Code of Practice

The staff of EJML are members of the Musicians Union and/or ISM and observe their code of practice.

ISM Code of Practice

Inappropriate physical contact with children must be avoided. Physical contact is only appropriate in very limited circumstances. For more detailed advice please see the Guidance for Private Music Teachers set out in the Appendix to the ISM Members Code of Conduct.
It is not good practice to take children alone in a car on journeys, however short, unless with the prior consent of the child’s parent or guardian, and then only in exceptional circumstances.
Do not make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to or about a child, even in fun, as this could be misinterpreted. Inappropriate remarks include innuendo, swearing, and discussing their or your own intimate relationships.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, do not communicate directly with children by email or text messages and only then with the prior consent of the child’s parent or guardian. If electronic communication is necessary best practice would be to communicate directly with parents or guardians.
Never communicate with children via Twitter, Facebook or other social media.
Do not engage in behaviour which could be construed as ‘grooming’ a child (for example giving a child money, presents or favours or talking or behaving in an inappropriate or unprofessional manner towards children).
Do take a disclosure of abuse from a child seriously. It is important not to deter children from making a ‘disclosure’ of abuse through fear of not being believed, and to listen to what they have to say. Guidance on responding to an allegation of abuse is set out in section 4 of this document. If the allegation gives rise to a child protection concern it is important to follow the ISM’s procedure for reporting such concerns, and not to attempt to investigate the concern yourself.
Always report any concerns immediately to the ISM’s Designated Safeguarding Person regarding the conduct of another ISM member in relation to children or vulnerable adults.
Remember that those who abuse children can be of any age (even other children), gender, ethnic background or class, and it is important not to allow personal preconceptions about people to prevent appropriate action taking place.
Good practice includes valuing and respecting children as individuals, and the adult modelling of appropriate conduct - which will always exclude bullying, shouting, racism, sectarianism or sexism.
Further advice and guidance on child protection and safeguarding issues is available via the relevant advice pages on the ISM website and in Annexe 2 to the ISM Members’ Code of Conduct (guidance for Private teachers).

Musicians Union Code of Practice

This code provides a set of quality statements concerning aspects of music learning that all music practitioners and teachers should follow.

Be well-prepared and organised
Work effectively and possess the appropriate specialist knowledge and skills.
Negotiate with contractors and employers the aims, objectives and desired outcomes for the work, and maintain communication for the duration of the project.
Understand the context of a programme or project and plan effectively to ensure the success of the activity for the participants.
Adopt appropriate attitude, behaviour and dress code.
Manage time effectively, starting and finishing as planned and agreed.
Be aware of the support needed and request help when necessary.
Keep up with relevant paperwork, such as course planning documents, handouts, evaluation forms, invoices and budgets.
Charge appropriately for services.
Be safe and responsible
Take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of everyone attending sessions, especially children and vulnerable adults.
Ensure that the activity is adequately insured.
Ensure that Risk Assessments are carried out and manage any risks accordingly.
Understand the contractor’s policies, routines and procedures, e.g. child protection, equal opportunities, behaviour management, data protection.
Provide references for work and a disclosure certificate, where necessary.
Have appropriate musical skills
Demonstrate musical expertise, creativity and versatility.
Adapt and react to changing circumstances by drawing on appropriate musical resources.
Work well with people
Value all participants and treat them with respect.
Be sensitive and responsive to both group and individual dynamics.
Motivate and inspire participants.
Always be friendly, approachable and professional.
Evaluate and reflect on your work
Collect monitoring data for your contractors and employers.
Collect feedback from contractors, employers and participants.
Reflect on your work and continually strive to improve your practice.
Commit to professional development
Improve and update your skills, knowledge and creativity via regular training, personal reflection and membership of professional bodies.
Maintain a professional portfolio and CV.