Safe Tutors have an enhanced dbs, on the update service, checked daily
Enhanced DBS and Daily DBS Checks
If you’re a self-employed tutor, securing a DBS certificate is an essential step in demonstrating your commitment to safeguarding and professionalism. While DBS checks are not legally required for all tutors, many parents, schools, and tutoring agencies expect tutors to be DBS-certified to ensure a safe learning environment.
DBS FAQs
How long does DBS take to process?
DBS Check Processing Time
The time it takes to receive a DBS certificate varies:
- Basic DBS Check – Typically processed within 14 days.
- Enhanced DBS Check – May take up to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the background checks and the police authorities involved.
To avoid delays, ensure all details are accurate when applying.
What are the various types of DBS checks?
Types of DBS Checks for Tutors
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) offers different levels of background checks, depending on the role and level of contact with children or vulnerable adults:
- Basic DBS Check – A general background check showing unspent convictions. Suitable for tutors who do not work directly with schools or regulated activities.
- Standard DBS Check – Includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. More relevant for tutors working in specific professional settings.
- Enhanced DBS Check – The most detailed check, revealing both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by the police. Required for tutors working in regulated activity with children.
Many parents and organisations prefer tutors to hold an Enhanced DBS check, as it provides the highest level of reassurance.
How long does does DBS remain valid?
Duration and Validity of DBS Certificates
A DBS certificate does not have an official expiry date, but employers and parents may request an updated check every 1 to 3 years. Some tutors choose to register with the DBS Update Service, which allows for continuous monitoring and easy renewal.
What About CRB Checks?
What About CRB Checks?
If you’ve heard the term CRB check, it refers to the old system used before the DBS check was introduced in 2012. The CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority to form the current DBS.
Is DBS a legal requirement?
Legal Requirements for DBS Checks
DBS checks are not legally mandatory for self-employed tutors unless they work in a regulated setting, such as a school or through a registered tutoring agency. However, having a DBS-certified status increases trust and can be a key factor in attracting students.
Blogs about Tutor Safety
How to Become a Trusted Tutor: Why CPD, Safeguarding and Certification Are Essential
Families need trusted tutors. Learn how CPD, safeguarding and certification help you become a trusted tutor — and why Qualified Tutor is your essential resource for professional growth.
The 3 Keys to Effective Tutoring: Relationship, Responsiveness and Reflectiveness
Discover the 3 keys to effective tutoring — relationship, responsiveness and reflectiveness. Learn practical strategies from experienced tutors and explore how qualifications, CPD and community help professional tutors succeed. Join Qualified Tutor and take your tutoring career to the next level.
Why Being Part of a Tutor Community Matters: How Connecting with Fellow Tutors Boosts Success, Confidence and Wellbeing
Tutoring can be isolating, especially for online tutors balancing neurodiversity, health or caring responsibilities. Discover why being part of a tutor community matters, how they boost confidence, wellbeing and referrals, and how Qualified Tutor helps make tutoring your powerful Plan A.
How to Become a Tutor: Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Tutors
Discover how to become a tutor with our step-by-step guide. Learn about essential tutor training, safeguarding responsibilities, certification, and how to build a responsible and professional tutoring practice as your ‘Plan A’ career. Join a supportive community and start tutoring with confidence.
Why CPD for Tutors Matters: Boost Outcomes with Inset Training
Discover why CPD is essential for tutors. Learn how the Inset for Tutors programme offers structured, practical and collaborative training to enhance tutoring success.
Because School Isn’t Enough: How Certified Tutors Are Changing the Game
School isn’t enough for every child. Discover how Certified Professional Tutors — trained, vetted, and trusted — are raising standards in tutoring and giving families safer, more personalised support.
Boundaries, Timekeeping and a Bit of Gaming Time
One of the most important rules in my tutoring practice is the ‘no stress’ rule. It’s non-negotiable—and all the more important in potentially high-pressure situations (we’ve all been there). One such session came up this week. It had all the ingredients for a perfect...
How Qualified Tutor is Making Tutoring Safer – Leading the Way in Safeguarding and Certification
No headteacher would interview a teacher without first checking their DBS and references. Yet, for years, parents hiring independent tutors have had no equivalent safeguarding resources—until now.
How to Become a Tutor in the UK
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a tutor, including qualifications, business setup, marketing strategies, and professional development.
How to become a qualified tutor
If you want to become a qualified tutor, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right knowledge, skills, and credentials.
Advantages of Enhanced DBS Checks
Why Independent Tutors Should Opt for Enhanced DBS Checks and Daily Monitoring
Why Tutors Must Have Enhanced DBS and Daily DBS Checks
Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are critical for tutors to demonstrate their suitability to work with children and vulnerable individuals. These checks provide detailed information, including criminal records and warnings, ensuring tutors are safe and trustworthy. Daily DBS checks go a step further, offering real-time updates on a tutor’s police record. This continuous monitoring increases confidence for parents and employers, ensuring the tutor’s record remains clear.
Why Parents Should Ask for DBS
Parents should always ask for DBS certification when hiring a tutor to prioritise their child’s safety. An Enhanced DBS ensures that the tutor has been thoroughly vetted, while daily DBS checks offer additional reassurance by providing up-to-date safeguarding information. By choosing a tutor with these credentials, parents can confidently select a professional who meets the highest safety standards.
Ensuring tutors have these checks fosters trust and security, creating a safe and professional tutoring
Daily DBS Digital Credentials provide robust safety assurance
Daily DBS credentials ensure tutors undergo continuous criminal record monitoring, offering parents real-time safeguarding. Unlike one-off checks, daily updates flag any new concerns immediately, ensuring only safe, vetted tutors remain active. Instant alerts, up-to-date records, and a commitment to transparency reinforce trust. This industry-leading practice exceeds standard DBS checks, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Daily DBS credentials ensure tutors undergo continuous criminal record monitoring, offering parents real-time safeguarding. Unlike one-off checks, daily updates flag any new concerns immediately, ensuring only safe, vetted tutors remain active. Instant alerts, up-to-date records, and a commitment to transparency reinforce trust. This industry-leading practice exceeds standard DBS checks, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Discounted Enhanced DBS and FREE Daily DBS with QT membership
Qualified Tutor members enjoy discounted Enhanced DBS checks and complimentary Daily DBS monitoring, ensuring continuous safeguarding compliance. This comprehensive approach not only facilitates thorough background verification but also upholds the highest standards of trust and security within the tutoring profession.