Staff Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics Policy

Effective Date: 17 June 2026

Applicable to: All students (ages 3-8), parents/guardians, staff, and visitors of Ultra

1. Purpose

This Policy sets out the standards of professionalism, conduct, and responsibility expected of every teacher, caregiver, and non-teaching staff member at Ultra (“the School”). It applies to full-time, part-time, and contract staff, and to vendors/contractors who interact regularly with children or families.

2. Core Values

• Put the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child first in every decision.
• Act with honesty, fairness, and respect toward children, parents, and colleagues.
• Take ownership of your role and follow through on commitments to children and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries appropriate to working with young children.

3. Professional Conduct

• Arrive on time and be prepared for the day's activities; inform the Principal/Coordinator promptly if unable to report to work.
• Dress neatly and appropriately for an early-childhood/primary classroom setting (comfortable, modest, suitable for floor-level activity and outdoor play).
• Use polite, age-appropriate, and encouraging language with children at all times; never use sarcasm, ridicule, or harsh language with a young child.
• Treat all children equally regardless of academic ability, background, gender, religion, or family circumstances.
• Keep personal mobile phones away from children during class hours except for official use (e.g., authorized photography per the Photo & Media Consent Policy).

4. Responsibility Toward Children

1. Maintain active supervision of children at all times; never leave a class or group of young children unsupervised.
2. Know the specific medical, allergy, and emotional needs of each child in your care, as shared by the School/Parents.
3. Follow the Child Safety & Safeguarding Policy and the Child Wellbeing & Duty of Care Policy in all interactions.
4. Report any concern about a child's safety, health, or wellbeing promptly to the Principal/Child Protection Officer.
5. Maintain accurate, honest records of attendance, incidents, and academic/developmental observations.

5. Confidentiality

Staff must keep all student and family information (medical history, custody arrangements, behavioral records, photos, contact details) strictly confidential, sharing it only with colleagues who need it to care for the child, and never discussing one family's matters with another family or posting about students/families on personal social media.

6. Relationships with Parents

• Communicate with Parents professionally, promptly, and respectfully, through official School channels.
• Do not accept personal favors, cash gifts, or private tutoring arrangements with current students' families that create a conflict of interest, without prior written approval from the Principal.
• Do not connect with parents or students through personal social media accounts; use only official School communication tools.

7. Use of Technology & Social Media

• Photograph or video children only on School-issued devices, strictly per the Photo & Media Consent Policy.
• Never post any content about students, families, or School operations on personal social media without written School approval.
• Keep School logins, student data, and internal communications secure and do not share access with unauthorized persons.

8. Conflict of Interest & Gifts

Staff must disclose to the Principal any situation that could create a conflict of interest (e.g., a close relative's child in their class, a business relationship with a parent). Staff may not solicit gifts or money from parents; modest, occasional tokens of appreciation (e.g., a card, a small gift on a festival) may be accepted but should be reported if of significant value.

9. Attendance, Punctuality & Reliability

Staff are responsible for being present, punctual, and prepared, recognizing that young children rely on consistent routines and familiar caregivers for a sense of security.

10. Breach of this Policy

Breach of this Policy may result in a verbal or written warning, performance improvement plan, or termination of engagement, depending on severity, following the School's internal HR process and a fair hearing. Conduct that endangers child safety is addressed immediately under the Child Safety & Safeguarding Policy.

11. Acknowledgement

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Staff Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics Policy.

Staff Name: ______________________ Designation: ______________________

Signature: ______________________ Date: ______________________