NEW checks to vet adults working with children could be a major step forward for safeguarding children, according to The Relationships Centre.

Stephen Leach, team leader at the Gateway-based charity, said the Government initiative could be an effective way of dealing with those working closely with young people who move around outside of the criminal records bureau checks.

The Home Office’s controversial vetting and barring scheme, which is designed to protect children from paedophiles, covers adults who are in regular contact with young people.

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) idea was based on a report into the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Stephen said: “We are also reminded of Ian Huntley who moved around and went by different names. He had a string of offences against his name yet was eventually employed by a school in Soham. The school stated after the murders of two pupils that had they known about any of the allegations against Huntley they would not have employed him.

“Although the scheme would tighten current procedures and safeguard children and young people from those individuals who seek to work in areas which give them access to children, the scheme will not protect against those outside of the scheme (Huntley’s relationship with Maxine Carr was also an abusive one).”

He added that those working with children who pose no threat may be discouraged from doing their good work and may not be able to afford the £64 cost of the checks.

“They may not be able to afford the fee and so young people miss out on the support and life experiences of people that could enrich their experiences.

“There has been an outcry by many in connection to the scheme citing infringement of civil liberties. Two mainstream children's authors have said they would stop visiting schools,” he said.

Currently CRB checks are required every three years and each time a person works for a different employee.

The ISA states that the fee will be a one of payment and will quash repeated CRB checks.

Call the Relationships Centre on 246910 for more information about its work.