Get Your Own Enhanced DBS Check as a Holiday Club or Activity Leader
Running holiday clubs, forest school sessions or after-school activities for children as a self-employed leader? You can now apply for an Enhanced DBS check, Children’s Barred List included, in your own name – then show it to parents and venues alike.
- No employer needed to apply
- Your eligibility is confirmed before anything goes to the DBS
- Prove who you are digitally with your passport and phone
- Join the Update Service and share one certificate with parents and venues
Which club and activity roles can apply?
Since 21 January 2026, anyone who is self-employed – or directly employed by the individual they work for – has been able to get an Enhanced DBS check in their own name through a registered umbrella body like us. These roles normally qualify:
Holiday club leaders
Day camps and holiday clubs run during the school holidays.
Forest school leaders
Outdoor learning sessions for children.
Breakfast & after-school clubs
Clubs held before or after the school day.
Children’s class leaders
Regular classes such as crafts, cooking or science clubs.
Will my check include the Children’s Barred List?
It all depends on how often you work with children. Don’t worry about getting it wrong – we go through it with you before your application reaches the DBS.
Enhanced check with Children’s Barred List
This is the one for you if your work with children is regular – meaning any of the following:
- Weekly or more often
- On 4 or more days within any 30-day period
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
Enhanced check without the barred list
For working with children only now and then – for example, a one-off workshop:
- An Enhanced check is still open to you
- It simply won’t include the barred list
- The price is the same whichever level you need
Which check would these leaders need?
A few everyday situations and the check each one would need.
Summer holiday club
Runs a five-day camp every school holiday.
Forest school leader
Holds weekly sessions for a home-education group.
Science workshop
Puts on a workshop at a school fair once a year.
Registering with Ofsted?
If your club has to register with Ofsted, or you decide to join Ofsted’s Childcare Register, read Ofsted’s guidance before applying – it may want your DBS check to go through its own process.
Not registering with Ofsted? Then you can apply with us.
What to have ready
Gather these before you start and the form should only take a few minutes:
- A biometric passport, for the digital identity check
- A smartphone that can make contactless payments
- The organisation name to enter: SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE when a family is your direct employer
- Your eligibility questions answered honestly – we double-check the level for you
Applying in four simple steps
Everything happens online, and we keep an eye on your application at each stage.
Fill in the online form
Type SELF-EMPLOYED in the organisation name box – or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a family pays you directly.
Confirm your ID online
Have your biometric passport to hand, plus a phone able to make contactless payments.
We review and submit
We look over your answers and agree the correct level of check before passing it to the DBS.
Your certificate arrives
The DBS sends the certificate to you by post. Signing up to the Update Service keeps it current.
Booking a club for your child or venue?
Parents and venues can’t apply for a DBS check for a club leader – leaders need to apply for their own. Before you book:
- Ask to see their original certificate
- Make sure it’s an Enhanced check that includes the Children’s Barred List
- If they’ve joined the DBS Update Service, confirm online – free of charge – that it’s still current
Club and activity DBS questions answered
My club only runs in the school holidays. Is that regular?
Often, yes. Regular work includes spending 4 or more days with children in any 30-day period, so a club lasting a week will usually qualify.
I employ staff at my club. Can you check them too?
Yes. Because you employ them, you can register with us as an organisation and request their checks – get in touch and we’ll set this up.
Will each parent need me to get a new DBS check?
Not necessarily. Once you’ve joined the DBS Update Service, parents can – with your consent – confirm online that your certificate remains current.
Is it more expensive to apply as self-employed?
No – you pay exactly what you would for an Enhanced check organised by an employer.
What happens if I turn out not to be eligible?
We’ll let you know before anything is sent off, and you can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
What do I put as the organisation name?
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED. If a family employs you directly, enter PERSONAL EMPLOYEE instead.
Still unsure? Read our guide to choosing a DBS check or email support@dbs-online.org.uk.
Other self-employed roles we check
Working independently in a different field? We help lots of self-employed people get their own check. See every role on our self-employed hub.
Tutors & private teachers
Private, online, music, SEN and language tutors teaching children.
Read more →Sports coaches & instructors
Freelance coaches, swimming teachers and activity instructors.
Read more →Carers & personal assistants
Self-employed carers and PAs supporting people at home.
Read more →Nannies & childminders
Self-employed nannies, childminders and babysitters working for families.
Read more →Ready to apply for your activity leader DBS check?
It only takes a few minutes online, and we confirm your eligibility before submitting – so you only ever pay for the check you actually need.