PAT: Statement on registration of sex offenders

Monday, 16, Jan 2006 12:00

The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) is calling for a single, independently regulated, UK-wide register of people who are cleared to work with children and young people in schools, nurseries or any other setting – including children being looked after in their own home – and those who are unsuitable to work with children. PAT has welcomed the Government’s announcement that ministers should lose the power to determine whether sex offenders should be employed in schools. The independent union is calling for the General Teaching Councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to be given the same powers as the GTC for Scotland to check the suitability of teachers.

PAT General Secretary Philip Parkin said: “There needs to be an end to this confusion. There are worrying anomalies in the system and so we welcome the review announced by the Secretary of State.

“We support the Bichard recommendation of a single list of all people suitable to work with children and this must be introduced as quickly as possible.

“We would like to see a single register covering all parts of the UK and all teachers, support staff, tutors and childcarers working with children, young people or vulnerable adults in any setting.

“If English ministers are no longer to be involved in these decisions, then they should look to the Scottish model of a politically independent registration system for teachers.”