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Important DBS and regulated activity update

Children on carpetFrom 1 September 2026, changes introduced through the Crime and Policing Act 2026 mean that the supervision exemption has been removed from the definition of regulated activity with children.

This primarily affects settings that use volunteers. Volunteers who are undertaking regulated activity with children will now require an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List information, even where they are supervised by a member of staff.

This change also applies to holiday clubs and wraparound childcare provision.

What should early years providers do?

  • Review all volunteer roles within your setting.
  • Identify volunteers who regularly teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children.
  • Ensure appropriate Enhanced DBS checks with Children's Barred List information are obtained where required.

For further information, see the Department for Education guidance on regulated activity and the removal of the supervision exemption.

Providers should read the full guidance here - Regulated activity: removal of the supervision exemption (comes into force 1 September 2026) - GOV.UK