Hopefully this monster will die in jail.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambrid...ire/4794250.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambrid...ire/4795110.stm

Oh goodness! I've met him!

I used to use his books for my recorder students. Liked them a lot.

How very sad for everyone concerned

How terrible. I'm so glad that I insist that parents always attend lessons with their children.

its sickening. no other words can describe it.

Got what he deserved, but yet another case bringing the music teaching profession into disrepute. Such cases are rare but each one is one too many.

That's terrible. He'll not offend again while in jail. Lets hope he stays there.

Hi semele, we'll talk soon. promise!

Sorry..I don't understand your point?
This b****** was guilty.
The majority of music teachers are sane individuals.

As a 1-2-1 teacher, it is something I always fear and dread - that a pupil COULD make malicious accusations against me.
However in 30 years, I have rarely had a parent insisting that they stay with their child although I always invite them to do so. Only 3 weeks ago, an 8 year old girl started lessons with me. Mother was quite happy to leave her with me, and the child (delightful girl) was quite at home within minutes, but it's NEVER out of your mind - what if????

Some years ago, a small child of 5 began lessons with me. At her first lesson Mother left her, and within minutes, the child wanted to sit on my lap. I had to be very firm and keep her occupied at the piano. When Mother returned, I informed her and her response was that "Sharelle" had probably had a tough day at school and wanted a nap. MY response was that I was music teacher and not a child-minder or nanny.

Bye-bye Sharelle!!!

I'm in China at the moment, and due to their insane censorship laws, lots of websites are banned (including the BBC site). Could someone please tell me the details of the story, as i have no way of reading it?
Schubertiad.

I am relieved this particular man received a sentence for his appalling abuse of children.

In general, I think it's easier for women than men to feel comfortable teaching children 1:1 these days but I guess it's why organisations like ISM are encouraging private teachers to get themselves CRB clearance as a starting point to re-assuring parents that they're safe people to leave their children with. I have one because of school teaching and some of my private parents ask if I do. They always seem pleased to know I have been CRB cleared.

Nasty situation though and my thoughts and prayers are with his victims.

That is stupid. He shouldn't have been able to do that.

Would agree with that one. Although I don't mind what gender teacher, some of my friends will only have female ones.

On a similar theme, does anyone know if I'm allowed to physically break up a fight in a classroom? Some kids started a few weeks ago when the teacher was out yelling at a different child and I just left it coz I don't know what the rules are.

I think we've had threads like this before and I'll repeat what I said then. This is obvioulsy a dreadul story but it is rare. With students and parents reading these threads (even though this is the teacher's forum) do we really want to be posting messages like this? Whilst the incident is extremely rare I don't think it's appropriate to be posting messages here about it as it could give off a negative view of the profession.

David

Check the school rules....a teacher is allowed to use 'resonable' restraining techniques...if a child is going to hurt themselves. (yes, I know...the mind boggles...what about the poor teacher and innocent pupil).
Make sure you are a member of a good Teacher's Union before doing anything!!

David

I wish to offer my condolences over the loss of your friend/colleague.

In answer to your concerns.

Yes.This situation,although rare, is dreadful.I don't however agree that such an incident should not be highlighted on the teacher's forum. It also does not give a negative view of our profession. People recognise these "individuals" exist in all walks of Life and incidences like this occur in other professions...the Priesthood,for example.

Parents and children have access to the BBC website and details of this case was almost certainly given out on TV.

Children should not be blindfolded and left unaware.

This topic is also raising questions on other issues which gives out useful information for people here.

Noodle - YES! Talk soon.

Diapason - Although I'm female I also offer parents the opportunity to sit in lessons with their children.

See, I'm not a teacher, I'm an 18 year old doing a placement to "inspire younger less able and motivated children to want to go to uni". So I sort of do classroom assistant stuff, and occasionally get left with kids to menotr/tutor. So I didn't know what to do, since I'm not allowed to give out detentions, but am allowed to yell at them, and I got left with a music class of 20, lots of musical equipment and 2/3 fighting lads!

I think you know the answer yourself here....
...I think the word 'exploitation' comes to mind.

If your work is voluntary and you are not being paid, then if the teacher left their class 'unattended' ( which, basically they were doing) then that's their problem not yours.
Don't give the matter any more thought.

You were absolutely right to do nothing, in my opinion....the teacher is in charge...let them make the difficult decisions. You should be enjoying yourself.

If things get tricky and you are being left with the class alot, speak to your immediate superior...probably someone at Uni who gave you the placement. In fact, I'd definitely have a chat with them about this incident anyway.

If I'm reading this situation right...it sounds to me like the teacher is using you for a free child-minding service. This is not uncommon...so be careful.

Good luck!

I have used and will contine to use Brian Davey's books. I know someone who was taught by him until the County Music Agency refused to let him work, and advised parents about the situation.

To a certain extent I'm now glad this is out in the open, as there have been a number of peopl aroug indirectly affected, though not abused who can now talk openly with the conviction in place.

It's a real pity when something like this happens.

I teach 1-2-1 and have enhanced CRB Check forms in triplicate due to organisations I do mainly voluntary work for.

But all a CRB check states is that you have not been caught molesting a child, not that you definately are not.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this.