Government opens consultation on teacher disqualification

Rules around disqualifying teachers who live with an offender under consultation until 1 July

Posted by Stephanie Broad | May 06, 2016 | People, policy, politics

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• #disqualification-by-association

The Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 statutory guidance covers maintained, independent and academy schools, designed to safeguard children by disqualifying those with certain criminal offences from becoming a teacher or other childcare worker. 

The guidance also covers those who live in the same household as an offender, known as disqualification ‘by association’. The government is now seeking views on proposed changes to these arrangements

Commenting on the consultation, Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said the measures should only affect childcare providers, as schools already have ‘robust’ measures in place. “NAHT has been at the forefront of organisations calling on the government to look again at this legislation,” he said. “Only last week NAHT’s annual conference reiterated calls to exclude schools from these measures.

“The disqualification by association rules were designed for childcare providers only, and add nothing to the robust safeguarding procedures already in schools. 

“We thank the government for listening to NAHT concerns on this important issue, and look forward to submitting evidence to help make the system work better for school leaders.” 

The consultation is open now until 1 July 2016. Give your views here.