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DBS Checks

Applying for a DBS, renewing a DBS certificate & who needs a DBS check?

Amy avatar
Written by Amy
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Who in the household needs an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS check?

Answer: Any person over the age of 16, who is:

  • A new Household member

  • An assistant / volunteer

  • A regular visitor

  • A person staying for more than one month

  • A child turning 16 years old


How to apply for a DBS?

  • Click here to apply

  • The total cost of an Enhanced DBS Child Workforce check is £58.50

  • You will be asked for payment at the end of the application process and will receive a confirmation email once submitted.

  • You should have the following details ready to enter within the application:

    • Address details for the past 5 years

    • Details on any names previously used including dates

    • At least 3 ID documents which prove your identity and current address

Valid ID Documents include

  • Passport (Any current or valid passport)

  • Biometric residence permit

  • Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional)

  • Birth certificate - issued within 12 months of birth

  • Adoption certificate

  • Marriage/civil partnership certificate

  • Immigration document, visa or work permit

  • Mortgage statement (within the last 12 months)

  • Council tax statement (within the last 12 months)

  • Bank or building society statement (within the 3 months)

When taking photos of your documents, please make sure you submit clear photos with good lighting. If we cannot see the documents clearly, you may need to resubmit.


Renewing your DBS certificate

  • For everyone who requires a DBS this must be renewed every 3 years, or remain on the Update Service

  • DBS' are checked at QA visit

The three year validity will only apply to tiney childminders and the household members that were added to records during pre-registration. Currently the advice is, as their employer, the childminder should regularly check their assistants DBS', having your assistants DBS' put on the Update Service is great cover for this.

You can renew your DBS on the following link.

When you receives a DBS Certificate in the post, take a clear photo of every page to send to community@tiney.co


DBS Update Service

The DBS Update Service is a subscription service which allows you to keep your DBS certificate up to date, removing the need for repeated applications.

  • The subscription costs £16 per year

  • You will need your certificate number (this can be found on your DBS certificate once received).

  • You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.

A subscription to the Update Service lasts for one year. You can renew your subscription through your Update Service account, either:

  • by selecting 'Automatic Renewal' when you first register with the Update Service

  • by logging into your account up to 30 days before your current subscription ends

Please note that tiney can check a DBS certificates status on the Update Service.


Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to renew my DBS?

You need to renew your DBS to make sure your background checks are up to date. It’s an important safeguarding requirement that helps us confirm you remain suitable to work with children.


What if an assistant already has an existing DBS Certificate?

In order for tiney to accept an existing DBS Certificate it must be an Enhanced Child Workforce check either:

  • issued within the last three months, or

  • currently subscribed to the DBS Update Service

You will need to submit this to tiney for checking.


How long does a DBS check usually take?

It can take between 4-8 weeks and in some cases longer for your certificate to arrive after you have paid and completed your application. If your DBS check is taking unusually long, please do not hesitate to contact tiney and we can check on the status of this.


When should I apply for a DBS for a child turning 16?

You can only apply for the DBS and other relevant checks from the date that the child turns 16 (their birthday). You must apply for these checks within 14 days of this date. Let us know by contacting us via the in app chat.


What happens if I change my name?

If a childminder changes their legal name then they will need to get a new DBS completed. In order for us to make the required changes to your registration documents we will require you to send over your new DBS certificate with your new name on it.


Can the DBS fast track applications?

The DBS do not fast track or prioritise applications.


What happens if something is on the DBS?

If there are convictions/cautions on any DBS certificate this will be reviewed by our tiney Safeguarding panel and you will be notified of the outcome.

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