Government reviewing schools vetting system

The government is to look again at how background checks on those working with children should be performed following widespread criticism of its plans.

Children's services director of the NSPCC Wes Cuell had told the Sunday Telegraph the move could stop people doing things that were "perfectly safe and normal", such as youth clubs using parental volunteers.

Children's secretary Ed Balls admitted it was "tremendously important" to define "frequent or intensive" contact correctly.

He confirmed he had asked the chairman of the new Independent Safeguarding Authority to review this issue and report back on it by December this year.

Mr Balls also stressed the change in legislation would not apply in instances such as parents agreeing to give their children's friends a lift to school.

Written by Tim Colman





Published On 15/09/2009