PRESS RELEASE
20 January 2006

 

Comment On New Vetting Procedures For Those Working With Children

The safety and well-being of our children is paramount. We must minimise the chance of abuse and even murder by those working in schools, settings and after-school clubs. That position of trust has been misused too often when with better access to information it could have been avoided.

We approve of the automatic ban from working with children for those who have been convicted or cautioned with the provision of the right to appeal.

The single list to replace four lists can only make the information more accessible and fit for purpose. The requirement for mandatory CRB checks will need staffing so that there are not long delays.

This is a highly specialised area and it seems appropriate that a panel of experts should take over the decision making process from ministers and civil servants. The panel will offer stability as ministers and civil servants move on. It will also bring the deep professional knowledge and wisdom which is needed to carry out this important and complex task.

Anne Nelson
Director
British Association for Early Childhood Education

20 January 2006

The British Association for Early Childhood Education (Early Education) is the national voluntary organisation for early years practitioners promoting the right of all children to education of the highest quality. It provides support, advice and information for everyone concerned with the education and care of young children from birth to eight years.