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 28 June 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 13231

What are the childcare disqualification requirements?

People who have committed certain criminal offences are disqualified by law from providing childcare or being “directly concerned” in the management of childcare provision. This is set out in statutory guidance from the DfE.

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 to work in, or be directly concerned in the management of:

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

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

Review your staffing policy and safer recruitment processes to make sure they comply with