A Guide To DBS Checks For Nannies and Au Pairs
A nanny or au pair is a person that is employed to look after a family’s children while their parents or guardians are working or engaged with other commitments and activities.
The role of a nanny or au pair involves close, direct, and unsupervised contact with children which means that it is covered by child safeguarding regulations and policy. For this reason, the role of a nanny is one that usually requires a DBS check.
In this brief article, we’ll describe the DBS requirements for nannies and how the process works.
Do All Nannies Require A DBS Check?
If the nanny or au pair is looking after and caring for a child on an unsupervised basis, then they will need an enhanced DBS check to make sure that child safeguarding regulations are met. The enhanced DBS check will also need to be accompanied by a children’s barred list check.
If the nanny, or job applicant, is named on the children’s barred list then they are automatically banned from taking up or continuing in the role. If the DBS check highlights offences that may mean that they pose a risk to children then the employer may reject the application or terminate their employment.
Who Applies for The DBS Check?
When it comes to DBS checks for nannies and au pairs, most roles will be classified as regulated activities, which means they will need an enhanced DBS check and barred list check.
Enhanced DBS check applications need to be verified and submitted by the employer or a registered third party. In other words, the individual themselves cannot apply for the DBS check alone.
In the case of a nanny or au pair, the employer is usually the parent or parents of the children involved. In the eyes of the law, this is viewed as a private arrangement rather than official employment. In this case, to get an enhanced DBS check would mean that the nanny or the agency need to go through their local authority.
What Level of DBS Check Do Nannies Need?
The level of DBS check that a nanny or au pair requires is dependent on the role and responsibilities.
If the nanny is never going to be left alone with the children (which is unlikely) then it is feasible that they may only need a standard or basic DBS check. In reality, most nannies and au pairs will require an enhanced DBS check.
The agency or local authority may apply for the enhanced DBS check on behalf of the individual. More information can be found on the DBS or Ofsted website.
Do Nannies Need Any Further Background Checks?
One area of confusion for nannies and parents that are considering hiring a nanny is whether they need to get a home-based position check.
However, most nannies won’t be working from their own home and will be based at the home of the family. Childminders are more likely to work from their own residence. A ‘live-in’ au pair or nanny is an exception to this, as they will reside at the family’s home while looking after the child or children.
Summary – DBS Checks for Nannies and Au Pairs
If you are a nanny, or a parent thinking of hiring one, you need to familiarise yourself with child safeguarding rules to help you decide what level of DBS check is necessary.
Most nannies and au pairs will require an enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check.
To find out more about DBS checks and the regulations surrounding them, get in touch today.
