children are undertaken in full view of other adults
encouraging and assisting children to undertake activities of a personal nature for themselves e.g. toileting and changing clothes
respecting the confidential nature of information gained about each child while participating in the program.

Relationships with parents/guardians and families

In their relationships with parents/guardians and families, the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators’ staff, students and volunteers will demonstrate their commitment to collaboration by:

being respectful of, and courteous towards, parents/guardians and families at all times
considering the perspective of parents/guardians and families when making decisions that impact on the education and care of their child
communicating with parents/guardians and families in a timely and sensitive manner
responding to concerns expressed by parents/guardians and families in a timely and appropriate manner
respecting the cultural context of each child and their family
working collaboratively with parents/guardians and families
respecting the privacy of information provided by parents/guardians and families, and keeping this information confidential, as required under the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.

Relationships with colleagues at the service

In their relationships with colleagues, the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators’ staff, students and volunteers will demonstrate collegiality by:

developing relationships based on mutual respect, equity and fairness
working in partnership in a courteous, respectful and encouraging manner
valuing the input of their peers
sharing expertise and knowledge in appropriate forums, and in a considered manner
respecting the rights of others as individuals
giving encouraging and constructive feedback, and respecting the value of different professional approaches.

Professional responsibilities

The Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators and all staff will demonstrate commitment to their professional responsibilities by:

undertaking their duties in a competent, timely and responsible way
ensuring their knowledge and expertise is up to date and relevant to their role
understanding and complying with legal obligations in relation to:
- discrimination, harassment and vilification
- negligence
- mandatory reporting
- privacy and confidentiality
- occupational health and safety
- raising any complaints or grievances

Sources

Early Childhood Australia, Code of Ethics: www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

KPV Early Childhood Management Manual

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

Victoria Legal Aid: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

United Nations, Convention on The Rights of the Child: www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm