Nursery World - Editor's view (289)

Unfortunately, it seems that often it takes a tragedy to prompt action over problems that have been brewing for some time. And so the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman have now led to emergency measures to clear the huge backlog of staff checks through the Criminal Records Bureau that has for several months now left so many schools and nurseries frustrated and angry (see News, pages 4 and 5). Nursery World has been publishing news about the situation and your comments about the delays since the CRB started. Our readers have been warning how serious the situation is for a long time, and it is a great shame that more rigorous action was not taken sooner. Now, with the new school term just around the corner, an air of panic has set in about the prospect of uncleared staff working with children. No system is infallible, but this one must perform to the best standards any system possibly can.

Nursery World has been publishing news about the situation and your comments about the delays since the CRB started. Our readers have been warning how serious the situation is for a long time, and it is a great shame that more rigorous action was not taken sooner. Now, with the new school term just around the corner, an air of panic has set in about the prospect of uncleared staff working with children. No system is infallible, but this one must perform to the best standards any system possibly can.

Next week, our Special Report will look at the implications for schools and nurseries of the Soham tragedy, and will give expert advice for teachers and childcarers who are trying to cope with children's fears and questions.

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