Regulated activity in schools

Schools must make sure that individuals in regulated activity are not barred from working with children, by carrying out a barred list check through the DBS. Read about what counts as regulated activity in a school, and what the exceptions are.

Updated
on 27 August 2026
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 31836
Contents
  1. What counts as regulated activity? 
  2. Which activities don't count?  
  3. Who needs a barred list check?  
  4. When to check the children's barred list

What counts as regulated activity? 

Regulated activity is work that a barred person must not do. It covers both paid and unpaid activities.

Activity Frequency Teaching, training, instructing, caring for, or supervising children Providing advice or guidance on physical, emotional or educational wellbeing (For paid workers) Doing any other paid work in school that provides an opportunity for contact with children Frequently (once a week or more), or On more than 3 days in a 30-day period, or Once at any time between 2am and 6am and with opportunity to have face-to-face contact with children Driving a vehicle only for children and their carers or supervisors  Frequently (once a week or more), or On more than 3 days in a 30-day period, or Providing intimate or personal care, including: Assisting with toileting, washing, bathing and dressing due to a child's age, illness or disability Assisting with