DBS Check for Schools and Education (2024)

A DBS check for schools and further education provide an essential safeguarding tool to ensure the safety of children. At Aaron’s Department, we process all DBS checks for schools the same day (when submitted before 4pm), so you can get your staff into work quicker.

Affordable DBS Checks

Our Admin Fee for an Enhanced Check is just £10.95, with no hidden costs!

Online Tracking

Keep up-to-date with your applications using our online tracker.

Free Fast Tracking

All applications we receive before 4pm are processed the same day

DBS check for schools

Why Are DBS Checks For Schools Needed?

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. 

What DBS Check Do Teachers Need?

Teachers will need DBS checks and will require Enhanced DBS checks with Barred List as they take part in regulated activity.

Some examples of regulated activity with children that occur in schools include:

  • Responsibility for teaching, training and instructing.
  • Providing advice and guidance on well-being.
  • Driving a vehicle only for children.
  • Unsupervised contact with children.
  • Personal care (helping children due to illness or disability).
DBS Check for schools

For more information on regulated activity, you can read our DBS Regulated Activity – 5 Things You Should Know article.

Everything You Need To Know
DBS Checks For School and Further Education

Below is everything you need to know about getting a DBS check for school staff with Aaron’s Department, at a glance!

DBS Check for Schools By Position

Teachers


Teachers and assistants that work in schools must have an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List.
This is to ensure they are legally allowed to engage in Regulated Activities with children and teenagers.

Supply Teachers


Just like a permanent teacher, supply staff
will still need the Enhanced with Children’s
Barred List check as they will be teaching and engaging with children.
As a result, they have to go through the same safeguarding measures.

How Schools and Teachers Can Benefit From Our Online DBS System

DBS Results Returned Quickly

Whether you’re a teacher, cleaner, or volunteer, you don’t have to wait around for your DBS check!
We process and send off all DBS checks the same day when received before 4pm.

Complete The DBS Application Anywhere

From the classroom to the applicant’s home, our online system can be accessed wherever is most convenient.

Affordable DBS Checks

Nobody should over-pay for their DBS checks, especially when they play such a crucial in safeguarding children. Our admin fees start at £10.95 for Enhanced checks, but this can be lowered by paying for checks in bulk!

No Contracts or Hidden Fees

No nasty shocks when you sign up with us! No registration fees or minimum checks required – just use what you want, when you want.

Built-in Tracking System

Our system incorporates a built-in tracking service and automatic email updates which allows you to keep track of the status of your application(s), showing you which stage it is at.

Dedicated Customer Support

No matter your question, big or small, our experienced team will be happy to help! Simply give us a call, or drop an email, and we’ll help you however we can.

DBS Checks For Schools – FAQ

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 until the date of print.  The check itself checks information from the criminal records which happened before the moment of applying, with nothing that occurs 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 Disclosure and Barring Service, there is no legal 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. Many schools will request a new check to get the latest, most up-to-date information on new members of staff. 

What Is The DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is an official DBS online service which allows employers to check whether there have been any changes to their employees’ Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates. This means employers only have to pay for new checks if there’s been a change to an employee’s record, as opposed to having to pay for regular checks.

Aaron’s Department provides an exclusive service that automatically checks to see if there have been any changes to an individual’s certificate,

All you have to do is select who you want to have on the DBS Update Service, and we’ll start checking them daily for you. It really is as simple as that! You can find out more by calling us on 0113 877 0171 or start to register employees via the link below.

(Please note: To register someone on the online DBS Update Service, a DBS Certificate must have been issued within the last 30 days).

DBS Check for schools

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).

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.

dbs check for schools

Apply for a DBS Check for Schools with Aaron’s Department

Aaron’s Department online system makes applying for an Enhanced DBS check online easier, and quicker, than ever before.