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Cost of a police check discourages it

I was shocked to read the news that the cost of undertaking police checks for people planning to work with children in England and Wales is rising from 12 to 29 from the start of July ('Costs of record checks will double', 12 June). While we accept that some increase in fees might be necessary, this 150 per cent rise is excessive. I own a number of child-related businesses, including a day nursery in Winchester and three nurseries that are opening later this year. Our recruitment agency, Nannies Abroad, and our French creches are operated with British nursery nurses. They were all created when I, as a mother with four young children, found that facilities abroad did not offer acceptable health and safety standards.

I own a number of child-related businesses, including a day nursery in Winchester and three nurseries that are opening later this year. Our recruitment agency, Nannies Abroad, and our French creches are operated with British nursery nurses. They were all created when I, as a mother with four young children, found that facilities abroad did not offer acceptable health and safety standards.

Through Nannies Abroad we have found out that many tour operators employ childcare staff over the telephone without checking qualifications and references. What is even more horrifying is the prospect of people who have not been police checked working with children.

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