It is important that clear, professional boundaries are established between staff and parents/carers when they first register with the nursery. It not only lays out expectations and behavioural norms, but also helps everyone have a clear understanding of the role of our staff. A

mutual understanding gives staff much needed space to focus on their own lives and families outside of work.

Boundaries also help to establish and maintain a certain amount of authority and respect between both parties. This can be pivotal when it comes to dealing with difficult situations that may arise.

• We will treat everyone with professionalism, politeness and respect at all In return, we expect our staff to be treated politely and with respect.
• We always provide a listening We welcome comments and suggestions and will take all views and any concerns seriously. Issues or problems are dealt with under the terms of our complaints procedure.
• Unsatisfactory aspects of our service, will be dealt with in a friendly, supportive and calm
• Abusive, offensive or threatening behaviour or language that could cause distress to users of our premises, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
• Harassment of any kind to our staff will never be tolerated and any incident that makes our staff feel threatened or uncomfortable will be reported and dealt with
• All communication must be done in person in working hours or via FAMLY, our childcare management software offering a safe and private way to maintain efficient, yet professional and secure, parent communication.
• As part of our safeguarding procedures, Paint Pots requests that professional boundaries be maintained. Failure to do so may result in exclusion to the nursery.

NB: To be harassment, the unwanted behaviour must have either:

• violated the person's dignity
• created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person

We will:

• Tell you if your behaviour or language is
• Ask you politely to change or stop
• Ask you to leave the setting, if the behaviour
• In extreme cases, contact the police if your behaviour threatens the safety and welfare of our staff or other users of the premises.
• Reserve the right to exclude from the nursery / preschool setting, any individual carer/parent who refuses to abide by this code of acceptable behaviour.

The nursery operates a no mobile phone, a no smoking and vaping policy within its buildings and grounds. This applies to all staff, visitors and parents / carers.