Code Hamsters (Simple Platform Work Limited)
Version 1.0, approved 13 October 2026 by Mathew Long, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Next review: October 2027, or sooner after any incident or change in the law or guidance.
Every child at Code Hamsters has the right to learn safely and enjoy their session, and every tutor has the right to work without being threatened or abused. This policy explains what we expect and what happens when behaviour falls short.
1. What we expect
We ask every child to:
- be kind and respectful to other children and to tutors
- follow the tutor’s instructions, especially safety instructions
- use computers, kits and the venue carefully
- use the internet only as the tutor allows, as our online safety policy explains
Tutors explain these rules at the first session and praise children who follow them.
2. Behaviour we do not accept
- hitting, kicking, pushing, biting, throwing things or any other physical aggression
- threats, swearing at, insulting or abusing anyone, in person or online
- bullying, including leaving someone out on purpose
- racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory language or behaviour
- damaging equipment or the venue on purpose
- leaving the session without permission, or putting their own or others’ safety at risk
- repeatedly stopping other children from taking part, after being asked to stop
3. What happens
- Reminder. The tutor reminds the child of the rule calmly and helps them get back on task.
- Time out. If it continues, the child takes a short break away from the activity, where the tutor can still see them.
- Telling you. We tell you about anything more than a minor reminder at the end of the session, and record it.
- Meeting. If problems continue over more than one session, we arrange a discussion with you to agree a plan to support your child.
- Suspension or exclusion. If the plan does not work, we may suspend your child for one or more sessions or withdraw their place.
4. Our right to exclude
We reserve the right to send home, suspend or permanently exclude any child who displays aggressive, abusive or otherwise unacceptable behaviour. For serious incidents, such as violence, threats or abuse towards another child or a tutor, we may skip the steps in section 3 and act immediately. In that case we will phone you and ask you to collect your child straight away.
The decision is made by Code Hamsters’s management, not by the tutor alone. We will tell you the decision and the reasons in writing, and you can ask us to review it by emailing matt@codehamsters.com within 14 days.
5. Children with additional needs
Before deciding to suspend or exclude, we consider whether the behaviour is linked to a special educational need, disability or medical condition, and whether a reasonable adjustment would help. We will talk to you first, as our special educational needs and disabilities (send) policy describes. Our tutors are not SEND specialists, and where we cannot keep every child safe even with reasonable adjustments and your support, we may still need to withdraw a place.
6. Physical intervention
Tutors never use physical punishment. They only physically intervene when it is necessary to stop a child hurting themselves or someone else, use the least force needed for the shortest time, and record it and tell you the same day.
7. When behaviour is a sign of something else
A sudden change in a child’s behaviour can be a sign that something is wrong. If a tutor is worried, they follow our safeguarding and child protection policy.
8. Parents and carers
We expect parents, carers and other adults at our sessions to treat tutors, children and other families with respect. We may withdraw a child’s place if an adult connected with them is aggressive or abusive towards anyone at a session.