Code of conduct for tutors

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.

A printed copy of this code is given to every tutor, who signs it before working with children. It applies to tutors, volunteers, contractors and our founder, at sessions, online and whenever you are representing Code Hamsters.

1. Why we have a code

You are in a position of trust. Children and their families trust you because of the job you do. This code protects children from harm, and it protects you from situations that could be misunderstood. If you are ever unsure, ask yourself whether you would be happy for a parent to watch what you are doing, and ask the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

2. Always

• Put the safety and welfare of children first.
• Treat every child with respect, fairly and without favourites.
• Listen to children and take what they say seriously.
• Supervise children for the whole session and know how many you have at all times.
• Take the register at the start, and hand each child over only to an adult named on their form.
• Work in an open way: doors open or with a clear window, and where others can see you.
• Be a good example: be on time, use respectful language and stay calm.
• Praise effort and manage behaviour positively, clearly and consistently.
• Know where the first aid kit, fire exits and assembly point are before the session starts.
• Follow every Code Hamsters policy, and ask if you do not understand one.
• Report every concern about a child, and every concern about an adult’s behaviour, to the DSL on the same day.
• Tell the DSL straight away if anything happens that could be misunderstood.
• Tell the DSL immediately if you are arrested, cautioned, charged or convicted, or become the subject of any investigation involving children, at any time while you work with us.

3. Never

• Never hit, push, restrain as a punishment, or otherwise physically punish a child.
• Never shout at, threaten, humiliate, ridicule or belittle a child.
• Never make sexual, suggestive, discriminatory or offensive comments or jokes, to or near a child.
• Never have a sexual or romantic relationship with a child. It is abuse, and it is a criminal offence.
• Never keep a secret with a child, or ask a child to keep one.
• Never give a child a gift, money or special treatment, or accept one beyond a small thank-you token.
• Never arrange to see a child or family outside sessions, or give a child a lift.
• Never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or smoke or vape anywhere near children.
• Never leave children unsupervised, or with an adult who has not been checked by Code Hamsters.
• Never ignore a concern, or assume someone else has reported it.

4. Being alone with a child

• Do not plan to be alone with one child.
• If it cannot be avoided, for example when a child is the last to be collected, stay somewhere open and visible, such as a reception area or a room with the door open, and let the parent or the DSL know.
• If a child needs to talk to you privately, stay where you can be seen, and tell the DSL afterwards.

5. Physical contact

• Our sessions do not need physical contact. Keep it to what is necessary.
• Contact is appropriate to give first aid, to keep a child from immediate danger, or to guide a hand on equipment after asking first. Tell the child what you are going to do and why.
• Never touch a child in a way that could be seen as affectionate, rough or intrusive.
• Holding a child back is a last resort, used only to stop them hurting themselves or someone else, with the least force for the shortest time. Record it and tell the DSL and the child’s parents the same day.

6. Toilets and personal care

• Children in Years 5 and 6 use the toilet on their own. Do not go into a cubicle with a child.
• Know which toilets the children use, send them one at a time, and notice how long they are gone.
• If a child needs help, call their parent, unless a care plan has been agreed in advance.

7. Phones, messages and social media

• Contact parents and carers only through Code Hamsters email, phone or booking system. Never contact a child directly.
• Do not give children your personal phone number, email address or social media details, and do not accept, follow or message children or their families from personal accounts.
• Keep your personal phone away during sessions, except to call for help in an emergency.
• Do not post anything about children, families or sessions on personal social media, and make sure nothing you post in your private life would bring your suitability to work with children into question.
• Follow our online safety policy and our photography and video policy. Never photograph or film a child on a personal device.

8. Confidentiality

• Keep registers, medical details and anything you know about a child or family private, and share it only with those who need it to keep a child safe.
• Never leave a register or form where others can read it, and hand all paperwork back after the session.
• Never promise a child you will keep something secret if it may mean they are being harmed.

9. If you are worried about another adult

Follow our procedure for reporting concerns about an adult. Tell the DSL, Mathew Long, on +44 7877 742502. If your concern is about the DSL, contact the LADO directly on 0161 234 1214.

10. If this code is broken

Breaking this code is taken seriously. Depending on what happened, it may lead to extra supervision or training, to your work with us ending, and to a referral to the LADO, the police and the Disclosure and Barring Service.