Lighthouse Academy

Educator & Safeguarding Code of Conduct

Purpose and Commitment to Safeguarding

Lighthouse Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All educators working with Lighthouse Academy share a collective responsibility to act in the best interests of students at all times and to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

This Educator & Safeguarding Code of Conduct sets out clear expectations regarding behaviour, communication, safeguarding, reliability, and professionalism. Compliance with this Code is a condition of working with Lighthouse Academy.

1. Professional Conduct and Behaviour

• Act with integrity, professionalism, and respect at all times.
• Treat all students, families, and colleagues fairly and without discrimination.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships with students.
• Conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on Lighthouse Academy and its values.

Educators must not engage in behaviour that could reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate, abusive, exploitative, intimidating, or degrading.

2. Professional Boundaries with Students

• Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Interact with students solely for legitimate educational purposes.
• Ensure all interactions are appropriate in tone, content, and context.

Educators must not engage in private or secretive communication with students, share personal contact details, discuss personal matters unrelated to learning, or develop relationships beyond a professional educator–student context.

3. Approved Communication and Contact

All communication with students and parents must take place only through Lighthouse Academy-approved platforms, including official Lighthouse Academy email accounts, approved learning systems, and Academy-approved messaging or booking tools.

Personal email accounts, personal messaging apps, social media platforms, or informal channels must not be used to contact students or parents.

4. Safeguarding and Child Protection Responsibilities

• Act in the best interests of the child at all times.
• Remain vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect, or safeguarding concerns.
• Report any safeguarding concern, disclosure, or unusual behaviour immediately to Lighthouse Academy leadership.

Educators must not attempt to investigate safeguarding concerns themselves, promise confidentiality to students, or delay reporting concerns, even when unsure.

5. Online Safety and Digital Conduct

• Maintain professional conduct in all online interactions.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour in virtual learning environments.
• Ensure online sessions are conducted transparently and appropriately.

Recording sessions, capturing images, or sharing student information without explicit Academy approval is prohibited.

6. Social Media and Public Conduct

Educators must maintain a professional online presence and must not connect with students or parents via personal social media accounts, post content that undermines safeguarding or professionalism, or refer to individual students or families publicly.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All student, family, and Academy information must be treated as confidential and handled responsibly. Educators must not share student data with unauthorised individuals or discuss student matters outside appropriate professional contexts.

8. Professional Reliability, Scheduling & Cancellations

Lighthouse Academy is committed to providing a consistent, high-quality educational experience. Educators are expected to demonstrate reliability, forward planning, and respect for families’ time.

• Honour scheduled lessons, meetings, and commitments wherever reasonably possible.
• Provide reasonable advance notice if a session must be cancelled or rearranged.
• Communicate changes promptly using approved Lighthouse Academy channels only.

Repeated last-minute cancellations or rearrangements are considered unprofessional and undermine trust with families and the Academy’s reputation. Where patterns of unreliability occur, access to bookings may be limited or engagement may be reviewed.

9. Professional Responsibility and Compliance

Educators are expected to familiarise themselves with Lighthouse Academy policies, seek guidance when unsure, and cooperate fully with safeguarding and professional standards processes. Failure to comply with this Code may result in restricted access to systems or termination of engagement.

10. Acknowledgement

By confirming this Educator & Safeguarding Code of Conduct, educators acknowledge that they have read and understood the standards outlined above, agree to comply with them at all times, and recognise that professional reliability is a core expectation of their role.