Code of Conduct for Students Under 18 years

Introduction

Under UK law, anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child.

Lexis School of English is committed to providing a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for every student. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and have policies, procedures and trained staff in place to protect the welfare of all students under the age of 18.

All students, parents, guardians, group leaders and agents are expected to read and follow this Code of Conduct.

Safeguarding and Supervision

Students aged 12–15

Students aged 12–15 must:

• Remain under appropriate supervision throughout the school day.
• Stay within designated school areas during break times.
• Not leave the school premises during the school day unless accompanied by a member of Lexis staff or an authorised group leader.
• Travel directly between their accommodation and the school unless participating in an organised school activity.
• Not go out in the evenings unless accompanied by their group leader, host family or participating in an organised school activity.

Students aged 16–17

Students aged 16–17:

• May attend adult classes where appropriate and with written parental or guardian consent.
• Are encouraged to develop independence while following the school’s safeguarding procedures.
• May remain within designated school areas during breaks without direct supervision.
• May leave the school during lunch or break times only where parental consent has been provided and school procedures are followed.

When leaving the school premises, students must:

• Sign out at Reception before leaving.
• Sign back in immediately upon returning.
• Remain within the agreed local area.
• Return in time for their next lesson.
• Behave responsibly and safely while off-site.

All members of staff share responsibility for safeguarding and must report any concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL.

If a student under 18 cannot be located or is unexpectedly absent, the school’s Missing Student Procedure will be implemented immediately.

Attendance and Behaviour at School

Students are expected to:

• Attend all scheduled lessons and activities unless absent due to illness or another authorised reason.
• Inform the school as soon as possible if they are unable to attend.
• Arrive on time for lessons.
• Sign in at Reception each morning (where required by school procedures).
• Switch mobile phones to silent and use them only when permitted by the teacher.
• Treat staff, fellow students, homestay hosts and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Respect people of all cultures, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, genders and nationalities.
• Follow staff instructions at all times.
• Speak to a member of staff, group leader or the Designated Safeguarding Lead if they are worried about anything.

Students must not:

• Bully, intimidate, harass or discriminate against others.
• Use abusive, threatening or offensive language.
• Behave in a way that places themselves or others at risk.
• Run inside the school building or behave dangerously.
• Tamper with fire alarms, fire exits or emergency equipment except during a genuine emergency.

Students should:

• Help keep the school clean and tidy.
• Use the bins provided.
• Eat and drink only in designated areas.
• Take care of school property.

Students may be charged for any deliberate or negligent damage to school property.

Behaviour in Homestay Accommodation

Students are expected to:

• Respect the rules of their homestay.
• Be polite and considerate towards their host family.
• Inform their host if they expect to be late.
• Attend meals at agreed times or notify their host if arrangements change.
• Keep their bedroom reasonably clean and tidy.
• Respect the privacy and property of their host family.

Curfew

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the school and parent or guardian:

• Students aged 16 must return to their accommodation by 22:00.
• Students aged 17 must return by 22:00 on weekdays and 22:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings.

If a student expects to be late, they must contact both their host family and the school’s emergency number immediately.

Repeated breaches of curfew or safeguarding rules may result in disciplinary action, including informing parents or guardians, written warnings, restriction of unsupervised free time or, in serious cases, removal from the course. No refund will be given where a student is dismissed for serious misconduct.

General Rules

Students under 18 must not:

• Smoke or vape.
• Purchase or consume alcohol.
• Possess or use illegal drugs or psychoactive substances.
• Carry any weapon or dangerous item.
• Commit theft, vandalism or criminal damage.
• Leave school or accommodation without permission where supervision arrangements apply.
• Encourage or participate in behaviour that places themselves or others at risk.

Serious misconduct may be reported to parents or guardians, group leaders and, where appropriate, the police or other relevant authorities.

Staying Safe

Students should:

• Ensure the school has their current contact details.
• Carry their Lexis student ID card at all times.
• Keep their mobile phone charged whenever possible.
• Be careful when using social media and never share personal information with strangers.
• Never meet someone they have only met online without informing a trusted adult.
• Travel using safe, licensed public transport or taxis.
• Avoid travelling alone late at night.
• Never enter a vehicle with someone they do not know.

Additional guidance for students aged 12–15

Students must:

• Travel directly between school and their accommodation.
• Not go out in the evenings unless participating in an organised activity or accompanied by their host family or group leader.

Additional guidance for students aged 16–17

Students should:

• Travel with friends where possible.
• Inform their host family of their plans before going out.
• Follow all agreed curfew arrangements.

Emergencies

In an emergency:

• Call 999 or 112 for the emergency services.
• Contact the Lexis emergency telephone number provided in your Student Handbook.
• Follow all staff instructions during emergencies and fire evacuations.

 

Disciplinary Procedures

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.

Depending on the seriousness of the incident, this may include:

• A verbal warning.
• A written warning.
• Parents, guardians or group leaders being informed.
• Restrictions on free time or activities.
• Suspension from activities.
• Removal from the course in cases of serious or repeated misconduct.

Where a student is dismissed for serious misconduct, no refund will normally be made and any additional costs, including travel arrangements, will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Speaking to Someone

Students may speak at any time to:

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Any member of Lexis staff
• Their group leader or host family

If something does not feel right, tell someone immediately.

Agreement

I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

Student Name: ______________________________________

Student Signature: _________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________

Date: ______________________________________________

 

Contact Details

Lexis School of English

1st & 2nd Floors
69 Ballards Lane
Finchley Central
London
N3 1XT

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8346 9802

Emergency (Out of Hours): Please use the emergency number provided in your Student Handbook.

Website: www.lexislondon.com

Email: info@lexislondon.com