Currently there is no legal requirement for anyone working in home-based roles and with children to have an enhanced DBS check, which the National Nanny Association, who started the petition, believe puts families and children in a vulnerable position. Those who are self-employed are also unable to obtain an enhanced DBS check at the moment.
The petition states that the National Nanny Association thinks ‘ensuring that all individuals working closely with children are screened for a criminal history is a simple, cut crucial step in safeguarding their welfare.’
It forms part of the Association ‘s work through its Road to Nanny Regulation campaign, which advocates for the safety, wellbeing and development of children across the UK.
Alison Bell and Maria Culley, founder of the National Nanny Association, said, ‘We're urging the Government to require all nannies, tutors, and babysitters to hold a valid enhanced DBS check before starting their roles. This critical step will create a safer environment for children, protect families and align home-based care with other childcare settings.
‘How this has never been law we really do not know-especially in 2025! But we don’t want to stop there. Our vision is to raise professional standards and ensure all sole-charge nannies have first aid training, excellent and consistent child development knowledge, food hygiene qualifications and nanny insurance. This will be a professional career path for the industry to adhere to, improving the quality of care and standards.’
- Sign the petition here
