QuickRead: Childcare disqualification requirements

Read our one-page summary of the childcare disqualification requirements and download a copy to share with your colleagues.

Last reviewed on 8 June 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 13231

What are the childcare disqualification requirements?

People who have committed certain criminal offences are disqualified from providing childcare or being “directly concerned” in the management of childcare provision. This is set out in guidance from the DfE on the Childcare (Disqualification) and Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.

The disqualification criteria include being on the Disclosure and Barring Service children’s barred list, or being found to have committed certain violent and sexual offences against children and adults.

You must not employ a disqualified person in:

  • Early years provision (for children aged up to and including reception age) either during or outside of school hours
  • Later years provision (for children under 8) outside of school hours
  • The management of early or later years provision

This also applies to volunteers and ‘casual workers’, whether supervised or not.

Review your staffing policy and safer