DBS Check for Childminders and Nannies — 2026 Guide
If you work as a childminder or nanny in the UK, a DBS check is not just recommended — in most cases it is a legal requirement. This guide covers everything you need to know for 2026: what level you need, how to apply, how long it takes, and what happens if you have a criminal record.
Do Childminders Need a DBS Check?
Yes. All registered childminders must have an Enhanced DBS check, including a check of the children's barred list. This is a legal requirement under Ofsted registration rules. You cannot legally operate as a childminder in England without it. This applies to the childminder themselves, any other adult aged 16 or over living or working at the premises, and any regular volunteers or helpers with unsupervised contact with children. Ofsted will not register you without evidence of a satisfactory Enhanced DBS certificate.
Do Nannies Need a DBS Check?
Nannies are not required by law to be registered with Ofsted, so there is no universal legal mandate. However, most families will expect and request one. If you register with Ofsted's Voluntary Childcare Register, an Enhanced DBS is required. Many nanny agencies will not place you without a current certificate, and parents hiring through sites like Childcare.co.uk are increasingly filtering for DBS-checked candidates. In practice, an Enhanced DBS check is essential for any nanny who wants to work professionally in 2026.
What Level of DBS Check Is Needed?
Both childminders and nannies require an Enhanced DBS check with children's barred list check. This is the highest level and includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings, a check of the DBS Children's Barred List, and local police intelligence records. A Basic or Standard check is not sufficient for these roles.
How to Apply
Through your employer or agency: if employed by a nursery or nanny agency, they will process the check for you. Through an umbrella body if self-employed: self-employed childminders and nannies cannot apply directly through the DBS and must use a registered umbrella body such as Ucheck or First Advantage. Fees range from 38 to 60 pounds for an Enhanced check. Through Ofsted registration: when applying to register as a childminder, Ofsted initiates the DBS check as part of your registration — no separate application needed.
How Long Does It Take?
Enhanced DBS checks typically take 2 to 8 weeks, though many return within 2 to 4 weeks. The main variable is the local police force check. If you have lived at multiple addresses in different force areas, expect longer. To avoid delays: double-check all address history going back 5 years, ensure your name matches your ID exactly, and apply online rather than by paper.
How Much Does It Cost?
For employed applicants the check is usually free — the employer pays. For voluntary roles it is free. For self-employed applicants via umbrella body, expect 38 to 60 pounds. The DBS itself charges 49.50 pounds for an Enhanced check in 2026; umbrella bodies add an admin fee on top.
The DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service at 16 pounds per year is strongly recommended. It lets parents and employers instantly verify your certificate online, allows you to carry your certificate between jobs, and lets Ofsted check your status. Subscribe within 30 days of your certificate being issued to avoid needing a new check each time you change employer.
Criminal Records
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from working with children. The DBS certificate shows your record and the employer or Ofsted makes a risk assessment. However, certain convictions result in an automatic bar under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. If you are on the children's barred list, you cannot legally work as a childminder or nanny. For advice on how your record might affect your application, contact Nacro before applying.
Renewal
There is no legal renewal requirement at a set interval. Ofsted recommends childminders update every 3 years. Most nanny agencies require a check dated within the last 3 years. If subscribed to the Update Service, the certificate never expires — it can be checked in real time.
Need a DBS Check for Music Teaching?
At Music Lab School, all tutors working with children hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate. We take child safeguarding seriously across all our locations. Contact us at www.musiclabschool.co.uk/contact or book a free trial lesson at www.musiclabschool.co.uk/free-trial.
Last updated: June 2026. Always verify current requirements at gov.uk/childminder-register.