A-Z Listing
D
DBS (criminal record checks)
Buckinghamshire Council’s (BC) Safeguarding in Employment Team is responsible for implementing and applying the latest developments in government legislation and reviewing guidance and providing advice and support in all areas of safer employment practice, including the processing of DBS Checks. Please use these pages to find out all about DBS checks for employees, volunteers, and contractors in schools as well as additional safer recruitment vetting checks. Safeguarding concerns or al…
DBS and safeguarding
Buckinghamshire Council’s (BC) Safeguarding in Employment Team is responsible for implementing and applying the latest developments in government legislation and reviewing guidance and providing advice and support in all areas of safer employment practice, including the processing of DBS Checks. Please use these pages to find out all about DBS checks for employees, volunteers, and contractors in schools as well as additional safer recruitment vetting checks. Safeguarding concerns or al…
DBS application process
A DBS Check is a critical part of the Safer Recruitment Process. The DBS Check allows safer recruitment decisions to be made and prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children, through its criminal record checking and barring functions. eDBS System Buckinghamshire Council processes DBS checks online via an electronic Employment Check system. Access the eDBS system eDBS Administrator user requests To request a log in or remove an existing…
DBS checks for contractors in schools
Schools should ensure that any contractor, or any employee of the contractor, who is to work at the school, has been subject to the appropriate level of DBS Check (where that is necessary or appropriate) and that adequate supervision is in place whilst on the premises. Contractors engaging in regulated activity will require an enhanced DBS Check (including a Children’s Barred List Check). For all other contractors who are not engaging in regulated activity, but whose work provides them with…
DBS checks for trainee or student teachers
Where trainee teachers are fee-funded it is the responsibility of an “Initial Teacher Training” (ITT) provider to carry out the necessary vetting checks, including an Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred List. A provider such as an ITT should confirm in writing to schools that a non-salaried trainee’s Enhanced DBS Check (including a check of the Children’s Barred List) and all other relevant vetting checks have been completed and that the individual has been judged by the provider to…
DBS checks for volunteers in schools
The Disclosure and Barring Service defines a volunteer is a person who performs an activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), undertaking a role which aims to benefit a school. Volunteers in schools, for example, in ‘specified places’, who are supervised at a reasonable level do not require a DBS Check. Volunteers in schools who are unsupervised will require a DBS Check with Barred List Check as they are regarded as being i…
DBS checks for work experience placements
Work experience can be defined as short-term (less than 15 working days) experience of employment in the workplace and is usually unpaid -although reasonable expenses may be paid. The purpose of work experience is to gain first-hand knowledge and practice of a working environment and can be particularly useful for young (although not exclusively so) people. A DBS check is only required for someone undertaking work experience if: they are aged 16 or over a placement will involve regu…
DBS criminal record checks
What is a criminal record check? A criminal record check is a record of a person’s criminal history. In the majority of cases, a check will include all criminal offences including cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings. It may also include traffic offences such as speeding and drink-driving. DBS Application process Security features of a DBS certificate The importance of a criminal record check Criminal records checks help employers ensure that unsuitable people are…
DBS for governors
All governors, in whatever kind of school such as, maintained, independent, academy, or free school, must have an Enhanced DBS Certificate. This follows amended legislation that came into force on the 18th of March 2016 to make Enhanced DBS checks mandatory for governors in maintained schools. LA Maintained Schools must undertake 'section 128 checks' for all governors. Section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 prohibits unsuitable staff and proprietors from 'taking part in the managem…
DBS rechecks
There is no legal requirement to renew DBS checks at certain intervals, for example, every 3 or 5 years, or at all. However, we recommend that employees in 'high risk' roles are appropriately rechecked on a regular basis. DBS check renewals are usually once every three years and are recommended specifically for: staff who work on a one to one, often unsupervised basis with children, young people or adults at risk of abuse e.g. social workers, education welfare officers, home carers…
DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service enables employers and employees, including volunteers, to use one DBS certificate across different organisations. Carrying out a DBS update service check Where an individual has subscribed to the Update Service, you will be able to carry out a free online check to view the status of an existing DBS certificate where: the employer has the individual's consent the employer could legally request a new DBS check for the role they are applying for the DBS…
Definitions
Set out below are the definitions of words/phrases used in this guidance document: Key Principles of the SEND Code of Practice: The importance of involving children and young people and their families The ‘person centred’ principles on which the Graduated Approach is based include that: The views, wishes and feelings of the child or young person must be taken into account. Their parents / carers’ views must be taken into account. The child or young person and their parents / c…
Designated Teacher Induction
This training will give new Designated Teachers an overview of their role and responsibilities. Outcome: Understand your statutory duties and corporate parent responsibilities. Recognise the features of an effective, high quality PEP meeting. Understand how to access the ePEP and use it as a live document to record progress and interventions. Consider how to use the Pupil Premium Grant effectively for maximum impact Speakers: Emma Owen (Virtual School Head Teacher)…
Development Governor
As well as governing board training and development , another important part of the role is the induction of any new governors Useful websites Bucks Association of School Governors National Governors’ Association The Department for Education (DfE) OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) ofsted.gov.uk and Parent view parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/ EFA (Education Funding Agency)
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments
If workers use display screen equipment (DSE) daily, as part of their normal work, continuously for an hour or more, employers must do a workstation assessment. Employers should look at: the whole workstation, including equipment, furniture, and work conditions the job being done any special requirements of a member of staff, for example, a user with a disability Reducing the risks Where there are risks, they should take steps to reduce them. Employers must also do…
Down Syndrome
The primary aim of the team is to promote the successful inclusion and progress of children and young people with Down syndrome to achieve their personal best, working in partnership with schools, colleges, pre-school settings, parents and other agencies. We can provide support as needed, which may include: Assessment of educational needs Classroom observations to inform inclusive practice Monitoring progress Advice on managing the learning environment Support to ensure…
Down Syndrome Team
The primary aim of the team is to promote the successful inclusion and progress of children and young people with Down syndrome to achieve their personal best, working in partnership with schools, colleges, preschool settings, parents and other agencies. We can provide support as needed, which may include: assessment of educational needs classroom observations to inform inclusive practice monitoring progress advice on managing the learning environment support to ensure a…
Driving licence requirements
The following information is for managers; staff and others involved in the operation of vehicles used for council business, and will assist managers to recruiting for posts likely to include driving duties. Reference should be made to the Council's document " Regulations for the Use of Vehicles ". Regulations for the use of vehicles Driving license UK drivers who passed their ordinary car driving test before 1 January 1997 will normally have been issued an old style UK Driving L…