New rules on child safeguarding checks come into force

01 September 2026

Changes to safeguarding guidance for volunteers who work regularly with children in schools, colleges and other childcare settings have been introduced by Government.

From 1 September, most regular volunteers will need to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children’s barred list information, which is the highest level of criminal record check in the UK.

This change affects any organisation with paid staff or volunteers who teach, train, instruct, care for, or supervise children. 

Examples would include people who volunteer in schools, such as reading helpers who are supervised by a teacher, people who coach children’s sports clubs, such as assistant coaches who are supervised by a head coach, and people who work or volunteer with children in outdoor activity centres, youth groups, charities or community groups, and are supervised by someone else who is in regulated activity with children.

North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding children by confirming that all Children's Services staff who visit schools and have unsupervised contact with children undergo appropriate safer recruitment checks and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) screening.

The confirmation has been issued to schools across Northamptonshire to provide assurance that staff working on behalf of the council's Children's Services Directorate meet all statutory safeguarding requirements before undertaking their roles.

The letter reminds schools that staff from the Directorate who work with children and young people have been recruited through robust safer recruitment processes and, where required, hold Enhanced DBS checks with Children's Barred List information. 

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. We want schools to be confident that every Children’s Services professional visiting their setting has been recruited through rigorous safer recruitment procedures, has completed the necessary DBS and safeguarding checks for their role, and receives ongoing safeguarding training. By working closely with schools and maintaining the highest safeguarding standards, we can continue to provide effective support while ensuring children remain safe.Annita Gray, Director of Education, SEND and Inclusion at North Northamptonshire Council

The changes mean that some roles previously covered by supervision arrangements may now require Enhanced DBS checks with Children's Barred List checks, strengthening safeguards for children and young people.

For further information, schools and organisations in North Northamptonshire can contact the Safeguarding in Education team at [email protected]