York Students In Schools > Members' Information > Guidelines on Physical Contact

Guidelines on Physical Contact

All YSIS members must be aware of the issues surrounding physical contact with school students. There is a section in our training sessions devoted to the topic and this guidance is intended to complement that training and to act as a reference. The following information is based on guidelines issued by City of York Council.

Physical contact is sometimes appropriate

There are occasions when physical contact with a school student may be proper or necessary, for example:

• To demonstrate exercises or techniques during instruction of music, PE or coaching
• To administer first aid
• To provide prompts or help for young children and those with special educational needs
• Where a school student is in distress and needs comforting

Special circumstances exist where physical contact may be especially unwelcome

Considerations should be made to school students for whom touching is particularly unwelcome. For example:

• Some school students may be particularly sensitive to physical contact because of their cultural background, or because they have been abused
• There is often special concern where volunteers and school students are of different sexes
• Physical contact with school students becomes increasingly open to question as they reach and go through adolescence

Even the most innocent and well intentioned physical contact can sometimes be misconstrued.

What should I do?

Remember that no student tutor is ever in sole charge of school students; there is always a supervising teacher. As a tutor you are not trained to make professional decisions about physical contact but simply to be aware that such decisions must be deferred to someone who is - i.e. a member of school staff.

There are no hard and fast rules for what level of contact is appropriate in which circumstances. It is best to avoid physical contact with school students until you can discuss it with your supervising teacher or school link teacher. You may wish to ask your teacher about it at the beginning of your placement. He or she will be able to give you clear and practical advice, or refer you to someone who can.

There are two golden rules:

• Be aware that physical contact with school students is a sensitive issue that needs
  careful consideration
• If you are in any doubt, ask a member of school staff

YSIS staff will always be happy to answer any general queries or concerns about these and any other issues. Please feel free to contact us.

Top of this page