All Staff Are DBS Checked
At Black & White Academy Ltd, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority. Every member of our teaching and support staff holds a valid Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before working with students.
What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is the highest level of criminal record check available in England and Wales. It is required for anyone working in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults — including educational settings.
An Enhanced DBS check reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings held on the Police National Computer, as well as any information held by local police that is reasonably considered relevant. It also includes a check against the DBS children's barred list and/or adults' barred list where applicable.
Black & White Academy Ltd requires all staff — teaching, support, and administrative — to hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate before engaging with students in any capacity.
Our Commitment to You
Pre-Employment Checks
No staff member is permitted to work with students until a satisfactory Enhanced DBS certificate has been received and reviewed by the Academy.
Regular Renewal
DBS certificates are renewed on a regular basis in line with best practice guidance. We do not rely on outdated certificates.
Barred List Checks
All staff are checked against the DBS children's barred list and adults' barred list as appropriate to their role and the students they work with.
Safer Recruitment
Our recruitment process follows safer recruitment principles, including thorough reference checks, identity verification, and qualification confirmation.
Ongoing Monitoring
We maintain a secure DBS register and monitor the status of all certificates. Any concern is acted upon immediately in line with our Safeguarding Policy.
Transparency
Students and parents/guardians have the right to ask about our DBS procedures. We are committed to full transparency in all safeguarding matters.
Our DBS-Checked Team
Aishia-Ruth
Founder & Lead Educator
Enhanced DBS CheckedEliza Coppard
Cosmetology & Hair Extensions Educator
Enhanced DBS CheckedTejai Palmer
Champion Ambassador — Barbering & Kingdom Craftsmanship
Enhanced DBS CheckedTyrell Davis-Douglin
Youth Empowerment & Rise With Purpose Lead
Enhanced DBS Checked* Staff member may change depending on availability. All replacement staff also hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate.
Legal & Regulatory Basis
Our DBS checking policy is carried out in accordance with:
- The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) — DfE statutory guidance
- The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975
- UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 (for secure handling of DBS data)
DBS certificate information is stored securely, accessed only by authorised personnel, and retained only for as long as necessary in line with our Data Protection Policy and the DBS Code of Practice.
Questions About Our DBS Policy?
If you have any questions about our DBS checking procedures, or wish to verify the status of a staff member's certificate, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Aishia-Ruth
Last reviewed: October 2026 — Next review: October 2027