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 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 Schools - Teachers & Education Support Staff

Name: DBS Checks for Schools
Brand: Checks Direct
SKU: dcfs
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (51 reviews)

Who needs a DBS check in schools?

All individuals working or volunteering in educational institutions, regardless of their role, are legally required to undergo Enhanced DBS checks to ensure the safety of minors and vulnerable adults. Failure to conduct DBS checks where required is considered a criminal offence and can result in significant legal repercussions, including criminal charges, fines and even school closures.

Start checks today

DBS checks for teachers & supply teachers

Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List checks are mandatory for positions involving sole responsibility for safety or unsupervised contact with minors. This includes full and part-time teaching staff, supply teachers and teaching assistants.

DBS checks for contractors & volunteers

Checks are required for any activity that qualifies as ‘Regulated’ under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, or where there is potential for unsupervised contact with children; for example, IT contractors, lunchtime supervisors or PTA members.

DBS checks for school support staff

All administrative, catering and maintenance staff are subject to DBS checks to ensure student safety. In addition, Section 128 checks are also required for school governors & management to verify their suitability for leadership roles in educational settings.

What does an Enhanced DBS check for schools show?

School staff typically require a more advanced DBS check known as an Enhanced check. This contains the same information 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 Children’s Barred List, which reveal anyone who should not be working with minors.

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

Our Enhanced DBS check process for schools

Our process is designed to be easy, accessible, and personalised. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we offer a reliable and efficient service that can be adapted to the unique requirements of your school.

Our accredited School DBS team will go above and beyond to meet your requirements. We provide expert guidance at every step to ensure the smoothest possible DBS check process and complete protection for your learning environment.

Get started

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.

What our clients say

Trustpilot

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent customer service

Carole Howes

5 out of 5 stars

The customer service is brilliant

Michelle Norbury

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic!

Sam Jenkins

5 out of 5 stars

Sandra and the team are are phenomenal

Anita

5 out of 5 stars

Efficient and really helpful

Bay Volunteers Manager

5 out of 5 stars

Going that extra mile for you

Brigitta Schwulst

5 out of 5 stars

This is the kind of company you want…

Young Minders

5 out of 5 stars

Friendly, professional and efficient

James

Enhanced DBS checks for schools pricing

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

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

Apply for Enhanced DBS checks

Choosing Checks Direct for school DBS checks

Our expertise ensures schools meet their legal obligations while maintaining a safe educational environment. We’re proud to have assisted nearly 5,000 satisfied clients, processing more than 100,000 DBS and other vetting checks annually.

Our online services help you save time, money and resources, while offering a range of additional benefits tailored to the unique needs of the education sector:

Safety

Ensure safer recruitment practices and rigorously vet staff to ensure the protection of students.

Trust

Foster trust within your school and community by upholding transparent and reliable recruitment processes.

ISO certified

Gain peace of mind in knowing DBS checks are handled professionally and securely.

Efficiency

Address staffing needs swiftly with our fast-track vetting system, ensuring no disruption to the learning environment.

Retention

Enhance staff retention by selecting the right educators and support staff for the right roles.

Bulk checks

Enjoy discounted rates, save valuable time, and reduce the administrative burden for school staff.

FAQs

DBS checks are accurate up to the point of issue and therefore educational institutions 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.

DBS guidelines to schools recommend an enhanced DBS check is carried out for any individual who expects to visit school premises more than three times per month, regardless of role or compensation status. Roles which involve unsupervised interaction with minors also require checks against the Children’s Barred List.

The average length of time for an Enhanced DBS check is 12.1 days but at Checks Direct, we aim to return your results within 24 hours, and our record turnaround is 90 minutes. The duration will, however, always depend on the complexity of the application.

It is illegal to employ anyone to work in a school in any capacity, paid or unpaid, without first conducting a DBS check.

Working in schools necessarily puts you into contact with minors, making enhanced DBS and barred list checks more common. Colleges and universities, which have adult students, might require fewer barred list checks unless the role involves working with minors or vulnerable adults. That said, all employees and volunteers at any educational institution should expect to be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

A DBS check is a background check that may include a barred list check if the role involves regulated activities, but a barred list check specifically determines whether an individual is banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Any role in which adults may have unsupervised contact with minors must be subject to an enhanced DBS check, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid.

Supply teachers require Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List checks to ensure pupil safety. Where supply teachers are provided by an agency, either the school or the agency must conduct an Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List check before they can teach in the school.

The DBS cannot access criminal records held overseas, but it is possible to undertake a legally compliant check through Checks Direct. We provide a professional overseas checking service to help you vet and verify new employees that have lived outside of the United Kingdom. By liaising with relevant embassies on your behalf to reveal criminal records held in other countries, we ensure your decision making is informed and reputable.

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’.

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.