Please note that students, who are in the UK or wish to remain in the UK as a Student under the Student Route (previously Tier 4) of the Points-Based System,will also be subject to University requirements regarding attendance under the points-based system, above and beyond the professional requirements in this code.
1. Introduction
1.1. I understand that successful completion of the academic qualification I am seeking leads to admission to a professional body and that I am required, during my studies, to adhere to the requirements of that professional body and any related statutory body (currently the Department for Education (DfE) and associated organisations). I recognise that this Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise identifies the behaviour required of me, and that it is supplemented by the Teachers’ Standards (DfE,December 2021).I understand that this Code and the professional body Code or guidance referred to above applies to me whilst I am registered on an intercalated programme of study. I understand that breaches of this Code and/or the professional body code or guidance referred to above may lead to disciplinary action including my withdrawal from the University or the inability of the University to provide me with a supportive professional reference. In the event of any breach of this Code and/or the professional body Code or guidance referred to above, I understand that I may be treated differently to other students of the University of Birmingham who are not subject to this Code.
2. Personal Behaviour
2.1. I will always behave in a manner appropriate to my position as a student of the University studying for a qualification, the successful completion of which leads to entry to a professional body and/or statutory registration.
2.2. I understand that behaviour including, but not limited to, dishonesty, indecency, harassment, bullying, violence, abuse of drugs or alcohol, will lead to disciplinary action under this Code and may also lead to my withdrawal from the programme of study. I recognise that such disciplinary action may include consideration of any criminal convictions, which could include those for offences that are not connected with my studies and for offences committed prior to my registration as a student of the University. I understand that, where relevant, if matters become known regarding any disciplinary action taken by a previous employer, the University will consider whether I made a false statement during the admission or registration process that means my registration to the University may be declared void.
2.3. I undertake to notify the appropriate person in the College if I receive a criminal conviction, caution and/or Community Resolution Order after my application to the University. I understand that I must notify the University of this because the University requires this information to ensure the safety of members of the public, and to safeguard public confidence in the profession. I understand that a criminal conviction or caution may lead to my suspension from certain aspects of my study until the relevant provider’s duty of care can be assured. I understand that this may lead to the need for me to extend my studies where it has not been possible to arrange replacement activities. I understand that I may have to disclose “spent” convictions (as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1975)) to the professional body to which I am seeking membership and that, if I receive a criminal conviction or caution, that this may never be treated as “spent” by the University, or the professional body to which I am seeking membership or any placement provider.
2.4. I understand that in accordance with the University’s Student Privacy Notice the University may share with relevant partnership placement providers (i.e., the placement provider where it is intended that I undertake the placement):
2.4.1: relevant information contained in the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) disclosure made against me, when it is requested by the placement provider, as a pre-condition of that placement, and
2.4.2: relevant information in connection with or arising from misconduct and fitness to practise proceedings taken by the University against me.
2.4.3: relevant information in relation to any allegation or concern relating to my fitness to practise.
2.5 I understand that if information contained in a Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure and/or information in connection with or arising from misconduct and fitness to practise proceedings taken by the University against me, is not shared with the placement provider, I may be unable to complete the necessary placements which may impact my ability to complete my studies.
2.6 I understand that the University may share with the professional body to which I am seeking membership, relevant information in connection with or arising from misconduct and fitness to practise proceedings taken by the University against me.
2.7 I understand that if information in connection or arising from misconduct and fitness to practise proceedings taken by the University against me is shared with the professional/regulatory body to which I am seeking membership, it may impact my ability to register successfully with that professional body.
2.8 I understand that the outcome of any fitness to practise proceedings may remain on my student record and relevant information arising from these proceedings may be disclosed in response to a reference request made by a prospective employer or educational establishment. I understand that this may result in the inability of the College to supply a positive character reference.
