AIBU to ask my new childminder to update CRB check?

[TheFowlAndThePussycat]

After all sorts of childcare stresses and temporary arrangements we have found a lovely childminder, in all other respects her paperwork is in order, she keeps beautiful records but her CRB (and her partner's) are four years old from when she started minding.

I work with children, young people & vulnerable adults in various different capacities and must have had half a dozen crb checks in the last four years! I asked if she would be prepared to update the CRBs at our expense and she is absolutely happy to. But she was clearly a bit taken aback and then I felt a bit guilty.

I should stress that I have no concerns at all, or I wouldn't be considering leaving the kids with her and I'm the first person to acknowledge that CRBs are not the be all and end all of keeping children safe. We have spent time with her with her mindees and our children and taken references and checked Ofsted etc. But it still seems like a sensible precaution to me - you'd kick yourself later if anything happened iyswim?

Are there any rules/guidelines for cms regarding CRBs? And how do CMs access them (at work we pay a third party to do them)

Thanks in advance.

It may be that some voluntary etc. places have insurance companies that require regular checks. I know one I work for has policy that says they must be 'valid' and on phone 'valid' = every three years.

When the enhanced CRBs were introduced, Ofsted planned to carry out a rolling program to ensure all existing childminders be re-CRBd on the new system. AFIK this program was never begun. I assume it was the cost that was the deciding factor in not carrying out the program as planned, particularly when the new V&B system was being considered.

I have queried this with Ofsted several times, because I have lost work when parents have not been able to view any evidence of my CRB (10 years ago). Ofsted's view, as explained to me, is that they consider their own checks and possession of a registration certificate as evidence enough that a childminder is suitable to be working in that role. IME it is not always enough for parents and I understand their viewpoint entirely.

IMO this system puts childminders at a disadvantage compared to other types of childcarer and I am disappointed that NCMA have not taken the opportunity to campaign for change in this area.