Bichard’s inclusive list plan is dropped

The government has confirmed it has scrapped plans to introduce
a registration scheme for all those working with children because
it would be “prohibitively costly and impractical to
implement”.

The database, one of 31 recommendations made by Sir Michael
Bichard in his report into the failures that allowed Soham murderer
Ian Huntley to obtain a job as a school caretaker, was initially
accepted by the government.

But in a report published this week, the government says that,
following a feasibility study, a list that will build on existing
lists barring unsuitable people will be used instead. The
Protection of Children Act List 1999 and List 99 will be brought
together under one registration scheme to be run by a central
body.

It is estimated the database will cost £10m to set up and
between £8m and £10m to run annually in England and
Wales. A full study to refine costs will be carried out by
March.

The government is likely to legislate on the scheme next year
and the body will be operational by 2007.

The report also reveals that online child protection training
for teachers will be introduced in April, and new guidance for
schools on recruitment and selection will be issued in March.

• Report is available at website www.homeoffice.gov.uk