This blog post will break down the latest requirements for the single central record according to the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 guidance (top of page 62).

What is the Single Central Record?

The Single Central Record, also known as ‘the register’, is a comprehensive document that schools and colleges must maintain. It records all pre-appointment checks for staff and other individuals working in the school. Remember, all job offers should be conditional until these mandatory pre-employment checks are satisfactorily completed.

Who Should Be Included in the SCR?

• For schools: All staff, including teacher trainees on salaried routes, and agency and third-party supply staff (even if they work for just one day)
• For colleges: All staff, including agency and supply staff, providing education to children under 18
• For independent schools, academies, and free schools: All members of the proprietor body (including members and trustees of the academy trust)

What Information Must Be Recorded?

Statutory Checks

The SCR must indicate whether the following checks have been carried out or certificates obtained, along with the date of completion:

1. Identity check (preferably using the candidate’s birth certificate)
2. Standalone children’s barred list check
3. Enhanced DBS check (with children’s barred list check)
4. Prohibition from teaching check
5. Further checks on people who have lived or worked outside the UK
6. Check of professional qualifications, where required
7. Check to establish the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom

Additional requirements

• Colleges must record whether the person’s position involves ‘relevant activity’ (regularly caring for, training, supervising or being solely in charge of persons under 18)
• Independent schools, academies, and free schools must record details of section 128 checks for those in management positions

Agency and Third-Party Staff

For agency and third-party supply staff, schools and colleges must include:

• Whether written confirmation has been received that the employment business has carried out relevant checks and obtained appropriate certificates
• The date this confirmation was received
• Whether details of any enhanced DBS certificate have been provided

Good Practice (Non-Statutory) Information

While not mandatory, schools and colleges may choose to record additional information such as:

• Whether staff have been informed of their duty to disclose relevant information under childcare disqualification arrangements
• Checks made on volunteers and governors
• Dates of safeguarding and safer recruitment training
• The name of the person who carried out each check

Maintaining the SCR

• The SCR can be kept in paper or electronic form
• Remove details of individuals once they no longer work at the school or college

Special Considerations for Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)

MATs must maintain the SCR detailing checks carried out in each academy within the trust. While there’s no requirement for an individual record for each academy, the information should be recorded in a way that allows for easy separation of details for each academy when required, such as during inspections.

Conclusion

Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date Single Central Record is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a crucial part of our commitment to safeguarding. By ensuring your SCR meets these requirements, you’re taking a significant step in protecting the children in your care.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have any questions about implementing these requirements or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your Local Authority or an external, qualified education consultant.

At Peoples Education Solutions, we provide SCR audits to suit all budgets, giving you the external assurance you need to be satisfied that you have met all the necessary requirements. Visit our website to find out more. You can fill in a contact form, email (contact@peopleseducationsolutions.co.uk), or call (01325 238831).