First principle

last updated:12 Oct 2009

Put the well-being, development and progress of children and young people first.

Registered teachers:

• use their professional expertise and judgement to do their best for the children and young people in their care
• take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people under their supervision
• follow their school's child protection policies and procedures
• establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in their relationships with children and young people
• demonstrate self-awareness and take responsibility for accessing help and support in order to ensure that their own practice does not have a negative impact on learning or progress or put children and young people at risk of harm
• use appropriate channels to raise concerns about the practice of other teachers or professionals if this has a negative impact on learning or progress or risks harming children and young people.