Exchanges and parental checks

The new ISA checks for parents acting as exchange hosts are noew due to come into force in July 2010 (not October as initially planned). They will be free. Meanwhile this year's parents, or at least one of them, will need an enhanced CRB check at the cost of £36. What a pain! This is the message we are getting by email and phone from the ISA (Independent Safeguarding Agency).

There have been a few mixed messages , however, and I hope government realises how this is perceived by language teachers. It is also very one-sided as our French and German colleagues do not have to police check their parents.

I see the logic of the government's move on this, but CRB check are no guarantee of child safety, and an element of trusting schools to know their parents could be exercised.

I'm sure some exchanges will cease as this is seen as one more barrier. If you think the policy is wrong you can always contact your MP or the DCSF.

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