Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 February 2008. It was answered by Lord Brennan of Canton (Labour) on Monday, 4 February 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

School Safety

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps the Government has taken to make schools safer for children since 1997.

Answer: The protection of children is our unequivocal first priority.Through the Education Act 2002 we legislated to put a duty on schools to safeguard and promote the welfare of their pupils. And we have introduced important safeguards to prevent unsuitable people working with children in schools. We are introducing changes to ensure we have the toughest ever vetting and barring system. The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act will deliver the first centralised vetting and barring system for all those working with children and vulnerable adults.Ahead of this legislation being implemented, we have tightened up the current system, so that anyone cautioned or convicted for sexual offences against children after 28 February 2007 is automatically entered on List 99 and barred from working in schools and other education settings. This applies to anyone aged 18 or over who is convicted of, or cautioned for, a relevant offence regardless of whether there is evidence that they have been in previous employment in the education and children's work force.

Secondary information