Simpler child vetting rules pledged

Children's Secretary Ed Balls announced a review last month of the Vetting and Barring scheme after it emerged that some parents who regularly took children to football matches faced fines of £5,000 if they failed to sign on to a new register.

The review, by the chairman of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, Sir Roger Singleton, is due to report by the beginning of December.

In an interview with the Guardian, Sir Roger said it would be "foolish to blindly ignore" public concern about the scheme but he remained "absolutely committed" to the aim of protecting youngsters.

He said the Department for Children, Schools and Families had received a "stream" of letters criticising the system.

While refusing to reveal his recommendations, Sir Roger offered an insight into his line of thought.

He told the paper: "I would try to aim for legislation in totality that was simpler.

"This is quite a complex piece of legislation, although its objectives are relatively straightforward."

The scheme, which launched two weeks ago, is designed to keep track of people whose behaviour toward children has caused concern.

But the review was ordered amid suggestions the exact rules on situations in which parents, for example, have to sign up are not clear enough.