EYFS Staff Suitability & DBS Toolkit

Support organised staff suitability checks, DBS record-keeping and ongoing reviews with this 16-page EYFS Staff Suitability & DBS Toolkit – September 2026 Edition.

Designed for EYFS leaders, nursery and preschool managers, and school-based early years teams in England, this resource provides 12 practical, editable tools to support consistent staff and volunteer records.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pre-Start Checks & Implementation

• September 2026 Implementation Action Plan
• New Employee Pre-Start Checklist
• Volunteer Pre-Start Checklist

Suitability & Ongoing Reviews

• Staff / Volunteer Suitability Declaration
• Suitability Review Record
• Volunteer Register and Review
• Change Declaration Form

DBS Records & Follow-Up

• DBS and Required Checks Tracker
• Personnel File Audit
• Missing Check Action Plan

Leadership & Compliance Reviews

• Annual Compliance Review
• Handover and Local Procedure Record

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Includes a recommended workflow, practical instructions, data protection reminders, official reference links and version-control information.

FILES INCLUDED

• Editable Word document (.docx) – 16 pages of adaptable checklists, forms and tracking templates.
• Printable PDF (.pdf) – 16 pages for printing and completing by hand.

Both files contain the same toolkit in different formats.

IDEAL FOR

EYFS leadership, safer recruitment record-keeping, staff and volunteer suitability reviews, DBS tracking, personnel file audits and management handovers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Prepared for the September 2026 EYFS requirements in England. This toolkit supports record-keeping and review but does not replace statutory guidance, safeguarding procedures or professional advice. Settings should verify current requirements and adapt the templates to their own procedures. Regulatory compliance or inspection outcomes are not guaranteed.