You will need to have an up-to-date enhanced check with barred lists from the Disclosure and Barring Service if you want to look after children for a living.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) carries out enhanced checks with barred lists on anyone working with children, to make sure the children are safe. DBS checks usually take about 6 weeks. In the end, you will get a certificate which you must keep safe. In case you currently do not have this type of DBS we recommend that you use Little Beans Nanny Agency's DBS service - currently, it costs £85 to apply for the enhanced DBS check with them.
DBS Update service We recommend that as soon as your DBS arrives you register for the DBS Update Service. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Update Service allows:
applicants to keep their DBS certificates up to date
employers to check a DBS certificate
It costs £16 per year and you can pay by debit or credit card.
You will need your application reference number (called ‘form ref’ on your application form) and DBS must receive your application form within 28 days. This means that you have only 28 days to apply for the Update Service after you receive your new DBS. This also means that if you are on the update service you will not need to pay for a new DBS again, it just keeps on rolling until you no longer need it.
When you upload your Enhanced DBS certificate to your account, ensure that the entire first page is clearly visible from top to bottom. The name and the address line also needs to be visible at the top left corner.
