Code of Practice for dealing with Under 18s

To be adopted as a condition of membership

Legislation to protect Children and Vulnerable Groups has been in force for some time. It affects everyone who deals with those under 18 years of age or those classed as vulnerable adults.

All those dealing with under 18’s must have DBS clearance. Some essential guidelines needed to be considered for all who fail into this category and no matter how long you have been teaching, we INSTRUCT you to adjust your procedures to accommodate this Act.

It is an obligation to keep proper records of all pupils, including date of birth, address etc. A contact telephone number must be obtained in case of an emergency. Provision must be made to record medical conditions ie:- asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and all allergies etc. Remember you are responsible whilst they are under your supervision. A register must be kept and produced in event of evacuation of the premises.

  • ALL TEACHING MUST TAKE PLACE IN AN OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE AREA
  • RESTRICTING ACCESS TO CLASSES FOR PARENTS IS FORBIDDEN - SOME TEACHERS HAVE ‘VIEWING ACCESS’ (IE A WINDOW OR OPEN DOOR)
  • ALL TEACHING AREA MUST BE NO SMOKING ZONES

The local authorities usually recommend that one adult per 10 children (depending on the age of the children). Please check with your local authority as each area varies. You must avoid all inappropriate, unnecessary and physical contact with pupils and remember that VERBAL ABUSE is more likely to arise as a problem than any physical one. Refrain from making any personal remarks to the child, which may later be used in a different light than you intended. Previous actions that may have employed in the past must now cease. Any touching of pupils to illustrate body positions etc. or any remarks which use words not considered appropriate are to be avoided. You must ensure that you are never alone with a pupil at any time. This is especially appropriate to Private tuition and includes travel to and from classes.

This is for members’ protection as well as children and young people.

Concise arrangements must be made with parents and carers about the collection of children from classes. You must make parents aware that you be informed of any changes in these arrangements. You must never leave a child to wait alone outside a class or venue. Two adults should be waiting with them. This should operate on a rota basis with two parents staying behind after each session to accommodate this – with all parents and carers agreement.

Pupils must not be left alone The Examiner. This applies to provisional members and professional examinations involving those under 18 years of age.

Listen to children and keep an open mind about complaints.

Ensure that parents and carers are aware of issues of safety and how to raise concerns. Make it clear to children, parents, carers, helpers and dance teachers what body contact is acceptable and how this should be managed.

It is your duty to ensure that bullying between pupils does not occur.

You need to observe this code of practice to also avoid the situation of false allegations.

Behaviour of Pupils

Although it is hoped that no teacher would have to restrain a pupil, the following could be acceptable reasons for such:-

  1.     When they injure themselves or others.
  2.     When damage is caused.
  3.     Action causing a breach of the peace.
  4.     Interfering with the discipline of the class.
  5.     Risk of assault.

If removal from the premises is necessary, you must call the parent, carer or police to do so. Removal without such action is a violation.

YOU SHOULD MAKE PARENTS AWARE THAT YOU HAVE A CODE OF PRACTICE CONCERNING AWARENESS OF TEACHING WITH YOUNG PERSONS, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF REQUIRED.