Playground supervisors: are they checked/trained?

[Nutribullet0]

An incident has happened at my child's school, which could be something, or could be nothing.

Are playground monitors trained in what is appropriate/inappropriate behaviour with children ? Who is responsible for this, the school? Are any qualifications necessary to be a playground supervisor?

Thanks.

I worked as lunchtime supervisor & wasn't DBS's in that specific context... I wouldn't ever have unsupervised access, though, I was just a spare person on the playground or wiping down tables in the hall (supply work).

You said you didn't have playground specific DBS does that mean you do have DBS?

I worked as a playground supervisor for a couple of months. I was CRB checked but received no induction or training whatsoever. After an incident where a pupil was hurt (thankfully not seriously - but could of been) I handed in my notice. No training was ever going to happen and without it the job felt like a disaster waiting to happen.

A DBS check won't help if they haven't been caught for anything previously. They are useful, yes, but can foster a false sense of security.

It's a fine line with staff. What is acceptable for women is not always seemed so for the men. And yes the check just confirms never been charged with any offence. The female TAs etc often have the kids on their knees, giving hugs etc

OP, I think you are right to express your concerns, and you can ask what the policy is at your school regarding midday staff or playground, at our school we have all had a DBS, current first aid and child protection both from the local authorities and from the school.

I can tell you though that some midday assistants have a much more 'hands on' approach, will play football with the children, the kids cheer when they know that the person in question is in their playground, because they are fun to be with and the kids enjoy interacting with them. I often get children - boys and girls - who will spend the entire playtime holding my hand walking up and down the playground, chatting, telling me about their day. I will also play games with them, and pay direct positive attention to them - not just look out for issues and only talk to them when something is wrong. So please be careful about any allegations.

Writing generally, some of the early posts were a tad complacent. People who do wrong over a number of years are cleverly devious Its not easy.
But keep your eyes peeled

Do playgrounds have CCTV

Some do.

An incident has happened at my child's school, which could be something, or could be nothing

..it is no wonder we have so few men willing to work with children.

Eldest school All lunchtime checked and trained many work as classroom assistants reading helpers or are parents.the caretaker supervises lunch and runs lunchtime football I like the fact they have a man as they few and far between in early years and primary education.

I have freinds who work other schools no training say fights all time and don't paint a pretty picture

Part of reason I and others moved from last school as lunchtime supervision was inadequate think child with broken leg all afternoon unnoticed until home time.not filling out accident reports or communicating to teachers. One parent was concerned phoned social services ans they investigated the school.

I'm worried about my son starting school he has delayed speech very anxious and shy worry how they protect him and manage him at lunchtime.

Do checks flag up offences commuter abroad as thought that was a loophole.

Of course there be ones never been caught.

I think training for support staff need to be better.

These checks mean very little, someone I worked with had a full history of 'CRB' checks (in the old days) but all it meant was that he'd never been caught doing anything wrong .............. he ended up in prison for many years due to very serious crimes against young boys.