If you are applying for a role involving children, you may have been told that you need a Child Workforce DBS check.
This usually means your DBS application falls under the Child Workforce category because your role involves working with, caring for, teaching, supervising, or supporting children.
Many people searching for a Child Workforce DBS check are:
- Private tutors
- Sports coaches
- Childminders
- Music teachers
- School staff
- Nursery workers
- Youth workers
- Self-employed professionals working with children
At Self Employed DBS Check, we help eligible individuals apply for Child Workforce DBS checks online with clear guidance, Digital ID verification, and real human support throughout the process.
What Is a Child Workforce DBS Check?
A Child Workforce DBS check is a DBS application category used when someone works with children.
The workforce category helps determine:
- The level of DBS check required
- Whether a Children’s Barred List check can be included
- Which eligibility rules apply
In most cases, Child Workforce roles require an Enhanced DBS check.
The exact level depends on the type of work being carried out and the official DBS eligibility criteria
Who Needs a Child Workforce DBS Check?
A Child Workforce DBS check is commonly required for people working with children on a regular basis.
Examples include:
- Teachers
- Teaching assistants
- Private tutors
- Sports coaches
- Childminders
- Nursery staff
- Youth workers
- School volunteers
- Music teachers
- Activity instructors
- Holiday club staff
Some self-employed individuals may also require a Child Workforce DBS check depending on the services they provide.
Are You Eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check for Working with Children?
One of the most common questions we receive is whether someone is actually eligible for an Enhanced DBS check under the Child Workforce category.
Unfortunately, not everyone who works with children automatically qualifies. Eligibility depends on the type of work being carried out, how often it takes place, and the level of responsibility involved.
The eligibility rules can sometimes be confusing, particularly for self-employed individuals who do not have an employer guiding them through the process.
To help, we have created a dedicated Enhanced DBS Child Workforce guide explaining the official eligibility requirements for people working with children, including examples of roles that may qualify.
If you are still unsure after reading the guide, our team will be happy to help you understand whether your role is likely to be eligible before you begin your application.
Child Workforce vs Adult Workforce DBS
One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between Child Workforce and Adult Workforce DBS applications.
Child Workforce
Used when working with:
- Children under 18
- Schools
- Educational settings
- Childcare environments
Adult Workforce
Used when working with:
- Vulnerable adults
- Care settings
- Adult support services
Selecting the correct workforce category is important because it affects eligibility and the checks that can be carried out. It is important to note that you can have both on your DBS application – as long as you are working with both.
Self-Employed Applicants – Get Your Child Workforce DBS Check
Applying for a Child Workforce DBS check can feel confusing, especially when trying to understand workforce categories, eligibility requirements, and document checks.
That is why our system has been designed specifically for individuals applying for their own DBS checks.
Applicants choose us because we provide:
- Straightforward online applications
- Clear eligibility guidance
- Digital identity verification
- Fast electronic processing
- Real human support
- Application progress updates
- Secure online systems
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike some providers that simply leave you to complete forms yourself, our team is available to help guide you through the process if you are unsure about any stage of the application.
Many applicants come to us because they need their DBS check quickly and want reassurance that someone is available to help if they have questions.
Step 1: Start Your Online Application
Create an account on Self-Employed DBS Check, and you can start your application immediately.
You will need to:
- Enter your personal details
- Add your address history
- Choose the type of check required – here is where you can select Child Workforce
Step 2: Complete Your Identity Check
Once your application has been filled out, you will be sent a Digital ID check. Depending on what you have available will depend on the type of ID check you need to perform. Commonly, you will be required to use one of the following to verify your identity and address:
- Biometric Passport
- Passport + UK Driving Licence
- Online Banking
This usually only takes a couple of minutes to complete.
Step 3: Receive Your Certificate
The Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant police forces carry out checks
How Long Does a Child Workforce DBS Check Take?
We see the majority of Enhanced DBS checks processed through us completed within 2-14 days.
How long a DBS check takes can vary based on several factors, including police checks and the accuracy of your application.
Are You an Employer Looking for Child Workforce DBS Checks for Staff?
Self Employed DBS Check is designed specifically for individuals and self-employed applicants.
If you are an organisation looking to obtain DBS checks for employees, volunteers, contractors, or agency workers, there are specialist systems that may be a better fit depending on your requirements.
Quicker DBS – Ideal for Growing and High-Volume Organisations
If your organisation processes a large number of DBS checks, Quicker DBS is one of the most scalable solutions available.
It has been designed for organisations that want more than just a basic DBS application system and offers options including:
- High-volume DBS processing
- Co-branding opportunities
- Full white-label solutions
- The ability to become your own DBS Umbrella Body
- Dedicated support
- Streamlined applicant journeys
Quicker DBS is particularly popular with recruitment agencies, charities, care providers, education organisations, and businesses that process DBS checks regularly.
Employment Tools – Best for All-in-One Employment Screening and Compliance
For organisations that need more than just DBS checks, Employment Tools provides a complete employment screening and compliance platform.
In addition to DBS checks, organisations can manage:
- Digital ID checks
- Right to Work checks
- Reference checks
- International checks
- Compliance monitoring
- Training courses
- Employee records
Many organisations choose Employment Tools because it allows them to manage multiple compliance requirements through a single system rather than using separate providers for each service.
Pricing starts from £3.63 per check, making it particularly attractive for organisations looking to centralise their recruitment and compliance processes.
Faster DBS – Best for Speed-Critical DBS Applications
If speed is your priority, Faster DBS specialises in helping organisations obtain DBS checks as quickly as possible.
The platform is built around fast processing and offers:
- Rapid DBS application processing
- Guaranteed processing times on selected services
- Dedicated support
- Straightforward online applications
- Co-branding options
Many organisations choose Faster DBS when they need staff to start work quickly and want the reassurance of clear timescales and money-back guarantees.
Ready to Apply for Your Child Workforce DBS Check?
If you are self-employed or applying for a role involving children, having the correct DBS check can help demonstrate professionalism, safeguarding awareness, and trustworthiness.
At Self Employed DBS Check, we help eligible individuals apply for Child Workforce DBS checks online with clear guidance, Digital ID verification, fast processing, and real human support throughout the application.
If you are ready to get started, you can begin your application online today.
Frequently Asked Questions – Children Workforce
What does Child Workforce mean on a DBS check?
Child Workforce is a DBS application category used when a role involves working with children. It helps determine eligibility and the level of DBS check required.
Can a self-employed tutor get a Child Workforce DBS check?
Yes. Many private tutors are eligible for Enhanced DBS checks under the Child Workforce category.
Do sports coaches need a Child Workforce DBS check?
Sports coaches working regularly with children require an Enhanced DBS check.
Is a Child Workforce DBS the same as an Enhanced DBS?
Not exactly. Child Workforce is the workforce category, while Enhanced DBS is the level of check. Many Child Workforce roles require an Enhanced DBS check.
Can I apply for a Child Workforce DBS check myself?
If you are eligible you can apply through a Self-Employed DBS Check.
