Safer recruitment and safeguarding you can rely on
When you bring someone into a school, knowing the right checks have been completed matters. Blue Skies Education puts safer recruitment, candidate vetting and safeguarding at the centre of its recruitment process. Our compliance team works to make sure candidates are appropriately checked before they are supplied to schools and education settings, with processes kept under regular review against current safeguarding guidance and recruitment standards.
Safeguarding built into every placement
Safeguarding is not an extra stage at the end of recruitment. It forms part of how candidates are registered, vetted and cleared before work begins. Every member of our team understands their responsibility to ensure that candidates and clients are protected at every stage of the recruitment process.
Our procedures are reviewed against current legislation, safer recruitment requirements, the REC Code of Professional Practice and latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. From thorough vetting to ongoing training, we work hard to maintain a culture of safety, trust and accountability.
REC Audited Education Status
As part of the Education World Group we are proud to hold REC Audited Education Status, the gold standard in education recruitment compliance. The independent audit reviews recruitment processes, documentation, compliance systems and working practices, giving schools additional assurance that recognised education recruitment standards are being followed.
Holding REC Audited Education Status shows that:
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We meet all required standards in child protection and safer recruitment
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Our vetting processes are robust, consistent and legally compliant
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Our policies and procedures meet DfE guidelines and best practice
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Clients and candidates can trust us to operate with integrity and care
Whether you’re a school leader looking for trusted staff or a candidate seeking a safe, supportive environment to work in, you can be confident that safeguarding is never an afterthought with Blue Skies Education, it’s our top priority!
Recruitment, Selection and Vetting Checks
Employment History & CV Screening
Employment and career history reviewed, with relevant gaps, inconsistencies or areas requiring clarification identified as part of the safer recruitment process.
Candidate Interview
Candidates are personally interviewed and assessed by our recruitment team, either in person or remotely as appropriate.
Right to Work Checks
Appropriate evidence of each candidate's legal right to work in the UK is checked and verified.
Identity Verification
Candidate identity is verified using appropriate official documentation as part of the registration and clearance process.
Address Verification
Current address details are verified using appropriate supporting documentation.
Professional References
Appropriate professional references are obtained and reviewed in line with our safer recruitment and compliance procedures. Our standard process includes covering the previous two years of employment history.
DBS & Barred List Checks
Appropriate Enhanced DBS and Children's Barred List checks are completed where required for the role, including regular DBS Update Service status checks.
Overseas Criminal Record Checks
Additional overseas criminal record or equivalent checks are carried out where appropriate for candidates who have lived or worked outside the UK for at least 6 months within the last 5 years.
Online & Social Media Due Diligence Checks
We screen for publicly available online information as part of safer recruitment due diligence, with any relevant concerns handled in accordance with our recruitment and data protection procedures.
Teacher Prohibition & Restriction Checks
Relevant teacher prohibition, restriction and professional-status checks are carried out against DfE and TRA lists for all candidates.
Disqualification by Association checks
Screening for potential risk is completed for all cadidates under the Childcare Disqualification Regulations.
Qualification & Professional Checks
Relevant academic, professional and role-specific qualifications are thouroughly verified. This includes candidates receiving or evidencing the safeguarding training required by all staff.
What this means for your school
Full Recruitment, Selection and Vetting Policy available on request.