Higham Hill Maktab

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Updated: August 2024

  1. Introduction

Higham Hill Maktab is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection process follows the statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)’ and all relevant legislation to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

  1. Recruitment Advertising

All vacancies include details of the skills, experience, qualifications, and personal qualities required for the role.
All applicants must have the appropriate qualifications and training as stated in the job description.

Higham Hill Maktab ensures:

  • All applicants are made aware that safeguarding checks will be carried out.
  • Successful applicants must complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • Applicants must disclose any relevant criminal convictions or cautions.
  1. Shortlisting and Interviews

Applicants will be shortlisted based on the requirements of the post.
Interviews will be conducted fairly and consistently by authorised staff members.

Interview questions may include:

  • Motivation for working with children.
  • Experience and skills relevant to the post.
  • Safeguarding awareness and appropriate responses to safeguarding scenarios.
  • Explanation of any gaps in employment history.
  1. Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

Before any appointment is confirmed, the following checks will be completed:

  • Enhanced DBS check (including Children’s Barred List).
  • Right to work in the UK verification.
  • Identity check (using approved documents such as passport or birth certificate).
  • Verification of qualifications relevant to the role.
  • Reference checks from the applicant’s most recent employers (covering at least the last two years).
  • Medical declaration to confirm fitness to work.

Applicants who have lived or worked outside the UK for six months or more in the last five years must provide an overseas criminal record check or equivalent.

  1. Reference Checks
  • References must be from the applicant’s current or most recent employer.
  • Open or ‘to whom it may concern’ references are not accepted.
  • References will be verified for authenticity.
  • Any inconsistencies between references and application details will be investigated.
  1. Safeguarding Commitment

All staff are required to:

  • Complete safeguarding and child protection training, including Prevent Duty.
  • Adhere to the Maktab’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
  • Immediately report any safeguarding concerns in line with the Maktab’s procedures.

Approved by:
Headteacher / Management Committee
Date: August 2024