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DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants: Types, Cost, and How to Get One

DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants: Types, Cost, and How to Get One

Created:
Updated: 02-September-2025

If you’re aiming to work in a school as a Teaching Assistant (TA), you’ll almost certainly need a DBS check. This guide explains the right level for school roles, who applies (and who doesn’t), how much it costs (including free checks for volunteers), and how to make your certificate portable with the DBS Update Service.

First things first: who applies for a DBS?

  • Schools/placements (or their umbrella body) apply for standard/enhanced checks. Individuals cannot apply for these themselves. (Study from Home does not apply for DBS checks.)
  • You can apply for a Basic DBS yourself online, but schools usually require Enhanced (often with the Children’s Barred List).

Source: GOV.UK employer guidance and eligibility rules. See: DBS checks: guidance for employers and Eligibility guidance for enhanced checks.

Which DBS do Teaching Assistants need?

  • Most TA roles are regulated activity with children → typically Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List check.
  • Some supervised volunteers may be eligible for Enhanced without the barred list, but many schools still request the barred list for simplicity and safeguarding. Schools can also run a separate children’s barred list check if someone starts while the full certificate is pending (policy-dependent).

Source: GOV.UK Children’s barred list and eligibility guidance.

DBS levels at a glance

Level What it shows Who can request Typical for TAs?
Basic Unspent convictions/conditional cautions. Applicant or employer. No — schools usually need Enhanced.
Standard Spent + unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings. Employer/umbrella body only. Rare for school support roles.
Enhanced As Standard + relevant police info. Employer/umbrella body only. Yes — baseline for TAs.
Enhanced + Children’s Barred List Enhanced + whether an individual is barred from working with children. Employer/umbrella body only. Common for TAs in regulated activity.

Costs & who pays

  • Basic: £21.50 (applicant or employer can pay).
  • Standard: £21.50 (employer/umbrella submits).
  • Enhanced / Enhanced + Barred List: £49.50 (employer/umbrella submits).
  • Volunteers: Standard/Enhanced applications are free of DBS fee (umbrella bodies may charge a small admin fee).

Sources: GOV.UK pages on Basic DBS (£21.50) and employer guidance (volunteer checks free of DBS fee), plus fee updates effective Dec 2024. See: Get a standard/enhanced DBS (fees & timings) and DBS volunteer process guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Make it portable: DBS Update Service

  • Join within 30 days of the certificate’s date of issue (or join earlier with your application reference).
  • Cost: £16 per year; free for volunteers.
  • Lets employers run a quick status check and allows you to reuse your certificate for the same workforce and level (e.g., child workforce, Enhanced + children’s barred list).

Sources: GOV.UK Update Service applicant guide and service page. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How the process usually works

  1. Secure a placement or job offer (school confirms the level required).
  2. School/umbrella initiates the DBS application and verifies your ID.
  3. Certificate is posted to you (the applicant). Share the original or the number as requested.
  4. Join the Update Service within 30 days to reuse it for similar roles.

Note: Some schools may do a separate children’s barred list check so you can start under supervision while the full Enhanced check completes (school policy dependent). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Where Study from Home fits in

  • We do not apply for DBS checks.
  • We help you prepare (ID checklist, what to expect) and provide template placement letters so your school can start the right check quickly.
  • Our courses include guidance to evidence safeguarding for your Level 3 Certificate/Diploma portfolio.

Useful Guides & Resources

RQF, CACHE & Ofqual — Explained How to check a qualification is genuine. No Experience? Start Here Volunteer routes & upgrading to Certificate. TA Salary & Hours Term-time pay explained. DBS Update Service (GOV.UK) Join within 30 days; volunteers free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for my own Enhanced DBS?

No. Standard and Enhanced applications must be submitted by an employer or registered body. You can only apply for a Basic check yourself. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Are DBS checks free for volunteers?

Yes — Standard/Enhanced volunteer checks are free of DBS fee (umbrella services may charge admin). Basic checks are £21.50 for everyone. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Which level do TAs need?

Typically Enhanced with Children’s Barred List for regulated activity with children. Schools determine eligibility and will tell you what they need. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

How fast is it?

Standard/enhanced checks often complete in about two weeks, but it can take longer depending on circumstances. You cannot pay to fast-track. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Can I reuse my DBS for another school?

Yes, if you join the DBS Update Service within 30 days and the new role needs the same workforce and level. Employers run a free status check with your consent. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}