Nursery World - Free staff checks

It is a shame that it has taken the realisation that we need to have a national registration scheme to be highlighted by the Bichard report instigated by the tragic deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Let's now hope that the Government and the DfES act quickly before another horrendous tragedy strikes - and it will unless we tighten up our registration process. The National Day Nurseries Association has proposed a childcare passport, which would include verification of CRB checks and qualifications, but this is still not enough - we should all be doing that already. CRB checks are a starting point but only highlight the offenders that have been caught. As for verification of qualifications, what good would that have done in the case of Huntley? We want to know that a person is clear of any serious allegations that did not go to trial which should stop them from working with vulnerable people, including the disabled and elderly.

The National Day Nurseries Association has proposed a childcare passport, which would include verification of CRB checks and qualifications, but this is still not enough - we should all be doing that already. CRB checks are a starting point but only highlight the offenders that have been caught. As for verification of qualifications, what good would that have done in the case of Huntley? We want to know that a person is clear of any serious allegations that did not go to trial which should stop them from working with vulnerable people, including the disabled and elderly.

It is right and proper that a neutral, non-commercial body should oversee this process, such as Ofsted, which already has suitable systems in place that could be expanded. We have seen the unacceptable rise in the cost of CRB checks from 10 to 33. This, as we all know, has led to more and more unchecked staff. Registration and accessibility to information must be free - you cannot put a price on a child's life.

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