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Quality childcare requires good recruitment

BBC One's Whistleblower broadcast last night showed a series of errors in the provision of childcare.  Several allegations point towards poor recruitment practice. 

Commenting on the programme, Anne Fairweather, Head of Public Policy at the REC said, “Good recruitment practice is at the heart of providing a quality childcare service.  Recruitment agencies are required to obtain at least two references when placing people to work with vulnerable groups, such as children.  CRB checks are also a requirement and nurseries must ensure that only fully vetted workers are left with children on a one-to-one basis.  CVs and a candidate’s work history should also be thoroughly checked - recruitment agencies are experts in these matters.”

With regard to the suggestion that a large number of unqualified nursery assistants were left with children, Anne Fairweather continues, “Any nursery needs to get the balance right between experienced staff and those who are being trained up.  Our recruiters know only too well how difficult it is to recruit well qualified childcare staff.  Moving forward we are keen to work with skills bodies to attract new people to a career in childcare.”