Exchange Visits and CRB updated
Guidance on Foreign Exchange Host Families and CRB Checks
The following information is based on guidance issued by the DCSF and was updated by Herts HR Safe Staffing Team – June 2010.
Do Host Families Need a CRB Check?
For foreign exchange visits lasting less than 28 days, it is best practice for the organiser (for example, a school or college) to ensure that in a two-parent family both parents are subject to an enhanced CRB check prior to the start of the placement. This would include step-parents or the co-habiting partner of a single parent. There is no need to undertake CRB checks on other adults living at the same address, such as grown-up children or grandparents.
A placement exceeding 28 days will be regarded as a fostering arrangement and Hertfordshire County Council Family Placement Services should be contacted.
Dual Households
In the case of dual households, for example where a foreign student may spend part of their time in a host student's mother's house and part of the time in a host student's father's house, the guidance above would apply to both households.
Foreign Exchange Host Families and the "Three Month" Rule
What is the three month rule?
If a CRB disclosure is issued and the applicant does not take up post within three months of the date of issue, then the disclosure is no longer considered valid and a recheck is required.
Similarly if a member of staff has a break in service of three months or more then a new CRB disclosure should be sought.
Please note that a CRB disclosure is only as accurate as the information supplied on the date it is printed and further information may have come to light in that three month gap.
Does this apply to Host Families?
For host families, it is suggested that, wherever possible, the application for a CRB disclosure is submitted no sooner than three months prior to the start of the placement.
Where families host separate visits more than three months apart, it is appreciated it may not be realistic to recheck them for the second visit. It is recommended that, if there is a three month gap, you maintain contact with the hosts on a regular basis and record the dates of contact. This will ensure the school is covered in the event that an issue does arise with any of the visits.
Will these guidelines change under the Vetting and Barring Scheme?
15th June 2010
As a result of the change in government in May 2010, the Vetting and Barring Scheme is currently being reviewed.
The introduction of ISA registration, planned for 26th July 2010, has been put on hold pending completion of this review. The Herts HR Safe Staffing Team will continue to monitor the situation at a national level and will issue further advice and guidance when more information is available.
Further advice: email Colwyn Griffiths in the Herts Safe Staffing (CRB) team on colwyn.griffiths@hertscc.gov.uk (see also Safe Staffing (CRB) Section )
What about British pupils being accommodated by host families abroad?
The responsibility lies with the UK group leader to check with the arranging agency, if there is one, or the host school, as to what vetting arrangements are to be made as to the suitability of host families, including criminal background checks, insofar as such procedures are available.
A ‘Homestay Family Information’ form can be found in additional guidance at:
Translations in French, German, Spanish and now Russian are available from the Offsite Visits Adviser on request.
Help and Advice
For help and advice please contact your establishment's Visits Co-ordinator
in the first instance.
Name |
Position |
Responsibilities |
Tel No. |
Mark Falkingham |
Offsite Visits Adviser |
All aspects of offsite visits, including Evolve |
01992 556491 |
Karen Fulton |
Outdoor Education Manager - Youth Connexions |
Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions |
01992 901536 |
Beverley Brennan |
Offsite Visits Admin Support |
Administration on Evolve e.g re-setting Heads'/OVC passwords, transferring staff accounts, training course booking enquiries |
01992 556478 |
Lynne Apostolos |
Insurance Officer |
Insurance enquiries relating to offsite visits |
01992 555593 |
Guy Bradley |
Road Safety Officer |
Use of Minibuses |
01992 556818 |
|
