Vetting and Barring Scheme - further update

Independent Safeguarding Authority leaflet

Having sought independent legal advice on the matter, we are confident that there will be no legal requirement for private teachers who contract directly with parents, without the involvement of any third party, to register with the Vetting & Barring Scheme. Private teachers will, however, be able to choose voluntarily to register with the Scheme if they wish to do so. We are seeking clarification of the date from which such voluntary registration will be possible. The earliest possible date will be 26 July 2010 but the actual date may be considerably later than that.

It will, of course, remain an offence for those who have already been barred from working with children to engage in private tuition.

Teachers whose teaching is organised or facilitated by schools or similar organisations will be required to register with the Vetting & Barring Scheme. Registration for those taking up new appointments will be available from 26 July 2010 and compulsory from 1 November 2010. Registration for those already in post will be phased in gradually from 1 April 2011. The Scheme is expected to be fully implemented by 31 July 2015.

With the new scheme coming in, over the course of the next year we will review our policies, particularly regarding vetting procedures for the Private Teachers Section and the Register of Professional Private Music Teachers. We shall keep you informed on our website and in Music Journal as matters proceed, but for the moment, please be assured that there is no action that you need to take.

For further information about the scheme, visit the Independent Safeguarding Authority website.