Parent Checklist for Youth Activities

You may have received a ‘Parent checklist for youth activities’ from the Scottish Executive. It sets out a list of 15 questions that you might ask about the status and credentials of the club and its leaders. Here is a summary of the questions and the position of BMYO.

Is the club affiliated to a larger organisation?
We are affiliated to Making Music, the National Federation of Music Societies.

Can the club give a named contact within the local council?
The school let is managed by the Community Support group of East Dunbartonshire Council. Alastair Ewen is the Community Development Team Leader. The Council’s Performance and Development Officer, George Kelly, is also well aware of BMYO.

Is the club subject to regulation and inspection by an outside body?
Making Music’s official Visitor is Karine Davison, who comes at least once a year.

Is there a leaflet which gives basic information about the club?
This is provided at the beginning of each school year (this checklist is part of it).

Is it established practice that parental consent is sought for outside visits etc?
This will be sought if we arrange any such visits.

Does the club have procedures for recruitment and training on protecting children?
We obtain ‘disclosures’ for the conductors through Making Music. We will also seek references for new conductors.

Are there adequate numbers of adult staff, with a minimum of two for safety?
There are always the conductors, a parent on duty, and a member of staff from the school: a minimum of three.

Are there clear procedures for staff in respect of behaviour towards children?
We follow the policy suggested by Making Music. In particular, adults are not normally permitted to be alone with a single child, with the exception of brief, annual auditions.

Does the club have a formal constitution?
Our constitution has met the requirements for charitable status in Scotland. Please ask for a copy if you would like to read it.

Are parents encouraged to visit the club?
Definitely! There is an annual Open Evening in conjunction with the AGM. You are also welcome to discuss the workings of BMYO at any time with any of the committee or conductors. Better still, join the committee and help run BMYO!

Does the club have a health and safety policy? Is it insured?
The school has First Aid equipment but we do not have a trained First Aider available. BMYO carries property and public liability insurance through Making Music. However, this does not cover the members’ instruments. Please insure these yourselves. Also, we can be responsible for children only while they are in school, during rehearsals.

Does the club have a policy to ensure the protection of young people?
There is almost no one-to-one contact between adults and children in normal circumstances. The only staff in regular contact with the children are the conductors, for whom ‘disclosures’ are obtained. The adults on duty are parents of participating children and are typically called upon only once annually. One of their duties is to check that children do not leave until they are collected by a parent.

Does the organisation have established procedures to handle complaints?
Please approach any member of the committee. There is at present no independent party nominated.

Is this complaints procedure made clear to club members?
This information is circulated at the beginning of each school year.

Have you asked other parents about the club and its leaders?
Please do! – and encourage your friends as well!