Due to the level of interaction with children, most, if not all of those working in schools are required to have a DBS check.
But how do you determine which level is most suitable for each job role?
To resolve that question, here at uCheck we have created this simple guide designed to make the process simpler to understand.
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 designed 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 will 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 due to ‘where’ they are working rather than the ‘job role’ in which they are doing. Schools, nurseries and other similar educational institutions fall into a category known as ‘limited range of establishments’. Legislation provides the scope to allow such establishments to request checks on any candidates working on those sites (as long as they meeting the other criteria) to make sure the highest measures of safeguarding are put into 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 will be eligible for a DBS check.
Will they be working in term time or in holidays only?
If they are working in term time, the contractor will have to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. However those working purely in holidays may only require a standard DBS. In such instances we would recommend discussing the level of check to be requested 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 have devolved responsibility for an in-house role to an outside agency. This also applies to school governors who supervise staff in regulated activity as well as have input into recruitment decisions.
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.
