Possible ID card for children’s workers

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.