Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Nannies and Childcare Workers

Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check Without an Employer.

Complete your Enhanced DBS request as a self-employed person for a one-off fee of £69.00 inc VAT.

Fully online. Secure payment. Trust framework certified.
No employer required.

Enhanced DBS Check — £69 inc VAT

Can self-employed nannies and childcare workers apply for their own Enhanced DBS Check?

Yes. You can now apply directly through Spotlite Business Services.

If you are a self-employed nanny, childcare worker or personal employee providing childcare directly for a family, you can apply for your own Enhanced DBS Check through Spotlite. Our secure online application process makes it simple to request your check without relying on an employer to apply on your behalf. Start your application for a one-off fee of £69 inc VAT. Spotlite will review the childcare activities involved in your role, confirm the appropriate child workforce and level of check, and guide you through the remaining steps.

Confirm your eligibility

Can a Self-Employed Person Get an Enhanced DBS Check?

Yes! If you’re self-employed and need an Enhanced DBS check, you can now apply directly through Spotlite. Whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, freelancer or independent care professional, we make the process simple, compliant and fast.

Completing your request for an Enhanced DBS check as a self-employed person or a personal employee is very simple for a one-off fee of £69.00 inc. VAT. All you need is:

Just complete the following steps –

Full Name

Eligibility

You have to be legally entitled to request a check for your job role – Please answer the Eligibility questions CLICK HERE

Job Role

DBS Guidance Link gov.uk Website

You need to evidence that you are running your own business and are responsible for your own tax. Any of the following are acceptable proof of self-employment status for DBS purposes: –

HMRC Documentation: Personal tax calculation (tax year overview) or a Self-Assessment tax return
- How to get proof of self-employment from HMRC?
  - Log into your HMRC online account with your Government Gateway login details. Click ‘Self-Assessment’ Scroll to ‘Previously filed tax returns’ and click ‘View Tax Year Overview’. Select the appropriate year from the ‘Tax year ending’ drop-down menu
- HMRC Correspondence: Letters confirming registration for Self-Assessment or VAT
- Accountant’s Letter: A formal letter from a qualified accountant confirming your self-employed status
- Business Bank Statement: A statement from a dedicated business account (not just a personal account)
- Invoices and Contracts: Recent, formal invoices or contracts with clients
- Public Liability Insurance: Documentation showing insurance for your business

Important Notes for DBS Applications:

Document Validity: Documents like HMRC letters and bank statements must generally be issued within the last 3–12 months.
No Self-Printing: Original documents are required; online or self-printed documents are not accepted
Update Service: Once you have a DBS certificate, registering it with the free DBS Update Service allows you to easily prove your status to new clients

File Upload

Once you submit your form, you will be asked to make payment
Following review of your request to confirm eligibility, an invite will then be sent to you to download the Spotlite app and complete the check – simply follow the instructions on your mobile phone
Please note, once the invite has been issued, your admin fee becomes non-refundable
Once you have completed the Spotlite app, we will process your submission to the DBS and keep you informed of progress

If you have any questions or queries during the process, we’re here to help. Just email [email protected] and a ticket will be created to allow you to track your query.