Do you wonder what the guidelines are when it comes to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for schools?
We get asked about DBS guidance for schools quite often because DBS checks play a key role in safeguarding.
But the eligibility surrounding which level of check you may need if you work in education isn’t always clear. This blog addresses that issue by covering some key questions surrounding DBS checks for schools and clarifying the legislation.
So whether you’re not working with children directly or if you’re wondering whether to apply for a DBS Check for a teaching assistant, we’ve got the answers to some common questions about DBS checks for working in schools.
Is a DBS Check needed to work in a school?
Whether you’ll be eligible for a DBS check when working in a school will depend on the nature of your job role, and how frequently you work in schools.
Put simply, anyone working directly for the school is likely to be eligible for the highest level of DBS check; this is an enhanced DBS with a children’s barred list check.
This is because often they will be working directly with children, such as a teacher or teaching assistant and will be engaging in regulated activity.
Otherwise, they’ll be likely to be working in the school on a frequent basis, such as cleaners or administrators, and will be eligible on this basis.
In all of these circumstances, it’s the school that applies for the DBS check on the individual’s behalf. Some examples of workers within a school setting:
School staff
Any member of staff who is employed directly by the school is eligible for an enhanced DBS check due to the possibility of contact with children. This is in place as a safeguarding measure, particularly in response to the Soham murders in 2002.
Enhanced DBS checks will detail any unspent/spent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands an applicant may have received. It’ll also include any additional information the police deem worthy and barred list searches if applicable
Contractors within schools and school grounds
Often, contractors working in schools are eligible for DBS disclosures.
The reason for this is ‘where’ they’re working rather than their ‘job role’. Schools, nurseries and other similar educational institutions fall into the category of ‘limited range of establishments’ or ‘specified places’. The classification allows these establishments to request checks on any candidates working on those sites (as long as they meet the other criteria) to make sure the highest measures of safeguarding are in place for children.
Different levels of DBS checks are available depending on which criteria that contractor meets
For example:
Will they meet the frequency of working in schools at least 3 times in a 30 day period? If they do, then they’ll be eligible for a DBS check.
Will they be working in term time or during holidays only?
If they’re working in term time, the contractor will need an enhanced DBS disclosure. However, those working purely in the holidays may only require a standard DBS. We recommend discussing the level of check with the school in question.
Contracted school roles
If a school decides to contract out a role that they would otherwise employ directly, such as a cleaner, the applicant for that role would still be eligible for the enhanced DBS check with applicable barred lists. In such instances, the eligibility still applies as the school has devolved responsibility for an in-house role to an outside agency. This also applies to school governors who supervise staff in regulated activity and have input into recruitment decisions.
Is a check needed if not working with children directly?
DBS checks for schools can still apply to those who work in an establishment such as a school or nursery but whose role does not require them to work directly with children. If this is the situation you’re in, it’d depend on whether you work there on a frequent or sporadic basis.
Even if you’re not working directly with children, working in a place such as a school or nursery may mean you’re eligible for a higher level of DBS check if you work there frequently.
This example could apply to contractors visiting the school. If they were meeting the DBS frequency criteria, found on page 4 here, it’s likely they’d be eligible to request an enhanced DBS check.
In these instances, it’s likely the school will ask the contracting firm to apply for their checks themselves.
DBS check for work experience/volunteering in a school required?
DBS checks for schools may still apply to those who are volunteering or doing work experience in a school. Your eligibility for a higher level of DBS will depend on the nature of your role and your age.
An individual must be 16 years old to be able to get a DBS check. This means that an individual under 16 cannot obtain a DBS check, even if they’re gaining work experience in a school.
If someone’s volunteering in a school their eligibility for a higher level of check will depend on the nature of their role. If they’re engaging in regulated activity they’ll be eligible for an enhanced DBS with a check against the children’s barred list.
If they’re supervised at all times, then they won’t be classed as engaging in regulated activity themselves, and an enhanced DBS will be most suitable.
It’s important to note that a volunteer status will only affect the fee charged for a check, it won’t affect an individual’s eligibility when working in a school.
How often should DBS checks be renewed in schools?
There’s no legal requirement to renew DBS checks after a certain amount of time. Schools can request a new DBS check for existing staff if they deem it necessary.
Many schools will have their own renewal policies in place, often requiring checks to be renewed every 3 years. And the DBS themselves recommend regularly rescreening employees to guarantee you always have the most up-to-date information.
Some schools may also be required to re-check staff more frequently due to the type of school it is. For instance, an independent school may be required to renew DBS checks more often than other schools.
Why are DBS checks important in schools?
Vetting
DBS checks are vital for vetting those working with children. They allow schools to make informed recruitment decisions and ensure that those who may pose a risk to children do not gain access to them. This is especially important for roles where there’s a high degree of contact with children, or where the role involves caring for or supervising children.
Legal compliance
Schools have a legal duty to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of children in their care. DBS checks are an important part of meeting this obligation. Schools that fail to carry out the necessary checks could face legal action.
Maintaining trust
Parents and the wider community need to be able to trust that schools are taking the necessary steps to protect children. DBS checks help to maintain this trust by demonstrating that schools are committed to safeguarding.
Deterring potential offenders
The knowledge that DBS checks are in place can act as a deterrent to those who may have harmful intentions towards children. This helps to create a safer environment for children and young people.
DBS checks for schools: Next steps to take
If you are an individual who needs a higher level of DBS check for working in a school, then please get in touch with the school or organisation you are working for, as they will need to apply for the check on your behalf.
If you are a school, or other educational organisation with questions about DBS eligibility you can contact the DBS for more information, or consult the Ofsted DBS guidance for schools.
Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours. Get started now.ns. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours. Get started now.
