All YLEUK members are British Council accredited, members of English UK and have agreed to uphold and abide by YLEUK’s Criteria and Code of Practice and rules
1. Criteria for Membership
1.1 Any organisation seeking membership of Young Learners English UK must be accredited by the British Council Accreditation UK Scheme. Member schools must have passed a British Council during the period of operation for the teaching of English to under 18s.
1.2. All Member organisations must be current members of English UK
1.3 By the end of the first year of membership 1 member of staff must be hold a current Advanced safeguarding for designated staff certificate and 1 member of staff must hold a current Safer Recruitment certificate. Certificates must be provided to the YLEUK administrator in order for records to be updated and membership maintained.
2. Code of Practice
Responsibilities of members will be to:
2.1 Always place the interests and well-being of students in the organisation’s care above any other consideration
2.2 Maintain a genuine interest in the continual assessment of standards, with the aim of constantly improving the quality of their programmes (programmes as stipulated in each member’s publicity materials) – in line with the new British Council criteria for under 18s
2.3 Be dedicated to providing the safest possible environment for and demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of junior students (under 18s) on their courses
2.4 Comply with all applicable current UK and European Union legal and statutory regulations (e.g. UK employment, health and safety laws) and current UK child protection guidelines
2.5 Behave in an ethical and supportive manner at all times with other members of the group and avoid bringing the group or English UK into disrepute
2.6 Promote a positive impression of YLEUK to the outside world
2.7 To provide honest and prompt replies to any job references either in writing or verbally
3. Association Rules
3.1 The final decision on any major policy agreement made by the group will ultimately rest with the committee
3.2 As members of YLEUK you will not do any act or make any statement publicly which would bring the group into open conflict with English UK. If you are found doing so then it will be investigated and English UK will be informed with their decision being final
3.3 Members have 1 equal vote per organization in decisions, especially those affecting subscription and those relating to the election or appointment of any executive/committee members
3.4 The annual membership fee should be paid by no later than end January each year. Failure to pay membership fee will result in a written reminder. Failure to pay within 30 days after the reminder will result in removal of membership from the group
3.5 Members will abide by policies voted for and carried by members at meetings
3.6 Each member school must be represented at least 2 meetings in each subscription year. One meeting must include the AGM and the other could be a focus group or general YL meeting. Please note training days do not count.
3.7 Communications between members will be via Young Learners Yahoo forum. It is your responsibility to ensure you provide a current e-mail address when you join YL so you can be subscribed to the forum. All events and minutes of meetings will be updated on the YLEUK web site.
3.8 Member schools must have 1 person who holds a current Advanced Training for the Designated Person Safeguarding certificate and a Safer Recruitment Certificate.
3.9 YLEUK will provide, free of charge, at least (2 free training days per year per member on Safer Recruitment and Advanced safeguarding for designated staff and Specialist safeguarding training for designated lead
3.10 Members who have not fulfilled the above rules and criteria by October of the new subscription year (Jan. 1st – Dec 31st) will be given a written warning at that stage that their membership will not be renewed unless they can fulfill it before the end of the year. If your membership is not renewed you will be unable to rejoin YLEUK until a full calendar year has lapsed
3.11 New schools can join throughout the year for the annual membership fee providing they meet the membership criterion.
4. Committee Rules
4.1 Attend 2-3 committee meetings per year plus all main member meetings where at all possible
4.2 Represent YLEUK at selected trade fairs and negotiating free or subsidized attendance
4.3 Represent the group to the British Council