3. Behaviour towards others
3.1. I will always treat my pupils, colleagues, staff and other members of the University or partner institutions with due respect and conduct myself in a professional, honest, decent, and courteous manner, including in electronic communications and on social media platforms. During my studies, I will use language appropriate to the situation and people involved.
3.2. I understand the importance of valuing diversity and respecting different perspectives. I will acquire an understanding of working with diversity, including but not limited to, gender, race, and culture, in order to work appropriately with pupils, staff and peers.
4. Appearance and professional presentation
4.1 I will ensure that I maintain a standard of personal presentation that will be perceived as professional by such persons as I may encounter in the pursuit of my studies.
4.2 I will follow any guidelines or requirements regarding dress or personal presentation of the programme, or any placement provider and I will familiarise myself with any such guidelines or requirements before commencing the programme and/or any placement.
5. Learning
5.1. The content of my programme of study is designed to meet the requirements of a professional and/or statutory body (currently Teachers’ Standards, DfE December 2021). I will pursue my studies with reasonable diligence (in accordance with University Regulation Section 5) ensuring that I avail myself of the educational opportunities made available and I will seek to acquire the range of skills and knowledge identified in the relevant professional, regulatory and/or statutory body guidance (Teachers’ Standards, DfE December 2021)
5.2. On each placement, and at intervals throughout the year, judgements will be made about my progress. I understand that I cannot progress on my programme of study without meeting all elements of the professional capabilities and competencies framework at the appropriate level.
5.3 I understand that should I fail a placement, or a placement be withdrawn by a placement provider as a result of my behaviour, and the University is unable to find a suitable placement (as required to complete my programme of study), this may impact on my ability to complete my programme of study and may lead to my transfer from the programme of study or withdrawal from the University.
5.4. I agree to be open to learning from different viewpoints and to engage in open and constructive discussion that facilitates the learning of others.
5.5. I understand that I must take responsibility for my own learning through attendance at lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practicals and through being suitably prepared for them. I will notify the appropriate person or department at the University and/or at the relevant placement provider, in accordance with University and/or College and/or placement provider guidelines, if I am to be absent from any part of the course, due to sickness or other reasons, and I will make up the lost learning opportunity, making appropriate use of College support structures. I understand that if I persistently fail to follow my programme of study with reasonable diligence that I will be subject to disciplinary action under this Code.
5.6. I understand that I will normally be required to attend at least 90% of both University teaching days and days on placement in schools.
5.7 I understand that I will normally be required to submit at least 90% of the required weekly required weekly mentor forms accurately and on time.
5.8 I will notify the appropriate person or department, in accordance with University and/or College guidelines, if I am to be absent from any part of the course, due to sickness or other reasons, and I will make up the lost learning opportunity, making appropriate use of College support structures (detailed on the ITE Hub). I understand that if I persistently fail to follow my programme of study with reasonable diligence that I will be subject to disciplinary action under this code.
5.9 l will not disrupt the delivery of teaching or the learning experience of fellow students and will not jeopardise the health and safety of those involved, during attendance at lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practicals.
5.10 I understand that if I behave dishonestly during the assessment process (including academic misconduct) I will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University Regulation 8 – Student Conduct and may be excluded from my programme of study.
5.11 I understand that if I behave dishonestly in relation to my attendance by falsifying signatures, using attendance codes provided by other students, or by other means I will be subject to disciplinary action under this Code.
5.12 I understand that if I behave dishonestly in relation to the attendance of others by falsifying signatures, providing attendance codes to students not in attendance, or by other means I will be subject to disciplinary action under this Code.
6. Insight (self-awareness and reflection)
6.1 I understand that I should recognise my own personal and professional abilities and limits, be self-aware and reflective. When appropriate I should seek support and follow advice and guidance.
6.2 I understand that I should demonstrate consistently appropriate standards of personal and professional conduct, act with honesty and integrity, and maintain acceptable standards of ethics and behaviour in keeping with my profession.
