PERSONNEL PROTECTION

PR-6-9

PROCEDURAL DOCUMENT

Effective date: 10-Mar-09

Rationale

At all times school personnel should pursue practices and exhibit conduct that prevents them from being vulnerable to allegation of indecency or child abuse. 

Purpose

To formulate procedures for the safety of all those associated with students in the school in respect to professional conduct and teaching practices. 

To identify areas where personnel could be at risk and put in place guidelines to prevent this. 

To promote practices and behaviours that is considered appropriate to all personnel working with students in our school community. 

Guidelines

Physical Contact (in and out of the classroom)

At no time are students to be searched.  If property must be searched, teachers must ensure that no child is singled out. 

Administering First Aid -

  1. A list of children with known allergies, medical conditions, medication will be readily available and updated at the beginning of each year.
  2. The school must have a staff member holding a current first aid certificate and a comprehensive first aid kit.
  3. Disposable gloves must always be worn when administering first aid to injuries where any body fluid is present.
  4. Where possible, administer first aid for minor injuries in the presence of other students or a staff member.  If the examination or treatment requires the removal of clothes, ensure another adult is present.
  5. When assisting or examining a seriously injured student, get the help of a qualified first aider if possible, or another member of staff.
  6. The administration of medicine is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver - not a staff member.  In a life threatening situation only (eg bee sting allergy) medication may be given after consultation with a parent or caregiver.  The student’s doctor will be contacted immediately.
  7. Do not transport a sick or injured child on your own unless in an absolute emergency.
  8. Record and notify accident as per procedure PR-5-18 Record of Accidents. 

Toileting

  1. Ensure another staff member knows that you are toileting a student.
  2. If toileting a disabled student is to be carried out regularly, discuss procedures with the parent or caregiver first. 

Being Alone With a Student

  1. Avoid situations where you are alone with a student - if you are alone with a student use extremely careful judgement.
  2. When counselling a student, ensure that the place where you are counselling is not closed off from other people.
  3. Parents and caregivers must be advised when a student is receiving 1 to 1 learning, i.e.: Reading Recovery, reading with a parent or one to one help with a teacher’s aide. 

Transport

Only in an emergency may a student be transported on their own with an adult.  Where an extra adult is not available, another student must go. 

Discussion - Interview Situations

Should it be necessary to interview a student on sensitive issues, this should be done in an area that is able to be observed by others or in the presence of another adult witness. 

Harassment - (See separate policy) 

Physical Contact

Use careful professional judgment regarding physical contact with students during any of the lessons.