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

CHILD PROTECTION (CP) ADULT CLASS and UNDER 18-YEAR-OLDS
Many of you have been asking if it’s necessary to hold an Enhanced Disclosure if an under 18-year-old is a student in an adult class. A situation could arise where an adult student asks if their teenage daughter/son can attend the class with them. Another scenario is when the teacher of an LEA Adult Education or FE–run class is asked to take into the class a student/s on a Duke of Edinburgh scheme. In such circumstances it is important that the teacher asks the age of the young person.

A "child" in the eyes of the law is any YOUNG PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18. Our CP Policy states that anyone teaching children/young persons under the age of 18 must hold a current Enhanced Disclosure (ED) if the young person’s parent, or another adult acting in loco parentis, is NOT present in the teaching room. Parents may have every good intention of being present each week, but circumstances could be that a particular week they cannot attend with the young person. As the teacher, you need to decide whether to hold an ED for such circumstances or whether you don’t accept the young person into the class under such conditions. It would be advisable to have these conditions agreed and signed by both the parent, the young person and, if appropriate, the adult acting in loco parentis. Keep a signed copy on your files, and give signed copies to all parties concerned. I am currently looking at developing a BWY Agreement that could be used as a template. Watch this space!

POLICY AMENDMENTS
Please refer to the Noticeboard for details of amendments to the CP and Equity Policies. Both policies are available on-line (www.bwy.org.uk) following the links "About the Wheel/CP and Equity” or if you prefer the printed version, please contact me.

I am always pleased to receive your calls if you have any queries.

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