Spectrum article: Spring 2008

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

CHILD PROTECTION - A word of warning . . .

All teachers need to be aware of CP implications in their teaching, including those teaching an adult class and accepting under-18 year old students. In relaton to good practice in child protection, you may not be covered by your BWY insurance:

• if you are teaching a private class to under-18 year olds and do not hold a BWY current Enhanced Disclosure (the ED remains current for 3 years from its date of issue)
  
• if you are teaching a private class to under-18 year olds and have not completed appropriate BWY Safeguarding paperwork (contact Angie on 01394 446054)
  
• if you have not received appropriate training for teaching under-18 year olds
  
• if you are teaching a class of under-18 year olds and have not received basic CP training and updated within the last 3 years
  
• if you are not working within recommended teacher/supervision/student ratios for teaching a class of under-18 year olds
  
• if you are teaching an adult class and have not checked students’ ages if under 18
  
• if you are teaching under-18 year olds and, if appropriate, are not using Consent Forms for Hands-On Adjustment and/or taking Photographs/Digital Images
  
• if you are not following BWY CP and Equity Policies (available on website or contact Angie on 01394 446054)

Please note that the BWY Safeguarding Procedures (having relevant CP-related paperwork completed) apply to:

• all teachers working with under-18 year olds, and
• all students wishing to take the Yoga for Children, Post Natal and Baby Modules.

The BWY Child Protection Policy will be updated to reflect this. Holding a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar from taking a module.

Please contact me if you want to discuss the above or have any queries relating to Child Protection and/or Equity. Best wishes in your teaching.

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