Frequently asked questions
Do HR keep copies of the documents submitted by school staff when applying for their CRB check? If not, will they start to do this?
Copies of the documents are submitted but they are destroyed as confidential waste. We have asked the that this practice be reviewed for the future and that a document which confirms identity and eligibility to work in the UK is retained by the LA.Can the LA provide clarity around the portability of CRB checks? e.g. a karate tutor employed by a school to run an after school club has a recent CRB check from another LA. Does the school have to ask them to get another CRB check carried out via Ealing?
The LA does not use or accept portability. If the tutor is employed by the school then the school should get their own enhanced CRB check carried out. If the tutor is employed by a third party then the school should satisfy itself that all of the necessary safeguarding checks have been carried out by the employing organisation. The school should still confirm the identity of anyone sent to work at the school.Have Ealing auditors been CRB checked? If not, then can the LA undertake this check as they are left unsupervised in schools?
All auditors currently working in schools have CRB checks.Can Interserve employees carry ID that has their CRB number on the back so that it makes it easier for schools?
We have contacted Property Ealing who are addressing this issue. A number of personnel who transferred to Interserve under TUPE already possess enhanced CRB checks and we have been informed that the other personnel who attend school sites are in the process of being checked. The process to have the CRB clearance numbers placed onto the ID cards is being considered but is unlikely to happen due to cost constraints. Other options are being considered and we will work with Property Ealing to come to a solution. We are aware of instances when Interserve personnel have attended school sites without prior notification. Property Ealing have been informed of this and are aware that if the Interserve person cannot produce a copy of their CRB certificate and the schools do not have the resources to supervise them, then they will not be allowed entry to the school site.The ‘exit buttons’ for disabled staff and visitors are located at a height that children can reach which makes the site insecure. Can schools have these raised in height without contravening the disability legislation?
The DDA is primarily aimed at ensuring that there is no discrimination against able-bodied and persons with a disability. It would be appropriate to consider raising the exit button on the grounds of safety. However there must be a documented procedure in place, which will allow disabled persons, e.g. wheelchair users to use to enter or exit the site.How should schools manage the situation where parents want to take photos or video school performances but one or two parents have not given permission?
The Information Commissioners Office, historically provides information on this matter at Christmas. The 2008 guidance is available here: Information Commissioner’s encourages common sense approach to festive photos (pdf).
In short, parents have the right to take pictures and video of the school play.
Further guidance on how schools can manage this situation.
Is it okay for school staff to use their mobile phones during the school day; in light of the nursery worker who photographed the children she abused using her mobile phone?
Yes, school staff can use their mobile phones during the school day. To combat misuse, schools should have procedures in place where any suspicious activity can be reported confidentially.
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