If you're applying to work with an education supply agency, one of the most important parts of your registration is ensuring you hold the correct type of DBS check—and that it's either current or registered with the Update Service. This isn’t just a formality—it's a legal requirement that ensures the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in education settings.
So, what exactly does that mean for you?
To work in schools or other educational settings, you need an Enhanced DBS with a Barred List check (Children’s workforce). This level of check shows:
Spent and unspent convictions
Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
Whether you're barred from working with children
Supply staff, student teachers, and agency workers must have this specific check to be placed legally. A Basic or Standard DBS is not sufficient for working directly with children in an education setting.
A DBS is only valid on the day it’s issued. If you’ve had one done for another employer or agency, that doesn’t mean it can be transferred automatically—unless it’s registered on the DBS Update Service.
Being on the Update Service means we can check your certificate online for any changes, saving you time and money.
If you’re applying for a new DBS (or have one dated within the last 30 days), you can register it online:
You’ll need:
Your DBS certificate number (if you’ve already received it)
Your name, date of birth, and certificate details
The service costs £13 per year and can be paid by card or direct debit
?? You must register within 30 calendar days of your DBS certificate being issued. After that, you’ll need to apply for a new check if you want to join.
At Education Supply Pool, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We have a duty to schools, pupils, and staff to make sure everyone we send into a classroom has been properly vetted. Having the right DBS check—and being on the Update Service—speeds up your registration process and means we can get you into placements faster.
If you're unsure about your DBS status or need help applying, just get in touch with our team. We can guide you through the process and help you get classroom-ready as quickly as possible.
Contact us:
info@educationsupplypool.com
www.educationsupplypool.com
“ESP are such a lovely company, they work so efficiently to ensure that onboarding is such a smooth process. Everyone in the office are so lovely and welcoming. When signing up I often emailed David and Abbey who were so lovely...”
Eve Courtney
“I’ve been with ESP for the last 18 months and have found them really great. The team are always helpful, friendly and professional. The communication is great too and with that personal touch I feel as though I am part of a family..."
Dina Little
“Just an amazing agency. Even though I haven't been with them for very long I can already say they are brilliant. I've been teaching for 24 years, in the UK and Turkey and for other agencies and having just returned to the UK from Turkey...”
Ruth Buyukyildiri
“I have worked with ESP since I qualified and they have been really supportive and reliable when it has come to me taking on my first supply teaching roles. Gez has always been in touch regularly and adds a personal touch to every chat...”
Zoe Davies
“I have been with ESP for over a year and it has been amazing! I was able to gain so much experience from the schools they placed me in until they were able to find me work in my old primary school which is very local to where I live...”
Kali Power
“I’ve worked for ESP for 2 years this may. I really can’t speak highly enough about Gez and the team at ESP. They’re all so helpful and supportive, they offer fantastic career progression like training and are super friendly...”
Kylie Jenkins
“Education Supply Pool for me personally are the very very best Teaching supply agency in the field. They possess so many strengths: all the staff are so personable - always friendly & helpful & always return calls (without fail)...”
Paul Kelly
“Maesycwmmer Primary School have been using Education Supply Pool for the last few years and I cannot speak highly enough of them. We mainly deal with Sera who is 100% committed to give us the best service possible. Sera has the unique ability...”
Maesycwmmer Primary School
”Education Supply Pool is without a doubt the best Supply Agency I have ever worked with. They are extremely reliable, organised, friendly & always have the best interest of the school in mind when arranging candidates. Always fantastic Customer Service!...”
Milton Primary school