For nannies, childminders, maternity nurses and babysitters
Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Nannies and Childminders
If you look after children for families, you can now get your own Enhanced DBS check with the Children’s Barred List, without an agency or employer. Apply online with us, then show your certificate to every family you work for.
Childcare Enhanced check
Inc Children's Barred List
- No agency or employer needed
- We check your eligibility before we submit
- Digital ID check with your phone and passport
- You MUST have a biometric passport
- One certificate to show every family, with the Update Service
Who this page is for
Since 21 January 2026, people who are self-employed, or employed directly by a family, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body, without the need for another person to apply on their behalf. These childcare roles usually qualify:
Nannies
Full-time, part-time, live-in and nanny-share nannies paid by a family.
Childminders
Looking after other people’s children, for payment, in your own home.
Maternity nurses and night nannies
Caring for newborns and young children, including overnight work.
Babysitters
Paid babysitters, whether you sit for one family or several.
Which check do I need?
It depends on how often you look after children. You don’t have to work it out alone: we check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.
Most nannies and childminders
Enhanced with Children's Barred List
If you care for children regularly, meaning any one of these:
- Once a week or more
- On 4 or more days in any 30 days
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
On the application form, choose the job title: Nanny or Childminder
Occasional childcare
Enhanced check (no barred list)
If you look after children only now and then, such as babysitting a few times a year:
- You can still get an Enhanced check
- It just won't include the barred list
- Same price either way
On the application form, choose the job title: Babysitter
Examples
A part-time nanny
Looks after two children three days a week for one family.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A night nanny
Works two nights a week caring for a newborn while the parents sleep.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A regular babysitter
Babysits for several local families most weekends.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
Registering with Ofsted?
If you’re registering as a childminder with Ofsted, or joining Ofsted’s Childcare Register as a nanny, check Ofsted’s instructions first. Ofsted may ask you to get your DBS check through its own process. If you’re not registering with Ofsted, you can apply with us.
How to apply
STEP 1
Complete the online form
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a family employs you directly, as the organisation name.
STEP 2
Verify your identity digitally
You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments.
STEP 3
We check and submit
We review your application and confirm the right level of check before sending it to the DBS.
STEP 4
Receive your certificate
The DBS posts your certificate to you. Join the Update Service to keep it current.
Parents: hiring a nanny or childminder?
You can’t apply for a DBS check for them. They must apply for their own. Ask to see their original certificate, check it’s an Enhanced check with the Children’s Barred List, and if they’ve joined the DBS Update Service, check online for free that it’s still up to date.
Nanny and childminder DBS questions
Not necessarily. If you join the DBS Update Service, each family can check online, with your permission, that your certificate is still up to date.
Yes. If you work through an agency or organisation, they can still apply on your behalf, in line with their own policies.
No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.
No. Parents can’t apply on your behalf. You apply yourself, then show them your certificate.
Yes. You may be eligible for an Enhanced check without the barred list. We’ll confirm before submitting.
We’ll tell you before anything is submitted. You can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
Ready to get your childcare DBS check?
Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.