Throughout any work placement the responsibility for the young person remains with the school. If an employer has a concern about a young person on placement they will be advised to inform the schools named teacher as soon as possible.
The named teacher is the individual responsible in a school for child welfare issues. They can be contacted through the school office, the visiting teacher or the central organisers.
The School will be responsible for visiting young people on placements to check not only on progress but also provide an opportunity to confidentially discuss child welfare issues.
“If a young person raises a child protection concern or the person making the visit has a concern the named person should be informed immediately”
An employer must not knowingly place a child with anyone who they perceive may fail a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
Employers CRB checks are not required by law for the block one or two week placements. However, as an additional safeguard and as a model of good practice, central organisers may CRB check the named supervisor of the placement. Further safeguards may be necessary for extended placements.
In some cases, some employers may require a student to be CRB checked. This is a rare occurrence and requires advanced notice. This may apply to student teachers or nursery nurse placements. CRB checks can be arranged either by the school, Local Education Authority or central organisers.
A positive CRB check may enhance student’s progression and employment prospects.
Employers undertaking CRB checks are also putting into place additional company safeguards.