Without
looking into the reader and researching the meanings of ethical working, I am
aware of the important role it plays in ensuring quality work, safe practice
and the safeguarding of both pupils and teachers.
Ethics isn’t
about what work we do, more HOW we do it. How I, as a dance teacher, can ensure
that my pupils are learning dance safely and enjoying the lessons that their
parents have invested time and money in.
I have
thought about what it is my moral responsibility to do within my job. Here are
a couple of key areas:
Safeguarding:
‘The process of
protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their
health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances
consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children
to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.’ Safeguarding Children / Ofsted -
Ofsted. Safeguardingchildren.org.uk.
It
is my responsibility to ensure all children are safe at all times in my dance
lessons and in the transition periods before and after the lessons. It is also
my responsibility to assess the wellbeing of the child and notice any changes
in their health and emotional development.
Confidentiality:
Some aspects of working with children must be kept confidential – their
personal details being the key one. The children and parents must feel they can
trust you with personal information, particularly if it is anything that may
affect their behaviour, dancing and how they should be dealt with (for instance
if stressful events may be happening elsewhere in their life at the time).
However, confidentiality rules must always come with the clause that if someone
discloses something that needs passing on for their safety this always should
be made clear. It is my job to know when this is appropriate to do so.
Plagiarism:
This is my sole responsibility. Ensuring that the choreography I teach and the
shows I put on are all my creative property and not that of any one else.
Standard
Policies: With many people attending classes, policies need to be created to
protect both the school and the parents. So to prevent favouritism and ‘one
rule for one, another for others’ type situations policies confirming
procedures including children’s behaviour management, payments, uniform and
general running of the classes can be created to make sure everything is clear
and above board – helping to create an equal environment. Holding lessons
within a school setting means that my policies must line up with that of the
schools and so to prevent confusion. It is my responsibility to keep these
policies up to date and relevant.
Responsible
Adult: As a dance teacher, much like lots of other professions, I become a role
model to children of many ages. It is my responsibility to ensure I do not set
any bad examples and help guide the children to making correct choices. I
cannot expect respect if I don’t show it to them.
It is my
responsibility to, through these areas, ensure each child is happy, safe and
learning. It is as important as the dance steps they are there to learn. Their
wellbeing is key to their learning but also my business – why would a parent
pay to take their child to a school that ethically is not sound.
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