§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his policy is towards the employment of teaching staff who have convictions for cannabis consumption. [134941]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisUnless the Secretary of State has barred a person from employment as a teacher, it is for the prospective employer to decide on the suitability of an applicant for a teaching post. In reaching those decisions employers will take into account any information about the applicant's previous convictions that is revealed by a criminal record check. The Department's Circular 9/93 (first issued in 1993 and still in effect), which gives guidance about the procedures for obtaining such checks, advises employers that convictions for sexual, violent, or drugs offences will be particularly strong contraindications for work with children, but that they will also need to consider the age and seriousness of the offence.