DBS Checks for Nannies & Childminders
Self-employed nannies and childminders can now apply for an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List, directly, without an employer. Here’s what you need and how to apply.
What Is a DBS Check for a Nanny or Childminder?
A nanny DBS check at the Enhanced level shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by local police. The Children’s Barred List check confirms whether the applicant is prohibited from working with children and is the element that matters most in childcare roles.
Before 21 January 2026, self-employed nannies and childminders had no direct route to this level of check. A Basic DBS reveals only unspent convictions and does not satisfy the safeguarding requirements of most families or registration bodies; it was the only option previously available without an employer.
That changed with a Statutory Instrument under Part V of the Police Act 1997, which came into force on 21 January 2026. Paid self-employed workers in regulated activity with children can now apply for a DBS check for childminders and nannies at the Enhanced level through a registered Umbrella Body, without needing an employer.
Do Self-Employed Nannies and Childminders Need a DBS Check?
Most do. Whether it is a formal requirement or a client expectation depends on your specific role, but for anyone working unsupervised with children in a paid capacity, an Enhanced check is the standard.
Self-employed nannies working in a family home, private childminders not registered with Ofsted, and au pairs employed directly by a family on a self-employed basis typically work within regulated activity. Parents now routinely request an Enhanced DBS certificate before any childcare arrangement begins.
Ofsted-registered childminders: If you are registered with Ofsted, your DBS check is obtained through the Ofsted registration process. This service is for self-employed nannies and childminders who are not going through Ofsted registration.
The standard for anyone working with children. Get the check that proves it.
Before January 2026, self-employed workers could only access a Basic DBS check. A Basic check shows only unspent convictions; it does not check the Children’s Barred List, does not include cautions or spent convictions, and does not capture soft intelligence held by police forces.
A statutory change that came into force on 21 January 2026 opened the Enhanced DBS route to paid self-employed individuals for the first time. The rules apply in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland. Northern Ireland uses Access NI.
This closed a longstanding safeguarding gap. A self-employed nanny or childminder can now obtain exactly the same level of disclosure as an employed one, applied for directly through a registered Umbrella Body. Find out more about the Enhanced DBS check for self-employed workers.
What Type of DBS Check Do Nannies and Childminders Need?
For most self-employed nannies and childminders, the correct check is an Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List. This applies where the role involves teaching, caring for, instructing, or supervising children on a regular, unsupervised basis; that is the definition of regulated activity for children under DBS guidance.
The Barred List element is what distinguishes this from a standard Enhanced check. It confirms whether you are prohibited from working with children, and that information does not appear on an Enhanced check without it.
| Role | Check required |
|---|---|
| Self-employed nanny, unsupervised, regular contact with children | Enhanced DBS + Children’s Barred List |
| Self-employed childminder (not Ofsted-registered) | Enhanced DBS + Children’s Barred List |
| Au pair employed directly by a family on a self-employed basis | Enhanced DBS + Children’s Barred List |
| Occasional babysitter, not in regulated activity | Basic DBS only, apply via GOV.UK |
How to Get a DBS Check for Nannies and Childminders
Create your account at app.self-employed-dbs.co.uk and select Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List. Complete your application online because it takes around 15 minutes and can be done in one sitting. Your identity documents are verified as part of the process. Once submitted, the Disclosure and Barring Service issues your certificate and posts it directly to you.
Check eligibility
You must be paid and in a qualifying role. Volunteers are not covered.
Register an account
Self-employed applicants cannot submit directly to the DBS.
Complete application
Personal details, 5 years of addresses, and your role information.
Verify your identity
Digitally via biometric passport or EU ID card, or with standard documents.
Receive certificate
Posted directly to you. Show the original to your client or parent.
How Long Does a Nanny or Childminder DBS Check Take?
Most Enhanced DBS checks complete within 2 to 4 weeks. The Disclosure and Barring Service processes the application and posts your certificate to you directly; there is no guaranteed fast-track service for Enhanced checks.
Processing time depends on police force response times and the complexity of your application history. Multiple previous addresses or name changes can extend the timeline. Once submitted, you can monitor progress through the DBS online tracking service.
How Much Does a DBS Check Cost for a Nanny or Childminder?
| Check type | DBS fee |
|---|---|
| Enhanced DBS | £49.50 |
| Enhanced DBS + Children’s Barred List | £49.50 |
| Enhanced DBS + Right to Work | £49.50 |
The DBS statutory fee is VAT-exempt. No payment is taken until your application is ready to submit. For full pricing information, see the DBS check costs page.
The DBS Update Service costs £16 per year and lets you share a live certificate status with any parent or client, without reapplying each time. It is worth subscribing on receipt of your certificate.
This guide applies to self-employed nannies & childminders workers in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland. Northern Ireland uses Access NI. This page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, contact our support team or consult a qualified legal adviser.
Ready to Apply?
Nanny and Childminder DBS Check Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions we get about DBS Checks and our Platform
Can a self-employed nanny get an Enhanced DBS check?
Yes. Since 21 January 2026, self-employed nannies can apply for an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List through a registered Umbrella Body. No employer is required. Apply online here.
Do childminders need an Enhanced DBS check?
Self-employed childminders not registered with Ofsted need an Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List for any role involving regular, unsupervised work with children. If you are Ofsted-registered, your DBS is obtained through Ofsted and you do not apply here.
What is the difference between an Enhanced DBS and an Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List?
An Enhanced DBS check includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and relevant police intelligence. Adding the Children’s Barred List check also confirms whether the applicant is prohibited from working with children. For nannies and childminders in regulated activity, the Barred List check is the correct option. Find out more on the Enhanced DBS page.
How long is a DBS check valid for nannies and childminders?
A DBS certificate has no official expiry date, but parents and clients typically expect a check no older than two to three years. The DBS Update Service at £16 per year keeps your certificate current and allows clients to verify its status in real time, without you needing to reapply.
Can an au pair get a DBS check as a self-employed worker?
Yes. Au pairs working directly with a family on a self-employed basis can apply for an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List through this service. No employer is needed to countersign the application. Start your application here.