Why DBS-Checked Tutors Matter and What Parents Should Know

When you invite a tutor into your child’s learning journey, you’re trusting someone with your child’s time, confidence, and future. And that’s actually a big deal.

Many parents ask us, ‘Do we really need DBS-checked tutors?’ The answer is, yes! It’s absolutely, without question. At Eximus Education, safeguarding is the starting point. We talk to parents every day who are tackling the complex world of UK tutoring companies, and we have found that while most people know the term, few realize what goes into it, why it matters for online tutoring just as much as in-person lessons, and why some tutors might be skipping this vital step.

What is a DBS Check?

In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain types of work, especially work involving children.

You might occasionally see people search for ‘DBS certified’ or ‘DBS tutors’, but why? Essentially, there are different levels of checks. For education tutoring, the gold standard is the Enhanced DBS check. It checks local police records for any information that might be relevant to the role. When you hire such tutors, you are ensuring that a government-vetted professional is the one sitting across from your child.

According to the official GOV.UK guidance on DBS checks, these checks are a legal requirement for anyone working in a ‘regulated activity’ with children. Yet, surprisingly, the private tutoring industry in the UK is largely unregulated. This means that on many ‘tutor listing’ sites, anyone can create a profile and start teaching. That is exactly the gap we wanted to close when we started Eximus Education.

Why DBS-Checked Tutors Create Better and Safer Learning

Tutors who go through proper checks and vetting tend to be more professional, more committed, and more accountable. At Eximus Education, we don’t work with casual side-hustlers or untrained students. We work with qualified teachers who see tutoring as real work, because it is. And that’s where reliable tutoring begins.

One of our English tutors explained it like, ‘When tutoring is treated as a profession, students take it seriously too. They turn up prepared. Parents trust the process. Everyone wins.’

That trust changes how students behave in lessons. They listen more. They ask questions. They’re not just being helped, they’re being taught.

‘But my child is doing lessons online, so does it still matter?’

Yes! Maybe even more so. Online learning often means regular interaction. Parents may not always be sitting nearby, especially as children get older. Knowing that your personal academic tutor has been properly vetted adds assurance and peace of mind.

One of our maths tutors once put it simply, ‘Parents should never feel awkward asking about DBS checks. If a tutor avoids the question, that’s your answer.’

When Should Parents Start Thinking About Tutoring and Safeguarding?

Earlier than most people think, many families wait until the exam panic hits, Year 10 for GCSEs, or just months before A-levels. But safeguarding and tutor quality matter just as much before things go wrong.

Starting earlier gives parents time to choose properly, and yes, that includes checking credentials, DBS status, and company standards.

‘But Is It Too Late?’ (The Counter-Question)

We get this question a lot. ‘My child’s exams are in six weeks. Is it even worth it to get DBS-checked tutors now?’ The answer is yes, but the goal changes. In a short timeframe, a tutor becomes a ’tactician.’ We focus on exam technique, point-scoring, and managing anxiety. However, for true educational tutoring that changes a student’s long-term trajectory, the earlier start is always better.

You might wonder, ‘Why can't I just use a local university student?’ They’re cheap, they’re bright, and they’re nearby. But here’s the ‘Eximus Education’ insight: being good at a subject doesn't make you good at teaching it. Our tutors are trained to spot the ‘silent gaps,’ the tiny bits of foundational knowledge missing from Year 7 that are now making Year 11 impossible. A student tutor might miss those; a professional teacher won't.

Insights for Parents: What to Ask Before You Hire

When you are looking through UK tutoring companies, “Don’t be afraid to be ‘the difficult parent.’” Ask the hard questions.

• ‘Can I see proof of DBS clearance?’ While some struggle to produce paperwork, we maintain authentic and up-to-date records for every tutor on our team.

• ‘What is your tutor retention like?’ We don't believe in a ‘revolving door.’ Because we support our educators, our tutors stay with us long-term, providing the consistent mentorship your child needs to thrive.

‘Are you part of a professional body?’ We go beyond the basics. As proud members of The Tutors’ Association (TTA), BESA, and SEUK, we operate under a strict professional code of conduct that guarantees a higher level of accountability and excellence.

Final Thoughts

Of course, results and progress matter. But behind every confident student is a relationship built on trust. That trust starts with knowing your child’s tutor is safe, qualified, and genuinely invested in their learning.

Every tutor we work with is properly vetted, holding an enhanced DBS check or the recognised equivalent, because safeguarding isn’t optional, and choosing DBS-checked tutors is all about being informed.

If you’d like to learn more about how Eximus Education supports students through personalised, professional tutoring, you can explore our subject pages, book a free trial, or speak to our team directly. We’re always happy to talk.