Everyone within an education setting knows that Nursery staff are required by Ofsted to have a DBS Check. DBS Checks for nursery staff are essential to ensure the safeguarding of children.
But it is easy to get confused with what type of DBS checks for nursery staff are needed. Here at Aaron’s Department, we have a lot of experience with what type of checks are required for each industry and we can help.
DBS Checks For Nursery Staff – What Check Is Needed?
As the role involves working directly with children, on a regular basis, an Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred Check will be required for Nursery staff. Only individuals who are not barred from working with children can be given a role in a Nursery.
Knowing that those who look after children have had a DBS check helps give everyone peace-of-mind that their children are in safe hands!
What Does an Enhanced DBS Check Show?
Enhanced DBS checks show a history of all spent and unspent convictions, final warnings and reprimands.
Any information that the local police consider relevant for disclosure is also contained.
If the person receiving the DBS check has any of these, they will show up on the certificate.
Below is a graph showing what is on an Enhanced DBS Check
What Does the Children’s Barred List Show?
An Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred List will also include the result of a check against the children’s barred list, which will show if they are banned from working with children.
This is an important part of the DBS Checks for nursery staff and safeguarding in general and not only protects children but staff members
Why Are DBS Checks For Nursery Staff Important?
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, formerly known as CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks in the UK, are important for nursery staff for several reasons:
- Child Safety and Protection: The primary concern in a nursery setting is the safety and well-being of the children. DBS checks help identify individuals who might pose a risk to children due to previous criminal convictions or inappropriate behaviour. This helps ensure that the children are in a safe environment and that their welfare is a top priority.
- Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Many countries, including the UK, have legal and regulatory requirements that mandate individuals working with children to undergo DBS checks. Nurseries and other childcare settings must comply with these requirements to operate legally. Failing to conduct DBS checks could lead to legal consequences and jeopardise the nursery’s reputation.
- Trust and Reputation: Parents and guardians trust nurseries to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children. By conducting DBS checks, nurseries can demonstrate their commitment to child safety, which can enhance their reputation and attract more families to enrol their children.
- Prevention of Abuse: DBS checks for nursery staff are a preventive measure to minimise the risk of child abuse, neglect, or harm. Individuals with a history of violence, sexual offences, or other harmful behaviours could potentially exploit their position in a nursery. DBS checks help identify such individuals and prevent them from working with children.
- Peace of Mind for Parents: Parents want assurance that their children are being cared for by trustworthy and responsible individuals. Knowing that nursery staff have undergone DBS checks can provide parents with peace of mind and confidence in the childcare facility.
- Professionalism and Accountability: Requiring nursery staff to undergo DBS checks demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and accountability within the childcare industry. It sets a standard for the qualifications and character of individuals entrusted with the care of young children.
- Early Detection: In some cases, individuals who have previously committed offences may not have been caught or convicted. DBS checks can bring these issues to light and allow nursery administrators to make informed decisions about staff hiring.
- Maintaining Ethical Standards: Nurseries have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and protect vulnerable individuals. DBS checks are part of this ethical obligation, ensuring that individuals with a history of unethical behaviour are not placed in positions of trust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DBS Checks for Nursery staff are of the utmost of importance for the children, and staff at a nursery. These DBS Checks are a safeguarding essential.
Employers Can Get DBS Checks For Nursery Staff at Aaron’s Department
Getting DBS checks for nursery staff with Aaron’s Department couldn’t be easier.
Our easy-to-use, online DBS checking service allows you to get your staff to work faster than ever before.
You can read more about it on our Employer page, or to get started right away, use the sign-up button below.