So, you’ve found your perfect babysitter, nanny or childminder on Yoopies and now you want to be 100% sure that they’re the right person? Here are our tips and guidance on how to complete a successful background check.
What Documents Should my Childcare Provider Have?
At minimum, all childcare providers should have:
- A valid form of identification (passport, driving license or national identity card)
- Enhanced DBS check
All Ofsted registered childminders and nannies will also require the following:
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Early years qualification or training
- Public liability insurance
Experienced nannies, even those not necessarily Ofsted registered, may also have these documents. We strongly advise you to request and verify all documents that your potential childcare provider presents to ensure their validity and relevance. At Yoopies, we conduct verification checks on profiles that submit their documents to us, but we also encourage families to conduct their own checks for additional peace of mind. For more details about our verification process, please refer to our article on safety at Yoopies.
Identity Documents
A reliable identity document must include the full name, address, and photo of the bearer. If an ID document lacks any of these details, request an additional form of ID. In the UK, the two primary types of official identity documents are the passport and driving licence. Other countries may issue different types of identity cards, so it’s advisable to research online to understand what a standard ID from another country entails.
Non-British nationals may require extra documents to prove their eligibility to work in the UK. More information can be found on the official Government website.
Enhanced DBS Check
DBS checks, formerly known as CRB checks, are criminal record checks processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). They provide detailed information on an individual’s criminal record, including any information on the DBS’s children and adults barred lists, and any relevant information held locally by police forces. These checks help employers make safer recruitment decisions.
Upon processing, the individual receives a DBS certificate, which can be presented to parents during the interview.
Individuals working with children or vulnerable adults should undergo an Enhanced DBS check (£44) rather than a Standard DBS check, which reveals:
- Any criminal convictions within the UK, including ‘spent’ convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Whether the applicant is on ‘List 99’, banned from teaching.
- If the applicant is on the Protection of Children Act List, banned from working with children.
- If the applicant is under a Disqualification Order following certain criminal offences.
- Any other relevant information from the police, including child protection investigation involvement of the applicant’s family.
DBS disclosures only cover UK records. Non-UK Childcare Professionals should provide a police check from their country of origin or where they most recently lived. However, these checks may not cover the same records as a DBS disclosure.
The DBS update service allows employers to verify the validity of a DBS certificate. More information can be found on the DBS section of the Government website.
Paediatric First Aid
Paediatric first aid courses are essential for Ofsted registered nannies and childminders and highly recommended for other types of childcare. This certification signifies that the provider has completed a course encompassing at least 12 hours of both practical and theoretical training in first aid specifically tailored for infants and children.
Topics covered include CPR, managing choking, treating injuries like burns and cuts, and responding to allergic reactions and febrile illnesses. It’s important that the certification is recent, ideally obtained within the last three years, to ensure the provider’s skills and knowledge are up-to-date. Regular renewal of this training is advised to maintain proficiency in these essential safety measures.
Early Years Qualification
There are many qualifications on the market from free online classes to college diplomas spanning over several years. Your childcare provider, if completing an Early Years qualification, should hold at least a Level 2 qualification. Continuous training and refresher courses are often a good sign that a childcare provider is committed and dedicated to the profession, and should be seen as a bonus if provided.
More information on how to check qualifications can be found on the early years section of the Government website.
Reference Checks
Conducting personal checks provides additional assurance in your choice of childcare provider.
Many private companies can provide background and reference checks which will inform you of an individual’s occupational history or, provide vetted character references. Some examples are: Experian, Verifile and People Check.
A little internet research can also go a long way. It’s a simple way to find out more information about your prospective childcare provider. Search for them on Google and other social media websites.