Safeguarding is the part we never rush
Every check on this page is complete before an educator is put forward to a school, and each file is kept current for as long as they work with us.
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Checks before anyone is put forward
Built on statutory guidance
Our process follows the Department for Education's Keeping children safe in education, which sets out the checks schools, and the agencies that supply them, are expected to make.
The checks, and how we carry them out
In the order an educator usually completes them. Nobody is put forward while any check is outstanding.
Identity verification
We see original identity documents, in person or through a certified digital identity service, and confirm the person matches the photograph before we interview them.
Right to work
We check the right to work in the UK from original documents or the Home Office online service, and note when a time-limited right needs checking again.
Full employment history
We ask for a complete history since leaving education and follow up every gap, so each period has a clear explanation.
References taken up
We take up at least two references, including the most recent employer, directly from the referee. For school roles we ask about suitability to work with children.
Enhanced DBS
Every educator needs an enhanced DBS check that includes the children's barred list. Where a certificate is on the update service, we check its status online with the person's permission.
Qualifications and QTS
We see qualification certificates, check qualified teacher status with the Teaching Regulation Agency where it applies, and confirm a teacher is not prohibited from teaching.
Overseas checks where relevant
For anyone who has lived or worked outside the UK, we ask for the checks available from those countries, such as a certificate of good conduct, and check overseas qualifications are recognised.
Ongoing compliance monitoring
Each check is recorded with the date it was done. We review files regularly, renew anything that expires, and ask educators to tell us straight away about any change.
Alongside the checks
An interview with a consultant
Everyone is interviewed before they are put forward, covering their experience, the settings they suit and their understanding of safeguarding.
Safeguarding knowledge
Educators confirm they have read the current Keeping children safe in education guidance, and we brief them on how to report a concern before their first booking.
Written confirmation for schools
Schools receive written confirmation of the checks we have carried out for each person we supply, for the single central record.
For schools
Before anyone arrives, you receive written confirmation of the checks we have carried out. On the day, check their photo identification against the name we sent you.
- Written confirmation of checks for every educator
- Photo identification on arrival
- A named consultant to call with any concern
For educators
We tell you exactly what we need and why, and help you gather it. Checks you already have in place, such as a DBS certificate on the update service, can make the process quicker.
- A clear list of what to provide
- Help with your DBS application
- Updates on where your checks are up to
Raising a concern
If you have a safeguarding concern about someone we have supplied, call us straight away. If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
We record every concern, make sure the school's designated safeguarding lead knows, and follow the local authority designated officer process wherever an allegation meets the threshold.