Statement from Jacqui Smith

It is vital that schools have in place robust recruitment and selection practices to help ensure they are safe learning environments for children and young people. Experience shows the importance of measures that help to deter and identify people who pursue careers in work with children that will allow them an opportunity to abuse children. This crucial point was recognised by Sir Michael Bichard in his inquiry into child protection measures following the dreadful events at Soham. Sir Michael recommended, amongst other measures, that more training be made available to headteachers and school governors to ensure that interviews to appoint staff reflect the importance of safeguarding children.

That is why the Department for Education and Skills asked the National College for School Leadership to develop and deliver an online training package for headteachers and governors which helps to ensure that the school staff appointment process reflects the importance of safeguarding children. To achieve this, we have worked closely with representatives of headteacher, school governor and faith organisations, plus professional experts in the field of child abuse.

I very much hope these online materials will provide you with useful strategies for reviewing and enhancing the recruitment and selection practices at your school.