What is a DBS Check? A Cheat Sheet for Teachers in the UK
If you're planning to teach in the UK, you will need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
A DBS check is a criminal record check that helps schools determine whether an individual is suitable to work with children and other vulnerable people. It is a mandatory safeguarding requirement for all teachers working in UK schools.
At Nurture Education, we'll arrange your DBS check on your behalf and are available to answer any questions you have. However, it's still important to understand what a DBS check is, why it's required, and what to expect before you provide your consent.
What is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the UK government body responsible for carrying out criminal record checks for people working in positions of trust.
You may hear people refer to a CRB check. The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was replaced by the Disclosure and Barring Service in 2012, but it is common to encounter the term CRB. Don’t be alarmed, a CRB check is a DBS check.
Types of DBS Checks
There are four different levels of DBS check:
Basic DBS Check – Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Standard DBS Check – Includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
Enhanced DBS Check – Includes the information contained in a Standard DBS check, plus any relevant information held by local police.
Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists – Includes all of the above, as well as checks against the children's and/or adults' barred lists to determine whether someone is legally prohibited from working with vulnerable groups.
Which DBS Check do teachers need?
Teaching is classified as a regulated activity because it involves working directly, and often unsupervised, with children.
For this reason, all teachers and education professionals must complete an Enhanced DBS Check, and, where applicable, a check against the Children's Barred List.
The Children’s Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the DBS that contains the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from working in regulated activities with children.
This helps schools maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and ensures everyone working with students is suitable for the role.
Can I apply for an Enhanced DBS Check myself?
No. Individuals cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check directly.
Instead, the application must be submitted by a registered organisation or employer (that’s us). When you secure a teaching role through Nurture Education, we'll manage the application process for you, making it straightforward and stress-free.
Does a DBS Check expire?
A DBS certificate does not have an official expiry date. It provides an overview of an individual's criminal record at the time the check was conducted.
However, many schools and employers in sensitive industries will require a recent DBS certificate or may request employees to renew their checks periodically as part of their safeguarding policies.
What is the DBS Update Service?
The Update Service exists to maintain the validity of your DBS check and avoid unnecessary delays.
The Update Service is an optional online subscription, for Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS checks, that allows applicants to keep their DBS certificates up-to-date and allows employers to view an applicant’s certificate.
We're here to help
Whether you’re a teacher that has arrived from overseas, or are a local at the beginning your career, understanding the UK safeguarding process is an important part of your journey.
At Nurture Education, we'll handle your DBS application from start to finish, answer any questions you have, and support you throughout the entire process so you can focus on preparing for this exciting new step in your teaching career.