Posted By Robert Weiland My next door neighbour has just rang me, she takes her 10 year old to a dance school and the 19 year old girl who teaches appears to be enjoying herself a little too much. She has rang me and asked what she can do.... I told her to voice her concern to the owner who has now rang me and said she's aware of the problem but wants to know what I suggest she does... I am scratching my head, I've dealt with adults but with children being involved I'm guessing the rules are different. Can anyone point me in the right direction.

Posted By Sean Fraser Robert, First off, you are only to express a personal and not a professional opinion. You are not "giving advice" but just discussing a situation that causes general concern . . . Second, I don't know where you are based or how you are involved in this, but in Scotland anyone working with children or vulnerable adults needs to go through a disclosure process before they can do so, either as work or as a volunteer. In relation to this scenario, the individual concerned will be jeopardising future career prospects if something goes seriously wrong and they are found to have been grossly negligent due to alcoholic inebriation. Any prosecution would show up in future disclosue checks. If they don't care enough about their livelihood, then can they be trusted to look after the welfare of a child no matter how long or short the period may be? In terms of safety, is it acceptable to have someone work who has deliberately imbided a drug that reduces inhibitions, increases response times and causes mental confusion? A quiet word nothing - shape up or ship out. Coming in worse for wear after the night before is bad enough - having a few swift ones before turning up is something else. Unacceptable. If it were my child, I'd be looking for an alternative teacher and I would not be recommending any school that does not take effective action on such a matter. At least that is my personal opinion . . . ;-)

Posted By RP Agree totally - Sack the teacher, no questions...

Posted By Aidan Toner Ah no,no-I was only joking!! Dont sack her and send her away.IF she is a really good dancer bring her back here to the party.Happy St Patrick's Day everyone.........!!

Posted By The toecap Ask her if she wants to come out for a drink. I'm doing nothing this weekend.

Posted By Fred Pratley Robert, If this is the typical afterschool/saturday dance class situation, tell your neighbour to talk with other parents attending. get her to ask around and gain opinion as to the teachers condition. If she is genuinely genuinely under the influence, then ask them to meet with the owner as a group. if there are enough of you, the owner will tackle the teacher or you can all vote with your feet and transfer to another school. the children will all keep their friends etc. Regards Fred

Posted By Richard Hi All, I relise this thread has now finished, but thought i should add to it. All Dancing teachers will be a member of one or more associations. The associations would be very dissapointed to learn that they have have a teacher who may be suffreing from a drink problem which may lead to the safety of the child been put at risk. I myself sit on a commitee for the Dance teachers association and would certinaly advise any parent who has concerns to contact the teachers assocaition. Regards.

Posted By Jonathan McCoy Suspend the teacher, investigate the drinking, if you feel the teacher is having issues recommend counciling. If she doesn't receive counciling, termination may be the only way. But SUSPEND straight away !