Task 5A - Ethics in my workplace

In my job as a drama teacher there are many ethical considerations that I have to make. I work for a children's theatre school which provides PPA cover sessions, workshops, after school clubs, private lessons and Saturday schools. Therefore I have several different settings in which to take into consideration. I have to be mindful of the rules and ethos of the particular school I am in. With private lessons these are usually at the students home so I must be respectful towards that space and create a good professional relationship with their parents.

Working with children I have to be very aware of how I present myself and how my classes are put together. I have to have a DBS check so that my employer, the schools and parents know that I don’t have any history that could have an impact on me working with children. Also if a child discloses anything to me about their personal life I have to report it to the appropriate person – usually the safeguarding officer. I must not pry or push a child into saying something to me.

I should be dressed appropriately, set an example and also to look professional. I wear uniform with the company logo on it therefore I am constantly representing then. Ethically I must consider the image I am presenting of the company. I want to present a good one!! It would not be fair to the company to behave in an inappropriate manner while representing them, they are trusting their staff to bring their brand into the community.

My lessons must be age appropriate. This affects the plays we work on or music that we use. In the senior classes the plays can deal with more difficult topics but the topics we chose for the younger children are fun and light hearted. 

I also have to think about how I deal with disagreements between children, I can't be seen to be biased. Taking one child’s side would not be ethical, I have to listen to what each child has to say. Otherwise maybe speak discreetly to a class teacher or the children’s parents.

I have to work with other staff and back them up, sometimes we do have different views. However, I would never undermine another member of staff in front the class. I feel this would be very unfair. If there are any issues we have to deal with them maturely and in private. I also shouldn’t discuss other staff’s private lives with the children if they ask. I also have to be careful how much of my own private life I discuss with the children.

I also have to develop good relationships with the parents and respect their wishes. I don’t think I should give too much of an opinion on certain things as you never know how someone’s parents wish to bring them up. That is not my place – equally I should encourage polite and respectful behaviour.

A lot of the younger children want to hug you, we have to be careful as staff for this not to be taken the wrong way. I wouldn’t offer a hug to a child – if they do hug me I keep it brief and don’t try to encourage it.