Parent Code of Conduct

At St Alban’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, we are committed to creating a positive, safe and secure environment, where all members of our school community can thrive.

To ensure this, we ask all parents, carers, and visitors to adhere to our Parent Code of Conduct, which aligns with Department for Education (DfE) guidance, government expectations, and relevant legal frameworks.

Our Expectations of Parents and Carers

We expect all parents and carers to:

  1. Promote Respect and Tolerance
    • Treat all members of the school community—staff, pupils, and other parents—with courtesy and respect.
    • Avoid discriminatory, offensive, or threatening language or behaviour, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
  2. Support the School’s Vision, Mission, and Policies
    • Reinforce our mission of Learning, Loving and Living together, side by side with God.
    • Encourage children to uphold our school values, including self-awareness, teamwork, bravery, and service.
    • Work collaboratively with the school to support the policies, including those on behaviour, safeguarding, and attendance.
  3. Engage Constructively
    • Communicate respectfully with school staff, addressing concerns through appropriate channels.
    • Use the school’s complaints procedure if necessary, ensuring all interactions remain professional and solution-focused.
  4. Maintain a Safe Environment
    • Refrain from any behaviour that could disrupt the school’s operation or jeopardize the safety of others.
    • Avoid sharing inappropriate or confidential information, including on social media platforms, as outlined in DfE guidance on safeguarding.
  5. Uphold Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
    • Follow school policies and legal expectations, including those related to attendance and punctuality.
    • Respect the school’s authority in matters of pupil discipline, in accordance with the Education Act 1996.
    • Avoid bringing harmful or illegal items onto school premises.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are considered unacceptable and may result in restricted access to the school:

  • Aggressive or threatening behaviour, whether verbal or physical.
  • Defamation or inappropriate comments about the school, staff, or pupils, including on social media.
  • Wilful damage to school property.
  • Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour that impacts the school community.

Actions for Breaches of the Code

The school has the right to take action if the Parent Code of Conduct is breached. This may include:

  • Informal or formal meetings to address the behaviour.
  • Issuing a written warning.
  • Restricting access to school premises or events.
  • Referring the matter to external authorities, such as the police, if necessary.

Legal Framework and Guidance

This code is guided by:

  • The Education Act 1996: Outlining the responsibilities of schools and parents.
  • The Equality Act 2010: Ensuring inclusivity and respect for all.
  • The DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education: Setting standards for safeguarding and promoting a safe environment.
  • Public Order Act 1986: Addressing behaviours that could cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

Working Together

At St Alban’s, we believe that strong partnerships between parents and the school are essential for the success of our children. By adhering to this code, you help create a positive and supportive environment where every child can learn, love, and live in accordance with our mission.