Ethics Task 5b

 

Many of my assumptions regarding ethics within the workplace were similar to the codes of conduct/policy handbook my school follow for ethical frameworks. I also looked at the ‘Bera’ ethical guidelines for conducting a research inquiry within an educational setting.

                    

In my earlier post when I brain stormed various aspects of ethics within the workplace I concentrated on more the pupil’s welfare, however reading the schools handbook it is important to consider ethical practices of  staff members e.g. teachers, T.A.’s and Management team.

 

A strong emphasis within the school’s code of conduct/policies handbook were Employers, students and teachers within the workplace should be treated fairly, sensitively, dignity, ethic respect and freedom from prejudice. Teachers, T.A.’s and staff have a duty to safe-guard and promote the well-being of pupils in their care.

 

The school have a ‘Whistle blowing’ policy. This allows employers to report to appropriate manager any impropriety or breech of procedure e.g. neglect of duty/role. The school have an ‘Interest disclosure Act’ which allows staff to report a disclosure to the Head teacher to protect themselves.  

 

The school (workplace) have practice expectations they need to adhere to. They maintain this standard through regular safeguard training and knowledge awareness of procedure/policies. Every staff member has the same professional standards regardless of culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity.

 

Looking at safeguarding practices staff members have a duty to keep young people safe and protect them from sexual, physical and emotional harm. Staff must be vigilant in treating children with respect and dignity and at all times consider the child’s best interests.  The key aspect of this is ‘confidentiality’. When working with children or using children within a research inquiry you must maintain informed consent and use anonymous treatment. You have got to consider Child protection issues, safeguarding issues and data protection. ‘Bera guidelines’ state that; “inquiry involving/concerning children, the interests of the child must be primary consideration.”

 

Looking at the workplace ethics there’s a big emphasis on different aspects of staff ethics these are;

·         Staff are responsible for own actions and behaviour.

·         Staff to avoid putting selves in vulnerable situations.

·         Staff to be aware of expectations, policies and procedures.

·         Clear about when information can be shared and in what circumstances it is appropriate to do so.

·         Be discreet and act in a confidential manner when handling pupil data.

·         ‘Need to know’ basis when sharing concerns/ confidential data, avoid potential breeches of confidentiality.

·         Teachers/staff are in a position of trust.

·         Staff must consider their behaviour outside the workplace, and avoid excessive alcohol/drugs use as this may have a big impact on their responsibility working with children. Within the workplace you are a role model and are expected to demonstrate positive behaviour this includes activity on social media sites and use of the internet and uploading appropriate photos.

·         Always maintain professional boundaries between adult and pupil.

·         On social networks set profile to private settings and approved contacts, never give personal details to pupils and except them as friends.

·         Don’t discuss work related matters or identify individual staff members, children/families on social websites.

 

I didn’t consider dress and appearance within my first blog, this is important because being a teacher you need to dress appropriately. Don’t wear revealing or sexually provocative clothing. You need to demonstrate a healthy/safe lifestyle and good hygiene, you have to remember if you demonstrate a healthy lifestyle pupils will follow.

 

Web 2.0 has many complications when used within an educational setting you have to maintain confidentiality and appropriate information. You have to ensure pupils are not exposed to any inappropriate images or web links. We can protect pupils by blocking social media sites and particular sites like You Tube to prevent inappropriate images/videos be exposed to pupils. When taking images of pupils for pupil progress you must use school approved equipment and store images on a safe database with restricted access.  

 

Working with children you have to consider physical contact and what’s considered acceptable. Physical contact must take place in an open environment and pupils must give permission for example; the use of physical contact may be used to demonstrate a correction or support the use of a certain piece of equipment e.g. scissors. Staff must adhere to the school’s code of conduct and policies when it is appropriate for physical contact for example you may need to control a pupil to prevent harm to another child e.g. behavioural management, staff who carry this out will be trained efficiently and follow procedures strictly to not put themselves at risk.  

 

In summary there are lots of ethical considerations within a school setting, you have staff and pupils welfare to consider. By following ethical frame works, code of conduct and school policies ethical standards will be maintained and adhered to strictly.