Working in Schools Policy for taradakin.com

Updated May 2025

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines the expectations and commitments of TaraDakin.com when working as a visiting professional in school settings. It ensures that our work aligns with the values, safeguarding duties, and professional standards required within educational environments.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all TaraDakin.com staff, including Tara Dakin and any associate professionals delivering services within a school or educational setting, whether on a one-off or ongoing basis.

3. Our Commitment to Schools

When working in your school, we will:

- Follow all school policies including (but not limited to): Safeguarding, Behaviour, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Visitor Protocols

- Familiarise ourselves with school-specific procedures such as fire evacuation and safeguarding contacts

- Sign in and wear visitor ID

- Maintain a professional standard of conduct

4. Safeguarding

TaraDakin.com is committed to upholding the highest safeguarding standards.

- All staff hold an Enhanced DBS

- Any safeguarding concern will be reported to the school’s DSL and authorities if needed

- We follow Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children

5. Health, Safety and Emergency Procedures

TaraDakin.com staff will understand and comply with your school’s health and safety requirements including evacuation procedures and individual health risks.

6. Confidentiality and GDPR Compliance

We will:- Maintain confidentiality and comply with UK GDPR

- Only share information with consent or legal obligation

- Securely store and responsibly share reports and observations

7. Professional Conduct

We aim to:

- Integrate sensitively into school life

- Build positive relationships with staff, pupils, and families

- Avoid disrupting learning and coordinate any changes with SENCOs or SLT

8. Handling and Intervention

Physical contact/intervention will only occur:

- If agreed in a plan

- In emergencies to prevent harm

- With awareness of trauma-informed approaches

9. Feedback and Communication

Feedback to staff will be:

- Verbal or written, as agreed

- Aligned with wider school planning and inclusive strategies

10. Complaints and Concerns

Complaints can be raised directly or to:

- British Psychological Society (BPS)

- Department for Education (DfE)

11. Contact

Tara Dakin

07842336860

Chartered Developmental Psychologist | Specialist Teacher

TaraDakin.com

tara.dakin@outlook.com