DBS Checks are background checks that look into a person’s criminal history. There are three levels of DBS Checks – Basic, Standard and Enhanced – and each has a different purpose. They help employers to make safer recruitment decisions and can prevent unsuitable people from coming into contact with vulnerable groups.

Who needs a DBS Check?

DBS Checks are a legal requirement for certain jobs. For example, people working in education, healthcare and social care require DBS Checks by law. There are also certain jobs in finance, law and veterinary care that also require DBS Checks.

Who can request a DBS Check?

Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS Check. However, employers are legally responsible for making sure a job role is eligible for a Standard DBS Check or an Enhanced DBS Check. You must select the relevant workforce during an application for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check and have permission from the applicant or employee.

Who processes DBS Checks?

DBS Checks are processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service, previously known as the Criminal Records Bureau. Employers can be based in Scotland but employees must be based in England or Wales. Disclosure Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government, provide the service in Scotland.

What's the difference between Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks?

Basic DBS Checks can be obtained for anyone; whereas Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks can only be obtained for certain roles.

How do I know what level of DBS Checks I need?

If you’ve checked the DBS eligibility criteria and you’re still unsure, contact us and we will be on hand to help. We can give you expert advice on guidance so you apply for the DBS Check you need.

How old do I need to be for a DBS Check?

The minimum age for a DBS Check is 16 years old.

Am I eligible to apply for a DBS Check?

There is no eligibility requirement for a Basic DBS check. However, the UK Government publishes guidance and has tools for you to see if you’re eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check. If you’ve seen these resources and you’re still unsure, contact us and our team will be on hand to help.

How do I spot a fraudulent DBS provider?

All trusted DBS providers will be listed on the DBS’ Umbrella Body directory. Before choosing your provider, make sure to check they’re listed on the directory first. Also, companies register as Umbrella Bodies of the DBS should normally highlight the accreditation on their website.

What are DBS ID checking guidelines?

The DBS ID Checking guidelines are published here. They outline how applicants are required to provide a range of ID documents as part of the DBS check application process. Employers must follow the three routes for ID checking and follow the guidelines carefully.

How much does a DBS Check cost?

Prices vary for every type of check and this is clearly marked on our webpages. Volume-based pricing is available and all costs you see on our website include VAT and fees. There are no hidden costs, such as setup or annual renewal fees.

What is regulated activity?

Regulated activity is work that a barred person must not do, outlined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. The DBS publishes guidance to determine what counts as regulated activity but there’s no definitive list.

What workforce should I select for a DBS Check?

Applications for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks must select a workforce and applications can’t be processed if that information isn’t included. There are three options to choose – Child workforce, Adult workforce or Other workforce. You can select Child and Adult workforce if the job includes work with both. The term ‘Other’ doesn’t have specified criteria but it’s for roles that don’t include working with children or vulnerable adults.

What are the DBS Barred list?

The DBS Barred Lists include the Children’s Barred List and the Adults’ Barred List. These are commonly used in vetting checks to ensure someone isn’t barred from working with a vulnerable group, such as children or vulnerable adults.

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is a paid-for annual subscription that enables applicants and employees to keep their DBS certificates up to date and employers to check the status of DBS certificates. The service is for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks only.

Can I start work without a DBS Check?

If an Adult First Check returns a clear result, applicants are permitted to start work or training with vulnerable adults before they have a DBS Certificate. However, this is only used in exceptional circumstances. Employers must be take care in their decision making and ensure safeguarding measures are put in place.

How long does a DBS Check last?

There’s no expiry date for a DBS Certificate. However, the DBS suggest a renewal is carried out every three years. In some cases, that can differ according to an employer’s best practice or regulations set by external regulators.

Can I appeal the results of a DBS Check?

Appeals can be made to the DBS if an applicant has been mistakenly included on lists to be barred from certain roles or if a mistake has been made on a DBS Check. Appeals can be made by individual applicants or by their employers if they have permission from the applicant.

From 2002 to 2012, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks were used to search for an applicant’s criminal history on the Police National Computer. These checks were then replaced by DBS Checks when the CRB merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. CRB Checks are no longer a valid safeguarding measure, even if some people still hold a CRB certificate.

How do I contact the DBS?

You can email the DBS at customerservices@dbs.gov.uk or call their helpline on 03000 200 190. For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

How do I track my DBS applications?

You can track your DBS applications using your dashboard. To do this, simply access your Existing Applications, open the Processing at DBS table and click on their DBS tracking number (in the View column). You will then need to click Track Progress to be redirected to the DBS’ tracking page. Once on the tracking page, you will be able to view the stage the application is on and the dates the application progressed to each stage. If any of your applications are taking longer than expected, please contact one of our advisors who will be able to look into this further. Please note: The DBS will allow for an application to be escalated, if an application has been in Stage four for 60+ days. Our advisors will manage and monitor your applications to ensure any applications which reach this deadline are escalated immediately and prevent further delays.

