What Level of DBS Check Do Childminders Need To Get?
Anybody that works frequently and in direct contact with children needs to complete a DBS check. This applies to both paid work and voluntary work.
Children need to be safeguarded, so the rules surrounding DBS checks and childminders are very strict. This means that the highest level of DBS check needs to be carried out which is the Enhanced DBS Check with barred list.
This article will take a look at what’s involved with DBS checks for childminders and how to go about getting one.
What’s involved with an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS Check involves carrying out a criminal record check. It’s the highest level of DBS check and is used by employers, usually for jobs that involve working with children or vulnerable adults. The following offences are revealed on an Enhanced DBS Check:
- Spent convictions
- Unspent convictions
- Warnings
- Reprimands
- Cautions
- Any other relevant information contained in police notes.
The employer or organisation can also request a check of the children or adult barred list, which is compulsory if the job is classified as a ‘regulated activity’ by the DBS. Being a childminder is a regulated activity.
Which child care jobs need DBS checks?
If you’re unsure whether you need to apply for a DBS check and you plan to work in childcare, here is a list of examples of regulated activity jobs:
- Nannies
- Childminders
- Childminder assistant
- Nursery workers
- Playgroup workers
- Youth workers
Also, if you run a childcare facility from home, such as a childminding business, then any other adults that live in the house need to be DBS checked too.
This can include partners, spouses, adult children, lodgers, or friends. It may also include people that work in your home such as cleaners or building workers.
How to get an Enhanced DBS Check as a childminder
To get an Enhanced DBS Check you need to fill in an application form, either by hand or online, and submit it to the agency or responsible organisation to verify your ID documents. You need to submit the following documents:
- Personal photographic or official government ID
- Proof of address document
- Address history going back 5 years
If you plan to start your own childminding business or work in a self-employed capacity, you can apply for the DBS check through Ofsted.
Find out about applying online
To ask a question about childminder DBS checks or how to apply online, get in touch with one of our team today.
