ESL is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all team members to share in and support this commitment. Preventing those who might wish to harm or abuse them from entering the workforce is a top priority. In line with revised guidance published by the DCSF on Safeguarding Children in Education, ESL has introduced additional information when confirming assignments which enhance the security of children.

The new guidance places a responsibility on schools and FE colleges to keep a single, central record collating when checks on staff were made and by whom, including identity, qualification requirements and Criminal Records Bureau checks. The Criminal Records Check incorporates the List 99 Check.

Please do be assured, ESL will not assign a supply team member until all checks have been completed. The DCSF is content that supply team members can be assigned on the basis of a successful List 99 Check and an application being made to the CRB. In light of concerns expressed about the integrity of List 99, ESL will not assign until the full disclosure process has been completed.

To help alleviate the time consuming but vital task of producing these records, ESL confirms all assignments in writing by either e mail or post. Each confirmation order outlines the requirements of the assignment and confirms information required to be collated in the central register.

The checks that we conduct in support of the Safeguarding regulations include:

• References
• ID check
• Previous employment history
• Medical Fitness
• An original Enhanced CRB Disclosure which encompasses List 99. We do not accept the viewpoint of others and consequently reject the porting of disclosure.
• Qualifications
• QTS
• GTC status
• Induction status
• Right to work
• Overseas Criminal Records Bureau check when appropriate

The written confirmation orders provided by ESL satisfy all aspects of the DCSF/OFSTED guidelines and can be used as the single, central record.

In addition to the written confirmation order all ESL Supply Team Members will produce a photo ID Card which features the name of the candidate and confirms disclosure information. The information on the ID Card will match that on the confirmation email.

Should you have any concerns about the assigned supply team member you should refuse entry, make contact with the office where all attempts will be made to assure identity. The security and well being of your children and staff is our principle concern.

If you are employing new members of staff who are not from ESL or you would like to renew checks on existing members of staff, ESL is an approved Umbrella Body registered with the Criminal Records Bureau to administer CRB checks on your behalf. Please do make contact with the office should this service be of any interest.