Vetting and Security
Nothing is more important than the safeguarding of our children. As a provider of staff to schools and nurseries we believe it’s equally our responsibility to ensure the safety of children and young adults. Our in-house compliance department specialise in carrying out and following the upmost stringent checks and vetting procedures of all applicants seeking work through London Teaching Pool Ltd (TLTP).
After a recent inspection by the REC in conjunction with the DfE, TLTP is proud to retain the REC Audited Award and in doing so is one of only a few agencies to have achieved this. With the safeguarding of children so rightly a top priority, the award is our clients’ reassurance that our procedures fully meet and exceed the minimum requirements of the safer recruitment agenda. In line with the REC and DfE “Keeping Children Safe in Education” the levels of checks carried out, but not limited to by TLTP are:
1. Identity
- Proof of identity (Passport, Birth Certificate)
- Photo identity (Passport, Driver's License, I.D Card)
- Proof of address (recent utility bill, council tax bill)
- Teacher reference number
Schools will be provided with full applicant information which must be checked upon arrival of work.
2. Qualifications
- Membership of the Teaching Agency Employer Access Service
- Proof of Teaching qualifications (original certificates, diploma) – checked & verified by DfE or NCTL/QTLS
- Equivalent Overseas Trained Teacher qualifications checked & verified by UK NARIC
3. DBS
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks are mandatory for those who are working with children – regardless of role, contract type, unsupervised or supervised environments. This ascertains the safety of pupils by averting unsuitable people from working with children and young adults and ensures compliance with statutory and regulatory safeguarding standards and processes, as defined by the DfE and Ofsted.
- DBS Certificate (current proof of certification if available) – high level of criminal record checked & verified by the DBS Service
- Overseas workers - police checks carried out for time spent living or working outside of the UK
In the event of a DBS not being available; schools have the discretion to allow a candidate to start work whilst awaiting the receipt of a DBS. Schools will be provided with written confirmation with all the appropriate checks that have been undertaken along with confirmed status for each check.
4. Right to Work in the UK
- In line with Government legislations, all candidates require a proof of Right to Work in the UK.
- For UK/EU candidates – a valid UK/EU Passport/I. D Card
- For candidates outside the UK/EU require – a Valid Visa or Work Permit
5. Previous Employment History and References
Our professional consultants are trained to identify a candidate's skill, experience and competency as well as identify gaps in their employment history.
They ask probing questions to satisfy themselves of the reasons for any gaps and seek evidence, where possible, for the period of unemployment (maternity leave, illness, travel etc).
To ensure credibility of applicants and verify work history, at least 2 professional references are required in writing of which 1 must be from the most recent employer.
- All Teachers must have a minimum of 6 months teaching experience within the last 2 years, verified by references.
- All non-teaching staff must have a minimum of 6 months experience in a similar role within the last 2 years, verified by references.
- In the case of ECTs or those not yet employed as a teacher, references can be from a former school/college, teacher/tutor or other professional where the teaching qualification and any training was obtained.
6. Face to Face Competency Based Interview
All candidates are personally interviewed by a professional and trained Consultant.
- In depth consultation – to discuss experience, particular requirements and career aspirations. This ensures a much closer match between the schools and candidate.
- Familiarity with the UK National Curriculum – ensure candidates are knowledgeable of the UK National Curriculum and are keeping up to date with legislations.
7. Fit to Work
As part of the candidate registration process, all are required to carry out a Medical & Health check to ensure they are in good health and able to meet the daily responsibilities of working in a school environment.
Our robust vetting and security checks gives you peace of mind when recruiting staff through TLTP Education.
