February 22, 2025
In Seychelles, keeping children safe and ensuring their well-being is a top priority. The Suitability Check Panel, part of the Social Affairs Department’s recent regulations on S.I 96 Children (Working with Children Suitability Check) Regulations 2025, plays a key role in this. It meets once or twice a month to interview people who want to become childminders, managers or assistants in home-based and centre-based child care services.
Since its inception, the panel is led by Ms. Beryl Laboudallon, the Director of Social Services and an expert with a wealth of experience in child protection and social issues, and supported by Ms. Bernadette Maria, the Principal Officer for Monitoring and Compliance, also the secretary of the panel. It includes other professionals from various sectors in Early Childhood Care and Education, to ensure comprehensive assessments:
Ms. Beryl Laboudallon Director of Social Services, Social Services Department
Mrs. Chantal Cadeau Principal Social Worker Social Services, Social Services Department
Ms. Jane Barbe Officer in Change for Transport, Seychelles Police
Ms. Maria Emmanuel Senior Compliance Officer, IECD-UNESCO Category 2 Institute
Mrs. Cathriona Monthy Senior Psychologist Education Services, Ministry of Education
Ms. Mirenda Quatre Senior Nursing Officer, Ministry of Health
Mr. Francis Remie Director of Sports for All, National Sports Council
Ms. Bernadette Maria Principal Monitoring and Compliance Officer, Social Services Department
The IECD/UNESCO Category 2 Institute takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to the previous committee members for their diligence and commitment towards children’s wellbeing.
Previously, applicants had to submit their Police Character Certificates and wait a couple of weeks for their results. The certificate is submitted to the UNESCO Category 2 Institute as part of their application process to register their services. This is a legal requirement under the Early Childhood Development Act 2022.
Now, in 2025 with the enactment of the S.I 96 Children (Working with Children Suitability Check) Regulations 2024, the suitability check panel no longer exist and the vetting is being done internally, by a new section Monitoring and Compliance established under the new regulations with its appeal process. The process has been streamlined and enhanced as follows:
– Applicants no longer require to formally request their Police Character Certificates directly from the Police Department.
– The Police Department must submit the certificate for each applicant to the Social Services Department upon request
– They complete a new application form with accurate information.
– The review process now takes about 30 days.
– Successful applicants receive a Suitability Check Clearance Certificate valid for three years.
– To renew, childminders should apply at least four months before their certificate expires.
These changes will make the process faster and more efficient, ensuring that only suitable childminders and their assistants care for children. Seychelles is committed to protecting its youngest citizens by creating safe and nurturing environments for their development. This also gives parents peace of mind and helps build a secure future for children.
