Why Registered Teacher Checks and Social Media Checks are Critical for Child Safety

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is essential. Schools, after-school programmes and private tutors are expected to offer not just education, but a safe environment for children to thrive. However, news stories have highlighted the ongoing need for thorough background checks, including Registered Teacher Checks and social media screening, for individuals working closely with children.

One alarming example occurred in West London, where a teacher was hired despite a previous conviction for using a child as a slave. This shocking oversight highlights how critical comprehensive background screening is for schools and other childcare providers, far beyond criminal record checks, to truly protect children from harm​.

A more personal story shared by a Verifile employee further illustrates the potential risks. The Verifile employee experienced a similar terrifying situation when they received a shocking call from their child’s school, informing them that the breakfast and after-school carer had been arrested and charged with possessing inappropriate images of minors. The sheer horror and disbelief that followed were overwhelming, as the employee reflected on the countless mornings they had dropped their child off in the care of this person, believing that the school had carried out all necessary checks to ensure their child’s safety. This incident was a stark reminder of how critical background checks and continuous monitoring are to safeguarding children.   

What is the Registered Teacher Check?

In the UK, the Registered Teacher Check is a key part of the background screening process for educators and childcare providers. It verifies that an individual holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and checks for any disciplinary actions or sanctions imposed by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). This step is crucial for confirming that those working in educational settings are fit for their roles.

However, Registered Teacher Checks alone may not capture all potential risks. Given the growing importance of online behaviour, social media screening has become an essential complement to traditional checks.

The Importance of Social Media Screening

Social media screening goes beyond traditional checks and delves into an individual’s online presence, uncovering red flags that may not appear in formal records. In some cases, a person might pass formal checks but exhibit problematic behaviour online that poses a risk, particularly when working closely with children. Social media screening provides a more complete picture of who is entrusted with the care of children.

Parents Must Prioritise Screening for Private Tutors and Carers

While schools are responsible for carrying out background checks on teachers and staff, parents should also ensure that proper screening is conducted when hiring private tutors or after-school carers. Hiring a qualified teacher is a good start, but without ensuring that proper background screening has been done, including the RTC and social media checks, parents may unknowingly be putting their children at risk.

It’s crucial to use reputable companies that screen private tutors, ensuring that parents can confidently hire individuals who have been fully vetted. In today’s world, the stakes are simply too high to cut corners when it comes to child safety.

The Role of Reputable Screening Services

At Verifile, we understand the gravity of protecting children, both in schools and at home. Our Registered Teacher Check service provides a thorough review of an educator’s professional background, while our social media screening goes one step further by examining their online presence. These services are vital not just for schools but for any parent looking to hire private tutors or childcare providers.  Parents should always insist on proper background screening and avoid hiring individuals solely based on their qualifications. The potential risks are too great, as the consequences of overlooking this step can be catastrophic.

Making Safety a Priority

No parent should ever have to face the horror of learning that someone they trusted with their child has been involved in harmful or illegal activities. Whether in a school setting or through private care, the responsibility to protect our children extends beyond simply trusting a person’s qualifications. By insisting on comprehensive background checks, including Registered Teacher Checks and social media screening, we can collectively create safer environments for our children to learn, grow and thrive.

Verifile is a trusted background screening company offering comprehensive services, including Registered Teacher Checks and social media screening.