Code of Conduct and Safeguarding
How we keep our learning environment safe, respectful, and welcoming.
Digited Atelier Secondary exists to help each student grow within a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. This document sets out the conduct we expect, the way we protect the young people we work with, and the steps to follow if something goes wrong. It applies to everyone connected with the practice: the practitioner, students, parents and guardians, and anyone who takes part in a session or programme.
1. Our commitment
We believe that every person has the right to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. We are dedicated to providing a formation free from harassment and abuse, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. Sexual language and imagery have no place in our work. Anyone who behaves abusively towards a student or anyone else connected with the practice may have their involvement suspended or ended.
2. Professional conduct and boundaries
Because our work is conducted one to one, the relationship between practitioner and student rests on trust, clear boundaries, and mutual respect. The practitioner will maintain a professional and respectful manner at all times, keep the focus of each session on the student's learning and wellbeing, and avoid any conduct that could reasonably be experienced as intimidating, demeaning, or inappropriate. Students, parents, and guardians are asked to extend the same respect in return.
3. Safeguarding of young people
Many of our students are minors, and their safety comes before everything else. To protect the young people we work with, we follow these principles:
- Transparency with parents and guardians. Guardians are kept informed about how sessions are arranged and how a student's progress is shared. We never ask a student to keep our conversations secret from a parent or guardian.
- Appropriate communication. Contact with a student under the age of eighteen takes place through channels agreed with their guardian, and a guardian may be included or kept informed as appropriate. We do not move conversations with a minor onto private or hidden channels.
- Openness and accountability. Sessions are arranged in a way that is open and accountable, since they take place online, and guardians are welcome to be informed of the arrangements.
- Raising concerns. If anyone has a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a student, they are encouraged to raise it promptly using the procedures set out below. A concern about a child's immediate safety should always be acted on without delay.
4. Expected behaviour
We ask everyone involved with Digited Atelier to treat others with courtesy and respect, to communicate honestly and considerately, and to help maintain an environment in which every student feels safe to learn. Behaviour that undermines this, including harassment of any kind, is not acceptable, and anyone asked to stop such behaviour is expected to do so immediately.
5. What we mean by harassment
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- comments or conduct that demean a person on the basis of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion;
- deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwanted following, whether in person or online;
- unwelcome sexual attention, or sexual language and imagery;
- inappropriate physical contact;
- photographing or recording someone without their consent; and
- encouraging or advocating any of the above.
6. Reporting a concern
If someone makes you, a student, or anyone else connected with the practice feel unsafe or unwelcome, or if you believe this policy has been breached, please tell us as soon as you can. You may report either to us directly or anonymously.
Anonymous report. You can make an anonymous report using the form at forms.zoho.com/digited/form/AnonymousReport. We cannot follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will look into it fully and take whatever action is needed to put it right and to prevent it happening again.
Personal report. You can make a personal report by emailing report [at] digited [dot] net. When we take a personal report, we will make sure you feel safe and are not overheard. We will ask you to tell us what happened, which can be difficult, and we will handle it as respectfully as we can. You are welcome to bring someone to support you. You will not be asked to confront anyone, and we will not disclose your identity.
7. What happens after a report
Every report is treated seriously, and in confidence as far as the circumstances allow. We will look into what happened, decide what action is appropriate, and take steps to prevent a recurrence. Where the safety of a child is at risk, we will act promptly and, where necessary, involve a parent, a guardian, or the relevant authorities.
8. In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services without delay. Because we work with families in different countries, the right number depends on where you are: in the United Kingdom and across Europe it is 112, and in the United States it is 911. The wellbeing page also shows where to turn for confidential support.
9. Amendments and contact
We may revise, make exceptions to, or otherwise amend this policy, in whole or in part. If you have any questions about it, please write to contact [at] digited [dot] net.