Norland Code of Professional Responsibilities

Throughout their training and whilst in employment, Norlanders must adhere to the Norland Code of Professional Responsibilities. If a Norlander is found to be in breach of the Norland College Code of Professional Responsibilities, he/she can be removed from the Register following a decision by the Disciplinary Committee.

Removal from the register means that he/she is no longer able to obtain a job through the Norland Employment Agency or to refer to him/herself as a Norlander / Norland Nurse / Norland Nanny.

The Norland Code of Professional Responsibilities

It is expected that each Norlander shall act at all times in such a manner as to justify trust and confidence. This applies during the two-year full time training course, probationer year and thereafter whilst working with children.

In working as a qualified Early Years Professional, Probationer or as a student he/she will:

1.  Ensure the safety and well-being of children in their care

2. Ensure that all childcare practices are carried out in accordance with the training given at Norland, current government guidelines and legislation.

3. Undertake professional development to ensure the highest standards of childcare practice are maintained.  Keep Norland Agency updated with information about professional development activities undertaken

4.  Have regard to the adequacy of resources and the environment of care; its physical, psychological and social effects on the child/children.  Make known to the appropriate persons or authorities any circumstances which could place the child/children/family in jeopardy or which contravene safe standards of practice.

5.  In line with current government guidelines always act in such a way as to promote and safeguard the all round development of the child/children in their care.

6.  Manage the behaviour of children in a positive manner and under no circumstances discipline any child/children using any physical or emotional sanctions.

7.  Ensure that no action or omission on his/her part or within his/her sphere of influence is detrimental to the interests or safety of the employer and child/children in their care.

8.  Work in partnership with parents to discuss and record all issues relating to the development and well being of the child/children and acknowledge the rights, responsibilities and wishes of the parents at all times.

9.    Take account of and respect the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of families and children.

10.  Acknowledge when they feel they are not experienced enough to undertake a task. Shall not attempt any task without first having received instructions or appropriate training as to how to undertake it and in addition feel confident in doing so.

11.  Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with other professionals and voluntary agencies recognising their particular contributions for the care of the child.

12.  Make known to an appropriate person or authority any conscientious objection that may be relevant to professional practice.

13.  Avoid any abuse of the privileged relationship that exists with their employer and of privileged access allowed to the property, residence or workplace. Theft or fraud in connection with their employment will lead to instant dismissal.

14.  Immediately inform their employer and Norland College if circumstances change which might affect their Criminal Records Bureau status

15.  Respect confidential details, including information about employers, obtained in the course of professional practice and refrain from disclosing such information without the consent of the employer/child or a person entitled to act on his/her behalf except where disclosure is required by law or by the order of a court or is necessary in the public interest.

16.   Ensure professionalism, integrity and confidentiality when using social networking sites.

17.  Refuse to accept any gift, favour or hospitality, which might be interpreted as seeking to exert undue influence to obtain preferential consideration.

18.  Avoid the use of professional qualifications in the promotion of commercial products which could compromise the independence of professional judgement on which families and the child rely.

This Code of Professional Responsibilities forms a basis for any disciplinary process.

The Code of Professional Responsibilities is subject to review by Norland College. Suggestions and comments for consideration in the review will be welcomed in order to maintain quality provision and relevance to the Early Years Professional.  Norlanders, Probationers and students have a duty to check the Norlander pages of the Norland Agency website on a regular basis to ensure that they are up to date with any changes or modifications to this code.

Liz Hunt

Principal

November 2011