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Written question asked by Lord Farmer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 May 2016. It was answered by Lord Nash (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 May 2016 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Children: Protection

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether professionals who work with children, such as social workers and teachers, are legally required to leave their professions if they continue to live, or resume living, with a convicted sex offender to whom they are married, or with whom they have had children who are no longer minors, after that offender has served a custodial or community sentence.

Answer

Arrangements within the Childcare Act 2006 and the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009 disqualify a person from providing, working in, or managing childcare provision on the grounds that a person in their household has committed a relevant offence. A number of the qualifying offences are of a sexual nature.

A person disqualified from working in any childcare setting for these reasons is able to apply to Ofsted for a waiver against disqualification. Where a waiver is granted the disqualified person is permitted to work in childcare.

The Department publishes guidance (attached) to assist schools, childcare providers and those working in childcare and help them understand the arrangements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7969
Session
2015-16
Attachment
Disqualification under the childcare act 2006; Statutory framework for the early years foundation
Subjects
Children Offenders Protection Vetting Teachers Sexual offences Social workers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk