DBS Checks: Why They Matter When Choosing a Tutor

What Is a DBS Check?

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is an official background check carried out by the UK government. It reveals whether a person has any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands that are relevant to working with children.

There are three levels of check:

• Basic — Reveals unspent convictions only
• Standard — Reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings
• Enhanced — Standard disclosure plus a check of local police records and, for those working with children, the Children''s Barred List

For tutors working with under-18s, an enhanced DBS check is the appropriate standard.

Why Parents Should Ask for It

A DBS check does not guarantee a tutor''s character — it is a minimum threshold, not a complete safeguard. But it is an important one. Asking to see a tutor''s DBS certificate before your child works with them one-to-one is a reasonable and professional request. Any tutor working legitimately with children should be happy to show it.

How to Verify a Certificate

DBS certificates issued from 2013 onwards can be verified online using the DBS online checking service, provided the tutor has registered for the Update Service. Ask the tutor whether their certificate is registered on the Update Service — if it is, you can check its current status instantly.

On Folio Tutors

Tutors on Folio Tutors who hold a current enhanced DBS certificate can indicate this on their profile. Look for the DBS indicator when browsing tutor profiles.

Common-Sense Safeguarding

Beyond DBS checks, sensible precautions for in-person tutoring include:

• Keeping sessions in a visible, shared space at home
• Ensuring a parent or carer is in the house during sessions
• Checking in with your child after the first few sessions