Ember Learning Ltd sets out the standards of professional conduct expected of all teachers delivering online sessions to students in alternative provision. Our students are often vulnerable young people with complex needs, and teacher conduct has a direct impact on student welfare, educational outcomes, and organisational reputation.
1. Purpose and Scope
This Policy applies to all teachers engaged under a Teacher Agreement, all teaching activity on the approved session platform, and all communications with students, commissioners, and Ember Learning staff. It should be read alongside the Teacher Agreement (ET-TAA-001), Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (ET-CPSP-001), Online Safety Policy (ET-OSP-001), Session Recording Policy (ET-SRP-002), and Data Processing Agreement (ET-DPA-001).
2. Core Principles
Student welfare is paramount. All teachers must maintain professional, boundaried relationships with students and treat every student with dignity, respect, and consistency. Teachers represent Ember Learning at all times in their professional capacity, and transparency with Ember Learning staff is non-negotiable.
3. Session Environment and Presentation
Teachers must deliver sessions from a quiet, private location with a neutral, professional background. Smart casual dress is expected. Cameras must be on for all sessions, and microphone audio must be clear. No third parties should be visible, and sessions must not be conducted from public spaces without written agreement.
4. Conduct During Sessions
Communication with students must be calm, professional, age-appropriate, and encouraging. Sarcasm, dismissiveness, and raised voices are not acceptable. Teachers must be ready on the platform at least ten minutes before each session, with a prepared lesson plan and all materials ready. Absence must be notified at least two hours before the scheduled session.
Only the approved session platform may be used. Screen capture is prohibited while a student is present. If a student leaves the screen during a session, the teacher should note the time and escalate to the DSL if the student does not return within a reasonable period.
5. Professional Boundaries
All communication with students must take place exclusively on the approved platform during scheduled sessions. Teachers must not share personal contact details, accept social media requests from students, offer or accept gifts, or share personal information. There is no circumstance in which arranging to meet a student in person is appropriate without prior written consent from Ember Learning and the relevant commissioner.
6. Managing Student Behaviour
Teachers should respond to low-level disruption calmly and redirect the student positively. Concerning behaviour such as persistent refusal to engage or verbal aggression should be de-escalated, and the incident reported within one hour. Serious incidents involving safeguarding disclosures or crisis behaviour require the teacher to end the session calmly and contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.
Sessions may only be ended early where a student's behaviour poses a safeguarding risk, disruption cannot be resolved, a serious technical failure occurs, or a personal emergency arises. The teacher must notify Ember Learning and submit a written report in every case.
7. Confidentiality and Data
All student information is strictly confidential. Teachers must not discuss student details outside Ember Learning staff on a need-to-know basis, must not post identifying information on social media, and must handle all personal data in accordance with the Data Processing Agreement (ET-DPA-001). Any data breach or suspected breach must be reported immediately.
8. Conduct Outside Sessions
Teachers must inform Ember Learning immediately of any criminal investigation, allegation of harm to a child, or regulatory investigation. A valid DBS certificate on the Update Service must be maintained. Conduct on social media or in public that could bring Ember Learning into disrepute is prohibited.
9. Reporting and Recording
A brief post-session report is required for every session. Behavioural or welfare concerns must be reported promptly and never held until the next session. All reports are held securely and may be shared with commissioners or statutory agencies where required by law.
10. Breaches
Breaches are addressed proportionately and may result in additional training, a formal warning, suspension, termination of the Teacher Agreement, or referral to the DBS or statutory agencies including the Police or LADO. Teachers subject to investigation will be treated fairly with appropriate confidentiality.
11. Review
This Policy is reviewed annually or sooner following significant changes in legislation or operational context. All teachers must confirm they have read and agree to comply with this Policy before commencing sessions.
The full policy document is available on request. Contact hello@embertutors.co.uk.