Safer Recruitment & Suitability Policy

Rahma Academy only allows adults to work with children once we are satisfied they are suitable to do so. Our checks follow the Department for Education’s safeguarding guidance for out-of-school providers.

Recruitment process

1. A written role description setting out responsibilities and the safeguarding expectations of the role.
2. An application form capturing full employment history, qualifications and any gaps, which are explored at interview.
3. A face-to-face interview that includes questions about safeguarding, motivation to work with children, and attitudes to behaviour management.
4. Verification of identity and right to work, using original photographic ID and proof of address.
5. Verification of qualifications where these are relevant to the role.
6. At least two references, requested directly from the referee — never accepted as open testimonials — including one from the most recent role working with children. References are scrutinised and any discrepancies followed up.
7. An enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check where the role is regulated activity.
8. Where applicable, a check that the person is not subject to a teacher prohibition order or childcare disqualification.

DBS checks

• Teaching and supervising children unsupervised and frequently is regulated activity, and requires an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.
• No adult starts unsupervised work with children until a satisfactory DBS certificate has been seen.
• Where a check is pending, the person works only under the direct supervision of a fully checked member of staff and is never left alone with children.
• We record the DBS certificate number, date of issue and the level of check on our single central record. We do not retain copies of certificates.
• Checks are refreshed at least every three years, or immediately where a concern arises. Staff registered with the DBS Update Service are re-checked annually with their consent.
• It is a criminal offence for a barred person to work with children, and for us to knowingly employ one.

Single central record

We keep a single central record listing every member of staff and volunteer, the checks completed, the dates those checks were completed, and the dates of safeguarding training. This record is available for inspection by the local authority on request.

Induction and training

• Every new member of staff or volunteer receives an induction covering safeguarding, the code of conduct, fire and first aid arrangements, and how to report a concern.
• Everyone reads and signs the Safeguarding Policy and the Staff Behaviour & Code of Conduct before working with children.
• Safeguarding training is completed before or immediately upon starting, and refreshed at least every two years. The DSL undertakes higher-level DSL training.

Ongoing suitability

Staff and volunteers must tell leadership immediately of any change that may affect their suitability to work with children, including police involvement, cautions, charges or convictions, or any concern raised about someone in their household. Where a person is removed from work with children because they harmed or posed a risk of harm to a child, we make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.