As a member of Marefat – whether as a member of staff, teacher or student – you have a responsibility to ensure that everyone attending Marefat is protected from harm. It is the responsibility of each person in school to ensure that:
• Their behaviour is appropriate at all times
• They observe the rules established for the safety and security of others
• They follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure, or allegation of abuse
• They recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed; and
• In every respect, the relationships they form with others are appropriate All persons who wish to sign up in Marefat must accept and understand this policy.
They must also agree to put Marefat’s policies into practice. Any breach or deviation from above shall be reported to Marefat management team.
To give positive guidance, the Code of Practice below provides a list of “Dos” and “Don’ts” to help. You need to ensure that:
• The safety and wellbeing of all members is met.
• You avoid compromising situations or opportunities for misunderstandings or allegations.
✓ DO put this code into practice at all times;
✓ DO treat everyone with dignity and respect;
✓ DO set an example you would wish others to follow;
✓ DO treat all people equally - show no favouritism;
✓ DO respect the right to personal privacy of others
✓ DO avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship of trust, e.g.: a sexual relationship with a young people and a person over the age of consent.
✓ DO encourage others to challenge any attitudes or behaviours they do not like.
✓ DO avoid being drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour, e.g.: tantrums and crushes
✓ DO remember this code even at sensitive moments, e.g.: when responding to bullying, bereavement or abuse
✓ DO remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned.
✓ DO take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer immediately.
o DO NOT trivialise abuse.
o DO NOT form a relationship with a young person or vulnerable adult that is an abuse of trust.
o DO NOT permit abusive peer activities, e.g.: initiation ceremonies, bullying.
o DO NOT engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact - physical, verbal, sexual
o DO NOT play physical contact games with children and young people
o DO NOT make suggestive remarks or threats to others, even in fun
o DO NOT use inappropriate language - writing, phoning, email or internet
o DO NOT let allegations, suspicions, or concerns about abuse go unreported
o DO NOT just rely on your good name to protect you.