A Guide to DBS Checks for Babysitters
DBS Checks are criminal background checks that are primarily used to ensure that anybody working with children or vulnerable adults are suitable to do so. DBS checks can also be used to check suitability for other responsible roles that don’t involve children or vulnerable adults.
Parents/carers want their children to be safe in the hands of others, so safeguarding in this field is important. However, like any other job there are specific requirements that a job must meet for specific checks.
In this article we hope to inform and clear up any confusion about DBS Checks for babysitters.
Do personal arrangements require DBS Checks?
In cases where babysitting is organised through personal arrangements, like with a friend or family member, babysitters will not be required to get an Enhanced DBS Check. This is because a personal arrangement is not the same thing as a formal arrangement, and it is not contracted through an agency or organisation. Within a personal arrangement, it is then up to the parents or carers to decide whether the friend or family member is trustworthy enough to babysit their child.
Do non-professional babysitters require DBS Checks?
If a babysitter does not meet the requirements of a Standard DBS Check or Enhanced DBS Check, they are still eligible for a Basic Check. Anybody aged 16 or over is able to obtain one, and an individual can apply themselves unlike higher levels which require more steps to obtain one.
Do professional childminders require DBS Checks?
If you are a professional childminder then you would be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check including a check of the children’s barred list, because as a part of their role they are expected to supervise and care for children.
The check will display any unspent or spent convictions, warnings, cautions or reprimands and will include any information that may be useful and is provided by their local police force. The barred list provides details of people who are banned from working with children and/or vulnerable adults.
As mentioned previously, a Basic Check allows the individual to apply themselves; however, a higher level of check would require an organisation to do so on the individual’s behalf. In this case, a childminding agency would be recommended.
Conclusion – DBS Checks for babysitters
DBS Checks for babysitters, like many other fields, depends on the circumstances of the work being carried out.
If it is through personal arrangement that the parents decide whether the babysitter is trustworthy. A babysitter can gain a Basic Check if they like, but it is not necessary.
Professional childminders would definitely be suitable for an Enhanced Check and if they are with an organisation then they will do the check on the childminders behalf. However, if they are self-employed they must go to an agency and ask for them to do it on their behalf.
If you want to know more about DBS checks and how it affects babysitters, then get in touch with one of our advisors today.
