DBS Checks for Babysitters and Childminders

It’s understandable that parents want to know that their children are in safe hands when they hire a babysitter. Obtaining a DBS check is one way you can certify that you are a safe and qualified babysitter. Not only will obtaining a DBS check help you find a babysitting job, but it will also give parents peace of mind.

What is a DBS check?

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a means of checking the criminal record of an individual in order to prevent unsafe and/or unsuitable individuals from working with children and vulnerable people.

Am I eligible for a DBS check?

Employers must apply for standard and enhanced DBS checks on behalf of their employees. As such, childminders, nannies and babysitters who are employed by a childcare agency are eligible to apply for standard and enhanced DBS checks. However, individuals who work independently and do not have a formal contract through a childminding agency are not eligible to apply for standard/enhanced DBS checks.

If you are not eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS check, you can apply instead for a basic DBS check. A basic DBS check will display any convictions and conditional cautions issued by the police. There are no eligibility requirements for obtaining a basic DBS check, however you do need to be at least 16 years old. To apply, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record

Do I need a DBS check to babysit?

It is not a mandatory requirement that you obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service check to babysit. However, it is highly recommended. Not only will it increase your chances of finding a babysitting job, but you will also give parents peace of mind whilst also helping to keep the Babysits community safe.

How do I get a DBS check?

You can apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check online here.
For more information on how to apply for a standard or enhanced DBS check, head topostoffice.co.uk.

What does a DBS check show?

Basic DBS Check

A basic DBS check will include details of convictions and conditional cautions considered to be ‘unspent’. For more information, check the relevant Gov.uk webpage.

Standard DBS Check

A standard DBS check will include details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings held on police records.

Enhanced DBS Check

An enhanced DBS check will include the same details as that of the standard DBS check, as well as any additional information held by local police which is considered of relevance to the role in question.

How much does a DBS check cost?

At the time of writing, the basic DBS check costs £23, the standard DBS costs £23 and the enhanced DBS costs £40. For more information, please refer to the relevant Gov.uk webpage.

How long does a DBS check take to be completed?

You can expect the process of obtaining your DBS check to take 4 weeks. However, you can receive a basic DBS check (‘basic disclosure’) in 14 days.

How long does a DBS last?

While there is no official expiration date for a DBS check, the recommended time of renewal is every 3 years. For more information, visit Gov.uk

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