Your DBS and Working in Schools: What You Need to Know
Your DBS and Working in Schools: What You Need to Know
If you want to work in schools, you’ll need an Enhanced DBS check. Many people already have one, but confusion often comes from the workforce category it is registered under.
There are two main types of Enhanced DBS:
Child Only
Child and Adult
Both are valid Enhanced DBS checks. The difference is the workforce category linked to them.
Why do schools usually ask for Child Only?
Most primary and secondary schools teach children under 16. These settings are classed as child workforce environments.
Because of this, their safeguarding and compliance systems are set up for staff who hold an Enhanced Child Only DBS.
This means many schools will only accept a Child Only DBS, even if you already have a Child and Adult DBS.
This does not mean a Child and Adult DBS is wrong. It simply reflects how school safeguarding processes are structured.
What this means for you
If you have an Enhanced Child Only DBS, ideally on the Update Service, you can usually work in most mainstream schools.
If you have an Enhanced Child and Adult DBS, this is more common in SEND settings that support young people up to age 19.
As most roles we recruit for are in child workforce environments rather than post 16 settings, schools usually require a Child Only DBS.
Not sure which one you have?
If you are unsure which workforce your DBS is registered under, that is very common. We can check this for you and explain what it means for your opportunities.
If your DBS is Child and Adult, this does not reflect negatively on you. It simply means that for most school roles, you may need a Child Only DBS to meet safeguarding requirements.
Having the correct DBS helps avoid delays, makes onboarding smoother, and ensures you are eligible for the widest range of school placements.
If you would like us to review your DBS or talk through your options, just get in touch. We are here to help.