Code of conduct for students in preschool

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We have quite a few students who do work-based placements with us in preschool, and it's become apparent that their perception of what's an acceptable way to act and our perception can be quite different.

(This is being unfair to many of them who are really brilliant, but we have had a few with whom we have issues).

As a management team, we want to put together a sort of 'code of conduct' for students on placement with us.

As preschool staff / committee / parents, what sort of thing would you expect to see on there? So far I've got points relating to the following:

1. Punctuality and letting us know in advance if you can't come in for some reason

1. No smoking, not even just off the premises, not while you're wearing our preschool uniform and parents and children can (potentially) see you.

1. Family members and friends cannot come and 'visit' you during the working day while you're on placement.

1. Being smart & presentable

1. The importance of confidentiality

1. If parents / prospective parents are under the misapprehension that you are employed by the preschool, not continuing to let them think that, but instead making it clear that you are a volunteer undertaking a placement. (not sure how to word this one!)

Any more that anyone can contribute?

Hope this thread makes sense.

I think what you have above is excellent (I speak as a parent of a pre-schooler and not in any professional capacity). DD's pre-school has one student in at the moment and he was introduced, by the nursery manager, to the parents as a student. His conduct has been excellent and DD has taken a real shine to him, though she does like to soak him with the watering cans - poor lad!

I think it's a sad state of affairs that the behaviour of some students has made things like this necessary!! Nothing against you as obviously you want the best for your pre-school and for students to get the best out of the experience but some of these things you would expect to be common sense. Have you considered giving students a slightly different uniform or a name badge which clearly states 'volunteer' or 'student'? Placements from our local college have their own uniform to wear (polo shirt but perfectly smart) and ID badges clearly stating their status as students.

Do you have something about using social networking sites? Confidentiality, not mentioning setting/names etc

Not being alone with the children eg toilet.

Agree with cate16 and make it clear that they do not need to be glued to their mobile phones (and remind them about not using it for photos of the children etc.) - have a secure place that they can leave their phone.

Good idea to have a special badge.

I think the Pre-School Learning Association has a policy for students & volunteers that you might want to look at?

How about a checklist of itmems that need explaining to students. When it has been explained, the item is ticked off, initialed by the member of staff and student.

I think it also helps if you can give students a reason why certain behaviour is unacceptable.

I also agree that students need to wear different uniform so they don't look like members of staff.