It’s important to remember that a DBS or AccessNI check is just one part of working safely with children, and other safeguarding measures must always be in place:
- It would be reasonable (and widespread practice) to say that Father Christmas should never be left alone to supervise children. If it was a grotto, normally the parents would be accompanying their children, and they would remain the responsibility of their parents.
- For both safeguarding and health and safety reasons, it would be appropriate to have another adult present - this would ideally be an approved children’s worker, such as someone dressed as an elf, as well as having other children’s workers around.
- It is also advisable to ensure that children would be sitting on a chair next to Father Christmas, rather than on his lap.
Often, Father Christmas would not be responsible for the supervision of children, and this would only be a one-off visit. Therefore, it is unlikely he would be eligible for an Enhanced check.