Parent/carer code of conduct for Newton Abbot College

Newton Abbot College is committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to foster a positive and productive learning environment for all our students.  Together we can role model appropriate conduct for our children/students at all times.

This code of conduct outlines the expectations for parents and carers as partners in their child’s education.  By working together, we can create a college community that reflects the values held across the family of schools in our Trust of commitment, collaboration, compassion, and courage.

To help us do this, we set clear expectations and guidelines on conduct for all members of our community. This includes staff (through the code of conduct for staff) and students (through our Behaviour policy and RESPECT expectations).

Commitment:

Regular communication:  We encourage parents/carers to maintain open communication with the college.  This includes attending scheduled meetings, responding promptly to college communications, and keeping the college informed of any changes that may impact on your child’s learning.

Support:  We expect parents/carers to support their child’s academic progress by encouraging homework completion, fostering good study habits and attending college events that celebrate achievement.

Positive reinforcement: We believe in praising your child’s efforts and achievements.  This fosters a positive attitude towards learning and encourages them to strive for personal growth.

Collaboration:

Respectful communication: We expect respectful communication with all college staff, both in person, by letter, and digitally.  This includes avoiding gossip, inflammatory language and personal attacks.

Volunteering and participation:  We value parental/carer involvement in college activities.  Volunteering, attending college events, and joining parent-teacher organisations strengthens our learning communities and provides valuable support to staff and students.

Working together to find solutions:  Should concerns regarding your child’s education arise, we encourage you to address them with the right member of staff first. If you need help to identify who this is, please contact Reception on 01626 367335 or email info@nacollege.devon.sch.uk.

Compassion:

Understanding staff decisions:  College staff act in the best interest of all students.  We ask for your understanding when decisions are made regarding discipline, classroom management, or college policies.

Equity and inclusion:  We strive to create a welcoming environment for all students.  We ask all parents/carers to treat everyone with respect and to celebrate the diversity of the college community.

Supporting others: We ask everyone in our learning community to recognise that families and students with different circumstances and abilities may require additional support.  Please be open to understanding these needs and help us foster an inclusive environment.

Courage:

Open communication with your child:  Encourage open and honest communication with your child.  Discuss challenges that may face them at college, and empower them to advocate for their own needs when appropriate.

Positive discussions about college:  Speak positively about your child’s college experience and the efforts of teachers and staff.  By doing this we can work together to foster a sense of security and encourage a positive attitude towards learning.

Supporting your child’s growth:  Developing courage takes time and practice.  Please work with us in supporting your child in taking risks, facing challenges and to learn from mistakes.

Consequences – breaching the code of conduct

We want to work collaboratively to create a positive learning environment for all students.

Unfortunately, we recognise that there are occasions where the code of conduct may not be followed.   We have included some examples of behaviour that we have identified does not make a positive contribution to our learning environment and that we will not accept.

• disrupting, or threatening to disrupt, college operations (including events on the college grounds and sports team matches)
• swearing, or using offensive language
• displaying a temper, or shouting at members of staff, students or other parents/carers
• threatening another member of the college community
• sending abusive messages to another member of the college community, including via text, email or social media
• filming a member of the college community without their consent
• generating fake content about the college or a member of the college community
• posting defamatory, offensive or derogatory comments about the college, its staff or any member of its community, on social media platforms
• use of physical punishment against your child while on college premises
• any aggressive conduct (including verbally or in writing, or via a digital channel) towards another child or adult
• smoking, vaping or drinking alcohol on the college premises (unless alcohol has been allowed at a specific event)
• any form of harassment of our staff or people working on our sites
• possessing or taking drugs (including legal highs) on the college premises
• threats of reporting to OFSTED
• inciting other parents to join or make a complaint
• demands for meetings at unreasonable times and or unreasonable length, without prior notice
• frequent or repetitive meetings about an issue that has already been dealt with.

A breach of this code of conduct may lead to consequences such as limitation of college events participation for parents/carers.

 If the college suspects, or becomes aware, that a parent/carer has breached the code of conduct, the college will gather information from those involved and speak to the parent/carer about the incident.

Depending on the nature of the incident, college may then:

• Send a warning letter to the parent/carer
• Inform the parent/carer that they can only communicate in writing
• Invite the parent/carer into college to meet with a senior member of staff or the Headteacher
• Contact the appropriate authorities (in cases of criminal behaviour)
• Where appropriate, seek legal advice regarding further action (in cases of conduct that may be libellous or slanderous)
• Ban the parent/carer from the college site.

The college will always respond to an incident in a proportionate way. The final decision for how to respond to breaches of the code of conduct rests with the Headteacher.

The Headteacher will consult the chair of governors before banning a parent/carer from the college site.

By working together with commitment, collaboration, compassion and courage we can ensure a successful and enriching learning experience for all students at Newton Abbot College.