News

A children's worker passport that would be carried by professionals who have been vetted is under consideration by the Department for Education and Skills.

Althea Efunshile, director for safeguarding children and supporting families at the DfES, told the Bichard Inquiry into how Ian Huntley got a job as a school caretaker that the feasibility of a photocard, designed to give extra assurances about the suitability of a worker, was being discussed.

Early talks have also taken place to merge the List 99 system, which contains the names of people unsuitable to work with children in education, and the Protection of Children Act list, developed at the Department of Health.


The Poca was transferred to the DfES eight months ago when children's services moved from the DoH but there are significant procedural differences in the way to the two systems operate.

The Bichard Inquiry has now concluded and is expected to publish its report next month.