DBS Checks for Schools
To work in a school, you are required to have an Enhanced DBS check
Enhanced DBS checks are an Ofsted requirement
To work in a school, you are required to have an Enhanced DBS check. An enhanced DBS check is also a requirement for anyone working in a voluntary or contract position within a school.
The check will include a child's barring list check under the 'Child Workforce'.
Enhanced DBS checks are an Ofsted requirement and necessary to prevent any unsuitable candidates from working with children in any capacity. Ofsted closely monitors recruitment practices in schools around the UK to ensure only DBS vetted teachers and volunteers are being recruited. This is vital for the safeguarding and wellbeing of children.
What is an Enhanced DBS Check and What Does it Reveal?
An enhanced DBS check for teachers and volunteers in schools discloses the same information as an enhanced DBS check for individuals. An enhanced DBS check is the highest level of check available and will reveal the following:
- Any spent or unspent convictions
- Warnings
- Cautions
- Reprimands
- Any other police information deemed relevant
This enhanced DBS check also includes the option to search the Children Barred List. It is mandatory to search the children's barred list if the candidate will be going to the school premises to undertake their duties more than 3 times a month. It reveals if any applicant should be barred from working with children. It is considered a criminal offence to hire someone from the Children Barred List to work at a school.
What is the process for an online enhanced DBS check application for schools?
Whether you are directly working with children on a regular basis or not, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS check if you work at a school in any capacity. Even if you’re working there for a short period, there is bound to be some contact with children and enhanced DBS checks for contractors are required by Ofsted.
According to DBS guidelines for schools, enhanced DBS checks are required for all individuals working there, including:
Teachers | Volunteers | School Governers | Contractors
What is the process for an online enhanced DBS check application for schools?
When applying for an Enhanced DBS check online, the key factor is role eligibility. Enhanced DBS checks are strictly eligibility-based and can only be applied for where the role meets the legal criteria under safeguarding legislation.
In many cases, employers coordinate the process as part of recruitment. However, under current DBS guidance, eligible self-employed individuals and personal employees may also apply themselves, provided the role qualifies and the application is processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks.
For example, a contractor or maintenance worker attending school premises would only require an Enhanced DBS check if their role involves regulated activity with children or unsupervised access in circumstances defined by safeguarding rules - frequency of visits alone does not automatically determine eligibility.
The application can be completed online with us. Once processed, the DBS certificate is issued directly to the applicant by post. The employer or organisation then reviews the certificate as part of their safeguarding decision.
FAQS
1. Why are DBS checks for schools mandatory?
DBS checks for schools are a legal safeguarding requirement set by Ofsted. Every role within a school whether teaching, volunteering, governance, or contract work - requires appropriate vetting. These DBS checks for schools help ensure that unsuitable candidates cannot access children. Even temporary staff must meet DBS checks for schools criteria before starting. The aim is to maintain a safe and fully compliant learning environment.
2. What type of DBS check do teachers need?
A full DBS check for teachers must be at the enhanced level, including a check of the Children’s Barred List where eligible. This is because DBS for teachers must cover any spent or unspent convictions plus any relevant police information. Schools must complete a DBS check for teachers before employment begins. Enhanced checking ensures DBS for teachers meets the strictest safeguarding requirements for anyone working directly with children.
3. Do non-teaching staff also need DBS for teachers-level checks?
While not all staff are teachers, most roles within the school still require the same safeguarding standard as a DBS for teachers. Contractors, volunteers, governors, and administrative staff often need the same enhanced level used in a typical DBS check for teachers, depending on their level of contact with pupils. Schools follow the same approach required for DBS for teachers to ensure consistent safeguarding across the site.
4. What does an Enhanced DBS check for schools include?
An Enhanced DBS check for schools discloses convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings, and any relevant police information. For roles involving regular contact with children, an Enhanced DBS check for schools must also include a search of the Children’s Barred List. Schools conduct an Enhanced DBS check for teachers, volunteers, contractors and more.
5. How long does a DBS check for teachers take?
Most enhanced DBS check for teachers results are sent electronically in 48 hours*. Some DBS for teachers checks may return sooner depending on the police force involved. Delays are usually linked to incomplete ID verification for the DBS check for teachers process. Using our online system helps schools process DBS for teachers applications as quickly as possible.
6. Can schools complete enhanced DBS checks online?
Yes, completing an Enhanced DBS check for schools online is now standard practice. Our digital system allows schools to submit, verify and receive results. Many schools choose online processing because an Enhanced DBS check for schools must be completed before a teacher or contractor begins work. The platform also reduces delays for DBS checks for schools during busy recruitment periods.
7. Do trainee teachers and volunteers also need DBS checks for schools?
Yes. Trainees, student teachers and volunteers must undergo full DBS checks for schools before interacting with pupils. Since they will often be in direct contact with children, they undergo the same enhanced DBS check for teachers process. This ensures DBS for teachers standards apply consistently to everyone working in education. Volunteers completing an Enhanced DBS check for schools follow the same application pathway employers use.
*The turnaround times given are the average times taken for electronic results to be received. The time it takes can vary depending on local police searches, multiple addresses, common names and multiple name changes.