DBS Checks for Nursery Staff - Childcare Provider Checks

Name: DBS Checks for Nursery Staff & Childcare
Brand: Checks Direct
SKU: dcfnsc
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (51 reviews)

Which childcare roles need a DBS check?

An Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List check is required if you work directly with children or manage a childcare organisation. This applies to roles such as, childminder, childminding assistant, nanny, playgroup owner, and children’s home director. Failure to carry out checks can result in serious legal repercussions, including fines and criminal charges.

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DBS checks for nurseries

All staff working in nurseries in the UK, including volunteers, require an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List.

DBS checks for nannies

In the UK, nannies are required to have an Enhanced DBS check that includes a check of the Children’s Barred List to ensure suitability and safety.

DBS checks for childminders

Childminders in the UK are required to have an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List.

DBS checks for early years practitioners

In the UK, early years practitioners, regardless of their job title or setting, are required to have an Enhanced DBS and Children's Barred List check.

What does an Enhanced DBS check for nursery & childcare staff show?

Individuals working in childcare or early years education require a more advanced DBS check known as an ‘Enhanced check‘. This reveals the same data as a Standard DBS, plus any additional information held on local police records, if considered relevant by the regional Chief Police Officer. An enhanced DBS will reveal:

Any spent or unspent convictions
Warnings
Cautions
Reprimands
Any other police information deemed relevant

Children’s Barred List

Anyone engaging in ‘regulated activities‘ with children is legally required to be checked against the Barred Lists, which reveal anyone who should not be working with minors.

In any nursery or childcare setting, anyone who will visit the premises more than three times a month, including all staff, contractors and volunteers, must be checked against the Children’s Barred List. Employing a barred individual is considered a criminal offence.

Our DBS check process for nurseries

Our process is tailored to be easy, accessible, and personalised. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we deliver a reliable and efficient service that can be customised to meet the specific needs of your childcare setting.

Our accredited DBS team for nurseries and childcare will go the extra mile to fulfil your requirements. We offer expert guidance at every stage, ensuring a smooth DBS check process and the highest level of safeguarding for your childcare environment.

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Register easily online for free

You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal, and manage checks on your dashboard.

Apply for checks

Our expert team thoroughly reviews each application, verifying all information for accuracy and validity to maximise efficiency throughout the DBS check process.

Receive your results

You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.

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Childcare Enhanced DBS check pricing

Our competitive pricing for Enhanced DBS Checks ensures nurseries and childcare providers can maintain safety and compliance without straining budgets. We offer transparent, cost-effective rates with no hidden fees, enabling you to efficiently conduct all necessary checks for your staff.

No of Checks	Cost ex VAT	Cost inc VAT
Standard Rate	£52.17	£55.00
51 – 300	£47.17	£49.00
301 – 500	£46.96	£48.75
501 – 750	£46.13	£47.75
751 – 1000	£44.04	£45.25
1001+	£43.00	£44.00

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Choosing Checks Direct for childcare role DBS checks

Our expertise ensures nurseries and childcare providers meet their legal obligations while maintaining a safe and nurturing environment. We’re proud to have supported nearly 5,000 satisfied clients, processing over 100,000 DBS and other background checks annually.

Our online services not only help you save time, money, and resources but also offer a range of additional benefits for the childcare sector:

Child safety & protection

Implement thorough vetting practices to safeguard children, staff, and families from potential risks or misconduct in early years environments.

Trust & reputation

Build trust with parents, guardians, and regulatory bodies by maintaining transparent and reliable hiring processes that meet the highest standards in recruitment.

Quality childcare assurance

Gain peace of mind knowing that background checks are conducted professionally and securely, adhering to early years sector standards and best practices.

Staffing continuity

Meet your staffing needs quickly with our fast-track vetting system, ensuring uninterrupted childcare delivery and maintaining appropriate child-to-staff ratios.

Team optimisation

Improve staff retention by hiring the right childcare professionals for the right roles, reducing turnover and associated costs while maintaining high-quality care and education.

Ofsted compliance

Receive expert guidance to perform the appropriate checks and ensure compliance with Ofsted, local authority, and other regulatory requirements in the early years sector.

FAQs

DBS checks are accurate up to the point of issue and therefore childcare facilities should request new checks periodically (typically every three years) or subscribe to the DBS Update Service. This allows employers to see if there have been any changes to a certificate.

You will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List check.

It is a statutory requirement that any professional working directly with children complete an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children’s Barred List.

No, a DBS check is more general, while a barred list check is a specific component of an Enhanced DBS check. Standard and Basic DBS checks do not include barred list checks. A barred list check is required for people who work closely with children or vulnerable adults.

A DBS check and a CRB check are the same. In 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged under the Protection of Freedoms Act to form ‘The Disclosure and Barring Service’.

Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent potential employees from working with children but it will be heavily dependent on the nature of the conviction. Bear in mind that all nursery and childcare staff in the UK are required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children’s Barred List. This means any criminal history, even spent convictions, will be revealed.

Yes, Checks Direct offer quick and easy DBS check applications using our online portal. Simply register for an account and apply for the checks your business requires.