Vetting Nursery Workers: Cutting Through the Confusion
Vetting Nursery Workers: Here's what's really required (and what Ofsted is actually looking for).
There's SO much confusion about which checks are actually required to comply with the latest EYFS requirements and Ofsted's best practice recommendations. Let's clear it up once and for all.
Ask ten nursery managers what vetting checks they need to do, and you'll get ten slightly different answers. Is the DBS Update Service mandatory or just recommended? Can you accept a DBS from another employer? Do agency staff need the same checks as permanent employees? What about volunteers?
If you've ever felt confused about what's actually required versus what's just "nice to have," you're not alone. The truth is, the vetting landscape has changed significantly – especially with the 2024 EYFS updates – and many settings are still working with outdated information.
Here's what's really required (and what Ofsted is actually looking for).