I am becoming a registered childminder but my partner has a criminal record what is the criterea?

Question

his criminal record has some offences from when he was younger, drunk and disorderly, racism and drink driving. please could you give me some idea as to if they are ok.

Answer 1

This will effect your chances as you´ll be doing a job involving working with children, it will definitely effect you if you intend to child mind at home as your home life will be vetted and as such your partner, i personally would not allow my son to be minded in this sort of situation. Where children are concerned one has to be on guard and very careful especially in today's world

Answer 2

Facts;

1) Social Services will assess the risk to any child placed in your care. Part of that risk involves assessing those who have access to your house so his record is very significant in any assessment.

2) They will look at the welfare and educational needs of any child who may come into your care.

3) Racism is not a crime. Crimes are committed and any racial aspect is classed as aggravating so either he's not telling you all or you have missed out a very important conviction. Racially aggravated assault? Racially aggravated what?

4) Being drunk and disorderly is a minor conviction in itself but would Social Services want someone convicted of such an offence to be a registered child minders partner? They will look carefully at the circumstances and assess the risk this proven behaviour may cause to a child.

5) A drink driving conviction is more serious. Again they have to ask themselves "Would he pose risk to any child in your care?" So is he likely to drive home drunk and knock a child down on your drive? Is he likely to drive you with the child while he's over the limit? I don't know the answers but these are the type of questions they have to consider when assessing the safety of your home environment.

6) They look at the welfare and educational needs of any child that you may be asked to care for. You have to demonstrate that you can provide a safe, well balanced and educationally stimulating environment for any child, from any background and of any creed or colour. Do you think a conviction for a racially aggravated offence will enhance their onion that you can offer that environment?

7) The fact that he will be at work all day is irrelevant. What about when he is sick, if he loses his job, if he changes to shift work. Circumstances change rapidly and the bottom line is that he has access to your house and therefore access to other people’s children so he has to be included in any risk assessment.

8) Expect them to perform very intrusive and detailed background checks. They will find out about your partner and his history anyway so be open and honest about him with them now. At least that way they know you are honest.

You wanted facts and not opinions, so you decided for yourself bearing in mind that Social Services primary consideration is the safety of the children they are considering approving you to look after.

If they are not 100% confident you can guarantee that then they have no choice but to refuse the application.

Answer 3

People will question your affiliations with others you may want to rethink things.  If your partner has a record it could look bad for you as well.

Answer 4

UK the social work department will do a check on you and check your property for safety - fire guards, gates, etc. I think they will check into your partners background as he will be there at some time throughout the year? Good luck,

Answer 5

If this is in the UK, would it not be better to contact OFSTED with the query before progressing any further with the process of registration? Wouldn't they be able to give you a definitive answer?

Answer 6

The fact that you would be a partner with such a person raises doubts as to whether you should be trusted with other people's children.