You may be aware that there has been growing discussion, debate, contradiction and general kerfuffle over what exactly are the rules regarding disqualification of a worker due to ‘Association’. This means where a worker is disqualified due to someone working or living in their household having been disqualified.
While the story seems to be grabbing increasing national coverage, the Department for Education insist that nothing has changed to regulations on Disqualification which have been in place for many years, it is revised government guidance issued in October 2014 which has highlighted the issue and has led to the current situation.
The Guardianreported that hundreds of school staff have been suspended and that Ofsted is struggling to deal with the number of applications for waivers, it’s possible that a similar as yet unreported situation is developing for play and childcare staff. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jan/20/schools-suspend-staff-child-protection-regulations
There are concerns about asking staff and management committees (yes it applies to them too!) to disclose the disqualification status of themselves, but more particularly, that of the people in their households. Whilst this needs to be asked, the way it is asked, and how staff feel they are valued and supported through this, can make the difference between it feeling accusatory or a way of them further contributing to the safeguarding of children in their care.
BAND issued guidance before Christmas which aims to clarify the situation as far as possible at present, signposts to further guidance from DfE and Ofsted and suggests how play/childcare employers can ensure compliance with the legislation. This can be viewed on our website: http://www.bandltd.org.uk/development_and_support.html
Posted on
⇨ To get more stories like this one join up & get the BAND newsletter. ⇦
Sovereigns Thriving Communities Fund
Sovereigns Thriving Communities Fund The new Thriving Communities fund is aimed at supporting not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver cohesive, sustainable, and resilient communities. Sovereign Housing will be awarding grants from £1,000...
Fundraising News: John James Bristol Foundation
John James Bristol Foundation John James Bristol Foundation Grants are made to charitable organisations working for the benefit of Bristol residents. The trustees make every effort to grant money diversely in each...
Tesco Stronger Starts: Activity for all
Activity for all Tesco Stronger Starts is expanding its commitment to promoting children’s health and well-being across the UK. After the success of our recent Footie for All fund, we are extending...
Fundraising News: Bristol Water – Together for good
Bristol Water – Together for good The Together For Good fund operates as a community lottery. Every month, a different charity or community scheme wins £500 towards a project that will benefit...
Fundraising News: The Wolfson Foundation
The Wolfson Foundation The Wolfson Foundation’s main grants Programme – Funding for Places – has re-opened for applications. Through Funding for places, a wide range of organisations working across the fields of...
