Policies
Social Media Policy
The Classroom Consultants recognises that social media/social networking, and other digital communication platforms can offer both professional and personal benefits. However, all professionals must remain mindful of the risks, challenges, and potential consequences associated with electronic communication and online activity.
This policy sets out clear expectations for all candidates while engaged in schools and alternative provisions. Its purpose is to safeguard pupils, staff, schools, and The Classroom Consultants, and to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
Acceptable Use and Professional Conduct
- Social media sites should not be accessed during the school day.
- A professional tone must be always maintained when engaging online. The use of expletives, sexually explicit material, discriminatory language, or any form of harassment is strictly prohibited.
- Online activity must not bring yourself, the school or alternative provision, or The Classroom Consultants into disrepute. Derogatory, defamatory, offensive, or inflammatory comments about pupils, parents and carers, colleagues, schools, or the agency are strictly prohibited.
- You must not create, distribute, or be associated with content that is indecent, inappropriate, or unsuitable for someone working in a position of trust with children and young people. This includes, but is not limited to, content hosted on platforms such as OnlyFans.
Relationships and Communication Boundaries
- Pupils and parents or carers must not be added as online 'friends', nor should you initiate any form of online connection with them. Parents and carers should be directed to use appropriate professional communication channels if they wish to communicate with you. If a parent, carer or student attempts to connect with you online, you must reject the request, block them and make The Classroom Consultants and the school aware of this.
- Private communication with pupils or parents and carers is not permitted. This includes personal text messages, WhatsApp, sharing personal phone numbers or email addresses, private messaging via social media platforms, or the sharing of personal photographs.
Privacy, Security, and Personal Accounts
- All personal devices brought into school, including mobile phones, laptops, and computers, must be protected with a PIN or password to prevent unauthorised access or misuse.
- Professional and personal relationships must be clearly differentiated online by using appropriate privacy and access settings. These settings should be reviewed regularly, and online content should be audited to ensure it remains appropriate.
- You should not allow others to tag you in photographs without your explicit consent. Expectations around tagging should be agreed in advance with friends, particularly in social settings.
- Be aware that headteachers, parents, pupils, and prospective employers may view your social media profiles. Consider whether your posted content reflects professional standards; remove any material that would/could be considered inappropriate.
Confidentiality and Information Security
- Confidential information relating to pupils, parents and carers, colleagues, schools, or The Classroom Consultants must never be shared on social networking or digital platforms.
- Copyright and fair use principles must be respected at all times. Authors must be credited appropriately, and permissions obtained where required.
Raising Concerns and Use of Disclaimers
- Social media must not be used to raise work-related concerns or complaints. Appropriate internal procedures should be followed, or concerns should be raised directly with your consultant at The Classroom Consultants.
- Where personal opinions are expressed online, it must be made clear that these views are your own and do not represent those of The Classroom Consultants or any schools (or other educational settings) you have worked/are working in. A clear disclaimer should be included where appropriate.
- If you encounter online material that may negatively impact your professional standing, the school, or The Classroom Consultants, you must notify your consultant immediately.