Concern voiced over sex offenders in schools

The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams, has today expressed his concerns regarding sex offenders working in schools.

The Commissioners comments came after Education Minister Angela Smith revealed last week that three people with convictions involving sex offences were employed in jobs where they were working in close proximity to children.

He said: “I am extremely worried by the Department of Education’s admission that they are aware of this, and I want the Department to now make sure that the exact circumstances of these cases are investigated. No child should be put at risk and I am very concerned that education authorities seem to have relied on judgements made on these individuals 15 years ago. The Soham case demonstrated the importance of being very cautious where employees have any history whatsoever of inappropriate sexual behaviour."

Mr Williams stressed that his office will treat the Department of Education's action plan as a matter of urgency.

However, Education Minister, Angela Smith, today confirmed that no registered sex offenders are working in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.

She said: "Last Friday my Department wrote out to school employing authorities to seek up to date information on the employment of those convicted of sex offences. They have confirmed that no person who is required to register with the Police as a sex offender is working in any grant-aided school in Northern Ireland in any capacity.

"Three cases have been brought to my attention where individuals had a prior conviction for a sex offence, and were subsequently employed in a school. These offences occurred more than 15 years ago. The pre-employment checks identified the conviction and in each of these cases the employers were satisfied, in the full knowledge of the circumstances, that the individuals concerned did not pose a risk to children."

The Minister emphasised that although current vetting arrangements are safe, she has instructed immediate action to be taken to strengthen the process.

(EF/SP)