Have employed a new nanny. Would you insist on a police check?

[ziopin]

Hi, I have found a lovely new nanny. She does not have much experience (babysitting, was a nanny during summer holidays last year) She is currently studying for her Masters degree, and as the job is p/t, the hours are great for her.

I've contacted her references, all good but she doesn't have a police check.

The question is, would you insist on one?

Yes it would certainly be desirable, but obtaining it will be an issue as the CRB still don't allow parents to request a check directly.

Oh I didn't know that. How could I obtain one then?

Ziopin, YOU can't, unfortunately.

If you are happy, and can fully check out her references, then I would say go with it anyway.

According to this weekends papers, the authorities get a fair percentage of checks wrong anyway.

Looks like neither you nor she can make the application. So, nothing to consider really. They have made the decision for you. You can not do it.

www.crb.org.uk/default.aspx?page=381

Someone explain to me why an agency can make the appplication but the parent (the actual employer!) can not.

if you want to pay your nanny using any form of public money (student bursary, tax-free vouchers etc) then she will need to be registered with Ofsted, which will include her requesting a CRB check. Registration is not cheap (#100 I think?) but I quite liked my nanny doing this.

I looked at the CRB check mainly because I felt it would be so daft if i didn't and later found out she had previously been done for armed robbery. Not surprisingly, she hadn't. I wasn't at all worried before I saw it!

You could get your nanny to volunteer at the local school/church and then they will get her a CRB check for free.

I would probably let it go if you have good checkable references.

My nannies tend to be foreign so I never bother with a UK CRB check. Seeing as they haven't lived here before I think it's a pretty safe bet they haven't committed crimes here.

Oh, and congrats on the new nanny!

Ziopin - if you get her to register for Ofsted, the CRB will then get done as part of the registration process. Two birds with one stone sort of thing.

Thanks AtheneNoctua