The Legacy of the Olympics

I think we can all agree that the Olympics and Paralympics presented a wonderful showcase of all that is best in Britain, ranging from the reception received by visitors, to the performance of our athletes and volunteers.

The Olympics movement is committed to providing a legacy for the next generation. This is something especially close to the heart of those committed to the benefits of extracurricular activities which, as we know, not only improve children’s health, but have direct impacts on their self-esteem, motivation, team work and behaviour. Not to mention improving the image of young people and community relations.

However, a number of mixed messages came from the government over the summer, none more so in relation to the use and security of school sports fields.

Following concern expressed in the media over the use of school sports fields, The Department for Education has now clarified what it means by the word ‘suitable’, which is used in the new regulations.

‘Suitable’ is defined in the regulations as meaning ‘suitable for the purpose in respect of whom it is provided, having regard for their ages, numbers, sex and any special requirements they may have’.

Further information can be found at

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/schoolscapital/a00212403/changing-standards-school-premises

What has been the legacy of the Olympics in your area?

What can we do as a community to help sustain and embed this?

Safeguarding extra-curricular activity participants;

Safeguarding extra-curricular activity participants; The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) and Criminal Records Regime (CRR) regimes have changed as of 10 September 2012.

The new definition of ‘regulated activity’ as it will stand under the new Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, will comprise only:

(i) Unsupervised activities: which teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children, or provide advice/guidance on well-being, or drive a vehicle only for children;

(ii) Work for a limited range of establishments (‘specified places’), with opportunity for contact: for example, schools, children’s homes, childcare premises. Not work by supervised volunteers;

Work under (i) or (ii) is regulated activity only if done regularly. The government is providing statutory guidance about supervision of activity which would be regulated activity if unsupervised.

(iii) Relevant personal care, for example washing or dressing; or health care by or supervised by a professional;

(iv) Registered child-minding; and foster-carers

That in the light of the above new definition of ‘regulated activity’, CRB checks are still required to be carried out in relation to any of their staff or volunteers who have unsupervised, regular access to vulnerable people, including children, as this constitutes ‘regulated activity’ under the new regime.

Note that there are plans to make CRB checks ‘portable’ in the future, to avoid checks having to be carried out for each member of staff or volunteer as they change roles but this change has not yet been legislated for. 

Further information can be found at

‘Changes to disclosure and barring: What you need to know’

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/crime/disclosure-and-barring/