Student Code of Conduct & Behaviour Policy

1. Purpose

STEM For Kids (“SFK”) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and positive learning environment in which every child can participate and learn.

Students are expected to behave appropriately towards other students, instructors, staff and visitors, and to take reasonable care of SFK property and equipment. This policy sets out the standards expected and the action SFK may take when these standards are not met.

The purpose of this policy is to address inappropriate behaviour fairly, consistently and proportionately, while protecting the safety, wellbeing and learning experience of all children.

2. Expected Behaviour

Students are expected to:

1. Treat other students, instructors and staff with courtesy and respect.
2. Follow reasonable instructions given by instructors and staff.
3. Allow others to learn and participate without unnecessary disruption.
4. Use appropriate and respectful language. Respect belongings/personal space of others.
5. Keep their hands, feet and belongings to themselves.
6. Take reasonable care of SFK’s premises, equipment, games and other property.
7. Remain within designated areas and follow safety instructions.

3. Misconduct

Behaviour may be considered misconduct where a student:

1. Disrupts learning: repeatedly talks, distracts others, deliberately interferes with another child’s participation or prevents a class from proceeding normally.
2. Uses inappropriate language: swears, uses abusive, obscene, threatening or offensive language, particularly towards another person.
3. Acts aggressively or violently: hits, kicks, pushes, bites, throws objects at another person or deliberately causes physical harm.
4. Threatens or intimidates: threatens, frightens, coerces or deliberately intimidates another student or member of staff.
5. Bullies or harasses: repeatedly teases, humiliates, isolates, targets or otherwise causes distress to another child.
6. Discriminates or uses hateful language: targets another person on the basis of characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, nationality, appearance or other personal characteristics.
7. Uses inappropriate physical contact: engages in unwanted, inappropriate or deliberately intrusive physical contact.
8. Damages property: deliberately damages, destroys or misuses SFK property or another person’s belongings.
9. Leaves supervision: leaves a classroom, activity area or SFK premises without permission or refuses to remain with the assigned group.
10. Creates a safety risk: possesses or uses a weapon or dangerous object, or engages in behaviour which creates a significant risk to themselves or others.
11. Persistently refuses instructions: repeatedly disregards reasonable instructions or SFK rules, particularly where this affects safety or the learning environment.

The above examples are not exhaustive. SFK will consider the circumstances, seriousness, frequency and impact of each incident when deciding the appropriate response.

4. Behaviour Management and Consequences

SFK will normally use a progressive approach:

The instructor will identify the inappropriate behaviour and remind the student of the expected standard.

If the behaviour continues, the student may receive a formal warning and may be temporarily separated from the activity or class.

Continued misconduct may result in a final warning and notification to the parent/guardian. Where appropriate, the parent/guardian may be asked to collect the child before the session ends.

Repeated misconduct, or a serious incident, may result in suspension from one or more sessions. SFK may require a meeting with the parent/guardian before the child returns.

Persistent serious misconduct, gross misconduct, or behaviour which presents an unacceptable risk to the safety or wellbeing of others may result in termination of the child’s enrolment.

SFK reserves the right to move directly to a higher level of action where the seriousness of the behaviour warrants it. Violence, serious threats, bullying, intimidation, dangerous behaviour, wilful serious damage or other conduct presenting a significant safety risk may result in immediate removal from the session, suspension or termination without prior warnings.

5. Behaviour Support

Where a child displays repeated behavioural difficulties, SFK may work with the parent/guardian to establish a Behaviour Support Plan before or as a condition of continued attendance.

The plan may identify the behaviour of concern, relevant triggers, strategies for managing the behaviour, expectations for the child, responsibilities of SFK and the parent/guardian, and a period for review.

Parents/guardians are expected to cooperate reasonably with SFK in addressing persistent behavioural concerns.

6. Inclusion and Special Educational Needs

SFK is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and welcomes children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SFK recognises that some children may have additional needs which affect their behaviour, communication, emotional regulation or ability to participate. Such circumstances will be considered when responding to incidents. Where reasonably practicable, SFK will make appropriate adjustments and work with parents/guardians and relevant professionals (if appointed by parents) to support the child.

Inclusion does not, however, mean that unsafe or seriously disruptive behaviour can continue without intervention. Where a child’s needs or behaviour mean that they are unable to participate safely or appropriately despite reasonable adjustments and support, SFK reserves the right to temporarily suspend attendance pending appropriate intervention, assessment or an agreed support plan.

Where SFK reasonably determines that it cannot provide a safe and appropriate environment for the child or other students, it may terminate the child’s enrolment.

7. Incident Management

For significant incidents, SFK will, where reasonably practicable:

• Establish the relevant facts and give the child an opportunity to explain what happened, taking account of their age and circumstances.
• Consider the seriousness and frequency of the behaviour, its impact on others, and any relevant additional needs.
• Record significant incidents and actions taken.
• Inform the parent/guardian where a formal warning, suspension or termination is being considered.
• Apply sanctions reasonably and proportionately.

SFK management will determine the appropriate disciplinary action based on the circumstances of each case.

8. Parent/Guardian Responsibility

Parents/guardians are expected to support SFK in maintaining appropriate standards of behaviour and to work constructively with SFK where concerns arise.

Continued enrolment at SFK is conditional upon compliance with this Code of Conduct and cooperation with reasonable behaviour-management measures.

SFK reserves the right to amend this policy where necessary to protect the safety, wellbeing and learning environment of its students and staff.