[04 SEP 98] COVENTRY
CITY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
Tighter Rules For Child MindersCoventry's Social Services department has further strengthened its
system for registration of child minders in the wake of a Norfolk child minder's
conviction for the murder of a baby in her care.
An additional identity check requires applicants reaching
'fit person' interview stage of the registration process to supply not only their birth
certificate, but also current proof of identity such as marriage certificate, passport or
driving licence.
The background of applicants who have not lived within the
city for at least five years will now be stringently checked, with greater detail
requested from the local authority where they previously lived.
Lesley Ward, head of Coventry's Inspection Services
responsible for registration of child minders within the city, said:
"The registration system within Coventry is extremely
rigorous, and we do investigate applicants' backgrounds as far as is possible before
considering their registration as a child minder. Registration has been refused to one
applicant this year, while five existing registrations have been cancelled. Coventry City
Council always acts to take any necessary action to address problems identified during
registration application or monitoring, including legal action.
"But such action is rarely necessary, and parents need
to be reassured that there are 640 registered child minders within the city offering a
good and much needed service to our community."
Applicants within Coventry first complete a
pre-registration of six x two hour sessions run by inspection unit staff and covering
registration and inspection processes, child development, behaviour and discipline, equal
opportunities, health and safety, child protection and the business aspects of child
minding.
After successful completion applicants then fill in an
application form, and the applicant and all people over 16 within their household are
subject to police checks. References are obtained from the general practitioner, from two
personal referees, from the probation service, from a health visitor if the applicant has
a child under five, and via SURFACS - social services own client record system.
Checks are made with the previous local authority where
applicants lived if not resident in the city for at least five years.
When all references are received the applicant is invited
for 'fit person' interview to test their understanding of the roles and responsibilties of
a child minder. This interview is also the opportunity to raise any concerns which may
have arisen during the checking process. At this stage applicants must produce current
proof of identity.
The applicant's home is visited by a member of the
registration and inspection team and all areas to be used for child minding are inspected
to ensure the environment is safe and meets the required standards, this includes specific
advice from West Midlands Fire Service if necessary. Any concerns regarding the
accommodation have to be corrected before child minding can be allowed.
If all is well a recommendation for registration is made to
the Head of Inspection Services or to the Lead Inspector, Under Eights.
If problems have arisen, for example criminal convictions
relevant to the role of a child minder, a written report recommending the registration be
refused is submitted to the Head of Inspection and subsequently to the Director of Social
Services or Head of Resources and Regulation for final decision. Applicants may appeal
against refusal of registration to the registration panel of elected members and
ultimately to the courts
MORE INFORMATION:
Lesley Ward, Head of Inspection Services 01203 832447 |
