Review of vetting and barring scheme won't delay start date

Yesterday Children's Secretary Ed Balls announced a review held into the degree of contact with children that triggers the requirement to register.

Led by Sir Roger Singleton, head of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, the review will report by the beginning of December.

A spokesman for the DCSF said the review would not affect the 12 October date for the extension of the range of activities and workplaces from which individuals may be barred.

He added that any response to the review would likely be implemented prior to the July 2010 date when those working with children or young people will be able to apply for registration with the new scheme.

In a letter to Barry Sheerman, chair of the children, schools and families select committee, Balls revealed that the decision to hold a review came on the back of concerns being raised on the what constitutes intensive contact.

Last month Sir Michael Bichard, whose inquiry into the Soham murders resulted in new child protection procedures, spoke of his concerns over the vetting and barring scheme.

Bichard called for proposals that actors, authors or entertainers who only occasionally visit a school, register with the scheme to be reconsidered.