6.3 I understand that a lack of insight into health or professional concerns may bring my fitness to practise into question and may lead to referral to a College Fitness to Practice Committee.
7. Barriers to learning or professional practice
7.1. I understand that I must meet the Secretary of State for Education’s requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach.
7.2 Health issues developing during the course can be identified via multiple sources, for example teaching staff, tutorial staff, or school partners, and should be brought to the attention of the Personal Tutor and Director of Primary or Secondary Initial Teacher Education.
7.3 In the event of health issues occurring, I will follow advice and instructions from my medical advisor regarding my programme of study. I understand that any serious concerns identified would be referred to the University Medical Officer for advice.
7.4. I have reported to the appropriate authority within the College any specific requirements I may have to enable me to follow my programme of study (including any physical, health or learning requirements) and I undertake to work with the College or support services provided to address these requirements.
7.5. I undertake to report to the appropriate authority within the College any pre-existing or new condition, which may affect my ability to follow my programme of study or take up the profession to which the qualification I am seeking leads, as soon as I become aware of it. In the event of any pre-existing or new condition arising I undertake to work with the College or support services provided. I understand that failure to work with the College or support services provided may lead to referral to a College Fitness to Practice Committee.
7.6. I understand that failure to report any condition, which may affect my ability to follow my programme of study or take up the profession to which the qualification I am seeking leads, may lead to my withdrawal or transfer from my programme of study.
7.7. I understand that my programme of study requires me to reach a standard of health clearance and will endeavour to achieve this by participating in a vaccination and blood screening schedule, within the timescale(s) specified by the University. If I choose to opt out of this schedule, I will inform the Programme Lead and Occupational Health Provider and will follow any advice given by them.
7.8. I understand that failure to make and attend Occupational Health appointments without good reason may result in my diligence being called into question and may also result in me being unable to attend placements, which may impact on my ability to complete my programme of study.
8. Duty of care
8.1. I will always act in the best interests of my pupils and conduct myself in a professional manner in all aspects related to pupil care.
8.2. I will undertake to familiarise myself with all College, partner institution and placement guidelines, including health and safety guidelines, codes of conduct and, where relevant, employment contracts, in advance of and during, and will apply these guidelines in all dealings with them. I understand that breaching these guidelines and codes of practice may lead to disciplinary action under this Code and may include student contact (including Teachers’ Standards, DfE December 2021) withdrawal from my programme of study.
8.3. I understand that dishonesty, involving the falsification of student records, may lead to disciplinary proceedings which could in turn lead to withdrawal from my programme of study.
8.4. I recognise that during my studies I may be placed in a position of trust and as such, sections of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (as amended) apply in relation to that position of trust.
9. Duty to report
9.1. I undertake to report to the appropriate authority and to the College any action by others which may put pupils at risk, or any safeguarding concerns about children or vulnerable adults that come to my attention and where action may be needed to prevent or address risk of harm. I understand that failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action being taken against me.
9.2 I acknowledge the duty on me in the course of my placements to report to the relevant authorities (including as appropriate the host school and Social Services) any reasonable suspicion I may have about the possible abuse of a child or children with whom I may come into contact.
10. Confidentiality
10.1. I understand that I may have access to confidential personal information and that I am required to comply with the data protection legislation and, where appropriate, profession-specific duties of confidentiality. I understand that I may not disclose this information to any third party, other than in accordance with the relevant professional code or in accordance with the law. I understand that failure to comply with this requirement will lead to disciplinary action under this Code.
10.2 I understand that I should always ensure the confidentiality and security of personal information that I may handle and that if I am concerned there has been a breach of security or confidentiality (either by myself or a third party), I should inform the Education Support Team Manager in the School of Education (contact details to be found in the ITE hub).
11. Ethics
11.1 I understand that the University has a code of conduct for research. I have received a copy of the BERA guidelines on educational research and agree to consider ethics within my own research for assignments and within the ITE course as a whole.