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 training course and thereafter whilst working with children.

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

  1. Ensure that all childcare practices are carried out in accordance with the training given at Norland and commonly accepted childcare practices and legislation.
  2. Have regard to the environment of care and its physical, psychological and social effects on the child/children in their care and also to the adequacy of resources, to 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.
  3. Act always in such a way as to promote and safeguard the all round development of the child/children under their care.
  4. Manage the behaviour of children in a positive manner and under no circumstances discipline any child/children using any physical or emotional sanctions.
  5. 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.
  6. Work in partnership with parents to discuss all issues relating to the well being of the child/children acknowledging the rights, responsibilities and wishes of the parents at all times.
  7. Take account of and respect the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of families and children.
  8. Take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence.
  9. Acknowledge when they feel they are not experienced enough to undertake a task. Shall not attempt any such task without first having received instructions as to how to undertake it and in addition feel confident in doing so.
  10. Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with other professionals and voluntary agencies recognising their particular contributions for the care of the child.
  11. Make known to an appropriate person or authority any conscientious objection that may be relevant to professional practice.
  12. 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 may lead to instant dismissal.
  13. 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.
  14. Have regard to the workload of and the pressures of professional colleagues, take appropriate action if these are seen to be such as to constitute abuse of the individual and/or jeopardise safe standards of practice.
  15. Ensure that in the context of the individual’s own knowledge, experience and sphere of authority, assist peers to develop professional competence in accordance with their needs.
  16. Refuse to accept any gift, favour or hospitality, which might be interpreted as seeking to exert undue influence to obtain preferential consideration.
  17. Avoid the use of professional qualifications in the promotion of commercial products in order not to compromise the independence of professional judgement on which families and the child rely.
  • The Code of Professional Responsibilities will be 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 social context in which the Early Years Professional will educate and care for young children.
  • This Code of Professional Responsibilities forms a basis to be used in any disciplinary interview arising out of a Norlander’s or Probationer’s employment.
  • Norlanders are required to undertake professional development to ensure the highest standards of childcare practice are maintained. It is also important for the college to keep accurate and up to date records of employment.
  • When there has been no contact with the college for a period of 2 years it is a requirement for all Norlanders to provide evidence of satisfactory employment and any professional development activities undertaken for the relevant period of time. If this information is not made available to the College, through the Agency, then the Norlander may not use the services of the Agency.

Suggestions and comments should be addressed to:
Norland Agency
York Place
London Road
Bath
BA1 6AE