Required checks for new school staff and volunteers

Understand which recruitment checks your school is required to do on staff members, contractors, agency staff and volunteers. You'll also find checks that are not required, but good practice to carry out.

Updated
on 2 September 2026
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 3512
Contents
  1. What is regulated activity?
  2. What checks should my school/trust carry out?

What is 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 eating