Safeguarding children is the top priority in the UK education system. DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service checks) help schools ensure that staff and volunteers working with children are suitable for their roles. By identifying past criminal convictions or safeguarding concerns, these checks provide reassurance to parents, pupils, and employers that safety comes first.
Types of DBS Checks in Education
Different roles within schools require different levels of checks. These include:
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Basic DBS Check – Shows unspent convictions. Rarely used in schools.
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Standard DBS Check – Lists spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
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Enhanced DBS Check – Provides everything in a standard check plus relevant police information.
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Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check – Required for regulated activity with children, confirming the person is not barred from working with them.
For teaching staff and support roles directly working with pupils, the enhanced DBS with barred list check is mandatory.
Who Needs a DBS Check in Schools?
It’s not just teachers who require DBS clearance. Many roles in schools and educational institutions need checks, including:
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Teachers and teaching assistants
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Supply teachers and peripatetic staff
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Volunteers working closely with children
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Administrative staff with access to pupil records
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School governors (in certain circumstances)
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Contractors working regularly on school premises
The level of check depends on the amount and type of contact with children.
Employer Responsibilities
Schools, academies, and local authorities must ensure that DBS checks are completed before employment begins. They are also responsible for:
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Keeping a Single Central Record (SCR) of all staff and their DBS status
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Making referrals to the DBS if a staff member is dismissed or removed due to safeguarding concerns
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Ensuring volunteers and temporary staff are vetted properly
Failing to meet these responsibilities can have serious legal and safeguarding consequences.
Renewals and the Update Service
There is no fixed expiry date for a DBS check, but schools are encouraged to update records regularly. Many staff use the DBS Update Service, which allows employers to see if new information has been added since the last check. This provides an efficient way to keep safeguarding measures up to date.
Conclusion
DBS checks in the education sector are vital for protecting children and maintaining trust in schools. From teachers to volunteers, ensuring the right checks are in place is not just best practice – it’s a legal requirement.
FAQs
1. How often do school staff need a DBS check?
There is no legal timeframe, but schools often renew checks every 3 years or use the DBS Update Service for ongoing monitoring.
2. Do volunteers in schools need a DBS check?
Yes, if they work closely with children in regulated activity.
3. Can a teacher start work before their DBS check is complete?
In rare cases, schools may allow supervised work, but the full check must be completed as soon as possible.
4. Do school governors need DBS checks?
Yes, in most cases governors require an enhanced DBS check to fulfil safeguarding responsibilities.
