His report into the murders in Soham of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman by caretaker Ian Huntley, published last week, recommended the creation of 'a registration scheme for those wishing to work with children or vulnerable adults, which employers could access' overseen by a central body that would have access to information available to the Criminal Records Bureau.
The report said such a register 'would confirm that there is no known reason why someone should not work with children or vulnerable adults' and that it 'would also have a built-in appeal process for applicants before any information about them reaches a potential employer'.
The Department for Education and Skills said last week that it was to carry out a feasibility study 'to establish the best way to deliver a registration scheme covering all those who work with children' and that it would be reporting back to Sir Michael when he reconvenes his inquiry in six months' time.
The 196-page report recommended that the register be supported by 'a card or licence', which could include the qualifications of early years professionals. It added, 'If it was decided to introduce a card of licence, a photographic card with biometric details would provide advantages in checking identification.'
The report said the creation of a central register would mean 'that the whole vetting process is not repeated every time a person moves post'. It added, 'This should achieve considerable savings in terms of time, effort and resources for employers, the police and applicants.' Individuals would also have a right to appeal against any refusal to place them on the register.
The proposals would also cover people nannies and tutors. The report also called for systems to be in place to vet foreign workers coming into the UK.
Organisations representing the early years workforce welcomed the recommendations.
Rosemary Murphy, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, 'We had already recognised the need for this kind of register when in May 2003 we proposed a childcare passport which would include verification of the CRB check.'
Judith Thompson, chair of trustees of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, added, 'The cost of being registered must be pegged at a level that allows volunteers to be registered, because an excessive charge could prevent them from working with children.'
Tricia Pritchard, professional officer for the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses, which has been lobbying for a national register of nannies, added, 'The report is endorsing all we've been calling for.'
