When appointing new members of staff the school goes through the following checklist:
Criminal Records Checks - An Enhanced Disclosure is sought for all teaching and boarding staff. A Standard Disclosure is sought for all other staff.
Check of identity - against an official document such as a passport or birth certificate.
At least 2 written references - including the most recent employer, with a reference request letter that specifically asks all referees to state any known reason why the person should not be employed to work with children and that there should be no material mis-statement or omission relevant to the suitability of the applicant.
Direct contact by the school with each referee - to verify the reference.
Personal interviews - with a written record of issues covered and the assessment of the interviewers. Headmaster, Head of Department and at least one other member of the Senior Management Team will meet the candidate.
Lesson Observation - all academic staff are observed teaching a lesson.
Requirement that applicants supply a full employment history - giving referees and their contact details.
Contact by the school, where feasible, with most recent previous employer - involving work with children or vulnerable adults to check the reasons the employment ended.