What is a Nanny DBS Check?
In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) carries out enhanced checks with barred lists on all childcare providers, including nannies, to ensure the safety of children. In this blog we will answer some of the most common questions we receive at Nannytax about Nanny DBS Checks.
1. What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions. There are four levels of DBS checks which can be requested, these include:
- A Basic Check which shows any unspent criminal convictions or cautions.
- A Standard Check which shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
- An Enhanced Check which includes everything in a Standard DBS Check as well as any relevant police information – this check is required for roles involving vulnerable people.
- An Enhanced Check with Barred Lists which includes everything in an Enhanced DBS Check, as well as a check against the list of those who are legally banned from working with vulnerable people.
2. Do nannies need to be DBS checked?
Yes, nannies need to have an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists from the Disclosure and Barring Service in order to look after children.
We recommend you request proof of an up-to-date Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists before your nanny starts working for you.
3. Does a DBS certificate expire?
There is not an official expiry date for a criminal record check issued by DBS, however in some industries a new check may be required periodically.
For nannies, Ofsted will only accept a DBS certificate within 3 months of the issue date as part of their registration process. It is advised that nannies sign up for the Ofsted DBS Update Service to keep their certificates up-to-date.
4. How can I find out if my nanny’s DBS is up-to-date?
To check if a DBS certificate is up-to-date, you must have consent from your nanny to access their DBS records.
Nannies can sign in to the Update Service and give their employer access to their DBS check, learn more.
5. Can I ask my nanny to update their DBS?
Yes, you can ask your nanny to provide an up-to-date DBS certificate.
6. Can I use Childcare Vouchers if a nanny is not Ofsted-registered or does not have a DBS check?
To use Childcare Vouchers, your nanny must be Ofsted-registered.
7. Do I apply for my nanny’s DBS check?
No, all childcare providers, including nannies, must obtain their DBS check from an organisation. Nannies can apply for a DBS Check as part of their Ofsted-registration, or some nanny agencies are able to offer DBS checks.
DBS will not accept applications made by nanny employers.
Who are Nannytax?
We’re the UK market leader in nanny payroll and we’ve been supporting families and nannies for over 30 years. We save families precious time by removing the hassle of payroll, tax and various ongoing legal admin involved when employing a nanny. As the largest Nanny PAYE and workplace pension service provider in the country, we are trusted by over 10,000 domestic employers and recommended by 200+ UK nanny agencies. We also offer additional services such as Employers Liability Insurance and Nanny Pensions.
