Spectrum article: Autumn 2007

Angie Punaks, BWY Ethics, Equity & Welfare Manager writes:

CHILD PROTECTION

The impact of Child Protection can be daunting for the teacher of under 18-year olds. To help allay concerns Michelle Cheesbrough, a BWY Children’s Module Tutor, has written a reassuring article in Autumn Spectrum which I hope you will read and find interesting and encouraging.

EQUITY - DATA PROTECTION

A query relating to Data Protection and Student Enrolment Forms has prompted me provide some guidance which may help you with your Autumn Enrolment Forms.

• What information can be requested?
  Ask only for relevant information that you need for your teaching, eg name, contact details, medical conditions, age if under 18 (for Child Protection implications).
• How will I keep information up-to-date?
  The information could be requested in the Autumn term, and the form returned to the student for updating and signing at the start of the Spring and Summer Terms.
• Can I pass information on to a supply teacher?
  You need to obtain consent from your student by asking a question on your Enrolment Form, eg "Are you in agreement for the information given to be shared with a supply teacher, if necessary? Yes/No"
• How long should I keep the information?
  Our insurers recommend that, in line with keeping lesson plans and registers, student information is kept for a minimum of 3 years. You could include a statement on your form which reads that the information is supplied by the student in the strictest of confidence and subject to the constraints of the Data Protection Act 1998.

You can read a summary of the Data Protection Act (The Basics and Your Legal Obligation) at www.ico.gov.uk following the links What We Cover / Data Protection.

EQUITY - ON-LINE TRAINING

There is an excellent on-line training package to help raise awareness of unconscious prejudices and stereotyping, fairness and inclusion in our relationships with others, and to help understand relevant legislation. You can learn a lot from a quick 10-minute dip into the programme. I would encourage you to look it up - it is user-friendly! www.fairnessandinclusion.org

Angie Punaks - BWY Ethics, Equity & Welfare Manager
Tel: 01394 446054 email: