Nursery World - Criminal record checks hit target

More than 40,000 criminal record checks have been carried out on people working with children and vulnerable adults in the past six months. Justice minister Jim Wallace said Disclosure Scotland, the Scottish criminal records body launched last December, issued almost 90 per cent of disclosures within its target time of 10 days, with an overall average processing time of 10.8 days.

Justice minister Jim Wallace said Disclosure Scotland, the Scottish criminal records body launched last December, issued almost 90 per cent of disclosures within its target time of 10 days, with an overall average processing time of 10.8 days.

Applications for the enhan-ced level of disclosure, appropriate for jobs that involve supervising or being in sole charge of children, must be countersigned by an organisation registered by Disclosure Scotland.

Childcare providers can either go through an umbrella organisation or register with Disclosure Scotland themselves. Mr Wallace said more than a thousand organisations had registered.

He added, 'The Scottish Executive is strongly committed to improving the safety of the most vulnerable in our society. That is why I am delighted these figures show that Disclosure Scotland is working efficiently and effectively. This is a clear benefit to public safety with more than 40,000 positions being filled by those with safety checks. The sheer level of disclosures issued shows the system is being used and trusted.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included