Importance of Childcare Background Checks

Any individual who comes into contact with children in their daily line of work “has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children”.

‘The fundamental obligation that anyone working in child care, whatever the type of service and whatever their role, is to keep children safe.’ (Marilyn Hopkins LLB, Dip.Ed.. (March 2006). DUTY OF CARE. Available: http://www.rch.org.au/emplibrary/ecconnections/CCH_Vol9_No1_March2006.pdf last accessed 26/10/11)

All professionals working with children/young people i.e. teaching assistants, volunteers, outside agencies are CRB checked (criminal records bureau).

All adults wanting to work with children whether it is paid or voluntary must be checked, commonly known has having a criminal record check which is only done by criminals record bureau.

More than ever, Child protection is a topical issue. That’s why many years ago the British government, aware of the fragility and vulnerability of children to adults, has implemented a number of laws relating to children and young people in the UK. These laws are made to define the inherent right of children, and also to define the implication of their rights for all those responsible of or using any childhood services; but more specifically what we will see through the legislation concerning the rights of children, is how they may impact the work of childcarers, how they can

This is a report which has been created to introduce new childcare practitioners to safeguarding within a childcare setting. This will help new practitioners to understand current legislations within the United Kingdom.

Adrian Allen, an Early Childhood Education Student stated that salaries may be a big issue as males are generally socialized to believe they should “provide for and support a family” as “breadwinners” and when looking at careers an ECE sometimes is looking at $12.00 an hour whereas working at an entry level factory job, you could be looking at least $16.00 an hour entry level with no education or previous training required.” This statement leads to discussions regarding how a focus on the fulfillment of a career in Human Services, and the difference you can make in this kind of career should be promoted when recruiting males into the field. It was also discussed how stereotypes of Human Services being “women’s work” may prevent males from feeling comfortable in pursuing a career in this field. Also sadly the stereotype of males who work with children must be “perverted” as a “normal” male would not choose a career working with and teaching children. This statement brought about lots of conversation regarding the safety for employees against false accusations. It is a sad fact that males DO bear the brunt of most false accusations and much exciting discussion occurred regarding how we can begin to develop policies and procedures that protect all employees (male and female!) from false accusations and how we can create a culture of support, education and knowledge within our Centre’s for

Policies and procedures are set in place to not only protect children and young people but also adults who work with them. It is vital that all professionals follow safe working practices to ensure that not only children are protected but also themselves. I have chosen to talk about in a childcare setting for this unit. An example is, if a disclosure is made by a child to a member of staff, it is vital that it is always taken seriously even if it is proven to be untrue or inaccurate. The child or young person should be listened

Analyze how national and local guidelines, policies, and procedures for safeguarding affect day-to-day work with children and young people.

Staff suitability/CRB checks/ DBS checks: Childcare providers must gain an enhanced criminal records disclosure in respect of every person aged 16 and over who works openly with children, lives on the premises on which the childcare is provided and/or works on the premises on which the childcare is provided.

There is also the concept of secondary liability. This means that if, for example, an employment agency

The Criminal Record Bureau gives employers and voluntary agencies access to information about people they intend to appoint to work with children.

Many children look up to their parents with hopes to someday be able to follow in their footsteps or decide which career they will take interest in later years. In establishing this new standard of company-provided childcare, more children will grow to understand the true meaning of hard work and they will be able to see what their parents go through on a daily basis to give them the best in life. Also, many women often dream about being close enough to their children to know that they are safe, yet far away enough to remain productive and efficient. Mothers can give their undivided attention to their work duties while having the reassuring thoughts of knowing that if anything goes wrong with their child, all parties are properly informed and in a timely

The protection of children act 1999- The act created a system for identifying persons considered to be unsuitable to work with children. This is achieved by checks being made with the Criminal records bureau (CRB).

I grew up loving children of all ages and wanting to be a caregiver. I was the baby sitter and nanny to the neighborhood and my church ward. When I was in High School’s it was no surprise to anyone that I chose to work in the school’s child care center. I continued working with children at several child care centers until I went to school.