What are legal implications regarding other teachers, i.e. unqualified teachers, teaching D&T?
A. The document BS4163:2007 Health and safety for design and technology in schools and similar establishments – Code of Practice’ provides clear guidance on those responsible for supervising students whilst undertaking design and technology activities. As a Code of Practice it provides practical compliance of how to comply with the law. Approved Codes of Practice have a special legal status. If employers are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law, and it is proved that they have not followed the relevant provisions of the Approved Code of Practice, a court can find them at fault unless they can show that they have complied with the law in some other way. BS4163 states that ‘In England and Wales the recommended maximum number of students in any one work area is 20 students, with one competent, qualified teacher’. It notes further that ‘It is essential that the teacher has recognised accredited health and safety training’. It would be quite inappropriate therefore in view of th
