Why should toddler groups have CRB checks?

Nobody likes pointless paperwork and filling out the form for a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check can seem like a waste of time, particularly if you already have disclosures from other activities. You could argue that as a toddler group leader you do not need to be checked because you are not actually responsible for any children; after all, the carers do stay with them. However, once you understand what a CRB check does, you’ll see why it’s worth taking the time to fill out that form.

Whilst not directly responsible for the children, it’s recognised that toddler group leaders are in ‘a position of trust’. Because of their role in the group, the children, and the adults too, will not treat them with the caution that they might a stranger in the street. As a result of this, they may have the opportunity to develop that relationship outside of the toddler group, inviting the family into their home or offering to babysit. This could be an opportunity for abuse.

Does the law require CRB checks?

The law requires those working with children to have a Safeguarding policy or Child-protection policy in place. It’s this policy which tells you who needs to be CRB checked (although the Charity Commission and/or your insurance policy may make additional requirements). If the toddler group isn’t included in your church’s policy, you should put your own in place. You can read more about this in our article on ‘Safeguarding children in toddler groups’.

Inevitably, when specifying exactly who needs a CRB check, there’ll be grey areas. Question such as ‘when does a parent who helps to put away the toys become a leader?’ or ‘if our tea-lady is sick one week, does her stand-in need a CRB check?’ show how tricky it is to legislate in such matters. A degree of common sense is required.

The greater the contact someone has with any particular child or group of children, the more they will be trusted and the higher the possibilities for abuse become. This why the government has described ‘regulated activities’ as those in which people take part frequently (once a week or more) or intensively (on four days or more in a single month or overnight). Anyone involved in a ‘regulated activity’ can be CRB checked, even if they are part of a pool of people or on a rota.

Whatever your Safeguarding policy says, however, it’s important that you always abide by it and don’t make exceptions for anybody.

What does a CRB check do?

A CRB check provides the toddler group with the necessary information to decide whether that person is suitable for the role that they are using them for. It will let them know if the person is barred from working with children and will reveal any information held on central police databases such as cautions, convictions, reprimands and warnings. Toddler groups are entitled to an enhanced disclosure which, in addition to the above, gives them information from local police databases if it’s relevant to the role for which the person has applied e.g. driving offences for someone who will be driving children. This means that it’s important to be specific in the job description given and not use checks made by other organisations or for other roles.

As they can only provide information held on the day that the check is made, checks need to be repeated at regular intervals. The frequency should be specified in your own Safeguarding policy but every three years is generally recommended.

How do I obtain a CRB check?

A CRB check involves completing a simple form and showing documents, to prove your identity, to a registered countersignatory. There’s no charge if you are working in a voluntary capacity, although certain 'umbrella' organisations that process the forms for you may have their own fees.

If you need any further information, or assistance with obtaining CRB checks, then do contact the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) who are extremely helpful. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0845 120 4550.

Last Updated 06 December 2010