Whether you’re looking for DBS checks for Schools, Universities, or Education in general, you can easily apply for both teachers and staff. All DBS applications are processed the same day when submitted to us before 4pm!
DBS Checks for Schools
This section will go over everything you need to know about DBS Checks for Schools.
Why Do Schools Do DBS Checks?
DBS Checks are required for schools, as OFSTED (The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) states that schools must have DBS checks for their staff.
Undertaking DBS checks is necessary for safety in education settings, making sure anyone who is unsuitable to work with, or alongside children is unable to.
Do Teachers Need DBS Checks?
Yes, Teachers will need DBS checks, and will require Enhanced DBS checks with Barred List as they take part in regulated activity.
The same goes for a teaching assistant, volunteer teacher, or supply teacher.
What is Classified as Regulated Activity with Children?
Some examples of regulated activity with children that occur in schools include:
DBS Checks for Schools By Position
How Often Should Schools do DBS Checks?
There is no legal requirement to get regularly new DBS checks for existing staff, although some schools do get new checks periodically, usually every 3 years.
How Much is a DBS Check for Schools?
For a Teacher or teaching assistant working in a school, the DBS check cost will be £38 for an Enhanced DBS Check with Childrens Barred List, with an additional small admin fee.
Do Volunteers in Schools Need a DBS Check?
Yes. Just like a paid working position, volunteers require the same checks, and the level would depend on the role carried out. The only difference is that they would only have to pay the admin fee.
Do Teachers and Other School Staff Need a New Check when Moving from One School to Another?
It is the schools’ responsibility to decide whether the previously done DBS check is correct, and acceptable, for the new position.
If the person in question is moving schools and their previous DBS check was done over a year ago, it is strongly advised to carry out a new one.
How Long Does a DBS Check Take for Schools?
The time for processing the DBS check depends on the type of check required and the details being checked, but on average they take around 5-7 working days.
Why This Timeframe?
Since the most common DBS request for schools is an Enhanced with Barred List, it goes through 5 different stages, which you can read about by visiting our Enhanced DBS Check page.
The most suitable DBS check for employees in the education sector is the Enhanced DBS check with Barred Lists information which is the most detailed type of DBS check.
Aaron’s Department’s DBS checks processing system is connected directly to the UK Government’s Gateway and the Certificates are issued quickly.
How Long Does a DBS Certificate Remain Valid?
DBS Check Certificates have no official expiry date, but rather provide an up to date look at the history up until the date of print. The check itself checks information from the criminal records which happened before the moment of applying, with nothing that occurrs after the print date being on the DBS Certificate, until a new check is performed.
Are DBS Checks Transferable Between Schools?
If the employee has been previously checked with the Dislcosure and Barring Service, there is no need, nor requirement to request a new DBS check before starting to work in another school.
However, the school that offers the job position has to ask for evidence that there has been a check performed from the previous school or supply agency and it is their responsibility to assess and decide whether the check is at the correct level for the offered position.
How Schools and Teachers Can Benefit From Our Online DBS System
DBS Checks for Self-Employed Teachers
Self-employed teachers (working with children) cannot apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check themselves. Instead, they must apply for DBS checks through agencies/associations that can ask exempted questions.
Basic DBS Checks for Schools
A Basic DBS check can be requested by anyone for any position without any restrictions. However, when doing DBS checks for schools, it is unlikely to be appropriate, especially when working regularly at the school. In such cases, an Enhanced DBS check (possibly with Barred Lists) should be requested.
Standard DBS Checks for Schools
The Standard DBS check contains a filtered list of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. Whilst it is more detailed than a Basic DBS check, it still might not be suitable for employers in the education sector, depending on whether the position directly involves working with children.
Enhanced DBS Checks for Schools
The Enhanced DBS check includes all information included in the Standard DBS check, plus the addition of local police information. If the position requires it, a check on the Children’s and/or Adult’s barred lists will also be carried out.
Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Information for Schools
The Enhanced DBS check with Barred Lists information includes all the information of the checks listed above, plus an additional check on the Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred Lists.
Most of the job positions in the education sector include caring and being in charge of children directly. For these kinds of job roles, the Enhanced DBS check is the most suitable. If the job position includes school staff who are not directly working with children, then you can opt for Standard or a Basic DBS check, depending on the activities performed.
What is a Barred List Check?
The Barred Lists (both Adults’ or Children’s) contain information on whether an individual is barred or not from working with vulnerable adults or children.
Individuals can be checked against one or both of the lists, depending on the job position offered. This job position must be included in the ROA 1974 (Exception) Order 1975 and in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records).
What is the Children’s Barred List Check?
The Children’s Barred List Check, ensures that individuals that have been barred from working with children cannot by checking if they are on the list.
It is required for applicants who would be teaching, training or supervising children and job positions such as teachers, tutors and teaching assistants.
When is a Children’s Barred List Needed?
If the job position is defined as a regulated activity with children under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, then the applicant can be checked against the Children’s Barred List.
The Children’s Barred List is a replacement for List 99, POCA (Protection of Children Act) and disqualification orders. It is a quick way to find out if the applicant is barred from working with children.
We’ll now talk about DBS Checks for Further Education in Universities and Colleges.
DBS Checks for Universities
When working for a University, either as a lecturer, IT Technician, or even just a cleaner, you’ll be around students of all ages – but what does that mean for the type of DBS check you may need?
Do University Staff Require DBS Checks?
In normal circumstances, university staff, such as lecturers and those mentioned earlier, do not meet the requirements for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, so a Basic DBS Check would be the highest available.
What’s the Reason for this?
It’s simple really. Those attending University are over 18 in the UK, which means they are not classed as a child. However, this does not mean that a University cannot carry out a Basic DBS check to see any unspent convictions the possible staff members may have. Doing this can help give everyone peace of mind that they can trust those they hire to work with and help others, without any unspent convictions affecting them.
You can click here to read official documentation from the Department of Health on more about this.
DBS Checks for Further Education College
For FE (Further Education) Colleges, staff working with students over 18 years old do not need a Standard or Enhanced DBS checks.
This is because their job position would not fall within the ‘regulated activity’ guidelines and definition unless they are working with students that have disabilities.
Apply for a DBS Check for Schools with Aaron’s Department
Aaron’s Department online system makes applying for an Enhanced DBS certificate easier, and quicker, than ever before.
Automatic Error Checking System
Applications are rejected by the DBS, even for the simplest mistakes. However, you won’t have to worry about this if you use our online system has an inbuilt error checking system. Any mistakes or problems can be fixed before they cause an issue.
Built-in Tracking System
Our system incorporates a built-in tracking service that allows you to keep up to date with the status of your application(s), showing you which stage it is at. On top of this, you can also receive email updates which will notify you as the DBS application moves through the stages.
Fast, Reliable Service
At Aaron’s Department, we pride ourselves on quick returns. We process all applications within 24 hours of receiving them, in which they are then sent off to the DBS, error free.