DBS Checks for Yoga Teachers in England and Wales: A Practical Guide
This guide explains when yoga teachers in England and Wales may need a DBS check, what the different levels mean, and how these checks fit into your safeguarding responsibilities.
Whether you're teaching in a village hall, a school, a leisure centre or delivering children's yoga classes, you may be asked to provide a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Knowing when a DBS check is required, and when it isn't, can sometimes be confusing, particularly if you're self-employed.
This guide explains the different types of DBS checks available in England and Wales, when they may be required, and how they fit into your wider safeguarding responsibilities.
If you are working out with England and Wales, please see the relevant article for your location.
What is a DBS Check?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers and organisations make safer recruitment decisions by providing criminal record checks for people working in eligible roles.Depending on the level of check, a DBS certificate may include:
- Unspent criminal convictions.
- Certain spent convictions (where legally disclosable).
- Police cautions.
- Relevant police information.
- Whether an individual is barred from working with children or adults at risk.
A DBS check is designed to support safer working practices—it is not a guarantee that someone is suitable to work with vulnerable groups.
Do Yoga Teachers Need a DBS Check?
Not always.
Many yoga teachers never need a DBS check. Whether one is required depends on who you teach, where you teach and the type of work you undertake.
For example, you may be asked to provide a DBS certificate if you:
- Teach children or young people.
- Teach adults at risk.
- Work in schools or colleges.
- Deliver yoga in healthcare or residential care settings.
- Work for an employer or organisation that requires disclosure checks.
If you teach general adult yoga classes independently, you may not require a DBS check at all.
The Four Levels of DBS Check
Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS check shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS check directly.
This is often the only level available to self-employed yoga teachers who do not work in eligible regulated roles.
Standard DBS Check
A Standard DBS check contains:
- Spent convictions (where legally disclosable)
- Unspent convictions
- Cautions
- Reprimands
- Final warnings
This level of check is only available for certain occupations defined in law.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS check includes everything contained within a Standard check together with any additional information held by local police that they consider relevant to the role.
This level is commonly requested by organisations working with children or adults at risk.
Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists
This is the highest level of DBS check.
It includes:
- Criminal record information
- Relevant police intelligence
- Children's Barred List (where applicable)
- Adults' Barred List (where applicable)
This level is generally available only when someone is undertaking regulated activity with children or adults at risk. Regulated activity refers to specific roles or activities that involve close, unsupervised work with children or adults at risk, as defined by law.
Can I Apply for an Enhanced DBS Myself?
No.
Self-employed yoga teachers cannot usually apply directly for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check.If one is required, it must normally be submitted through:
- your employer
- a registered organisation, such as your training provider
- an approved umbrella body
An umbrella body is an organisation authorised to process DBS applications on behalf of self-employed professionals and organisations that are not registered with the DBS.
DBS Check Requirements for Yoga Teachers: Common Scenarios
The table below provides general guidance only.
Is a DBS Check Needed?
| Teaching Scenario |
Is a DBS Check Needed?
|
Notes |
| General adult yoga class (hall/studio) |
No
|
Not required for teaching adults in general community settings |
| Corporate workplace yoga |
No
|
Not required unless working with adults at risk |
| Teaching in a primary or secondary school |
Yes
|
Usually required; school will request the appropriate level |
| Children’s yoga club/class |
Yes
|
Required if teaching children as the main activity |
| Family yoga sessions |
Depends
|
May be required if responsible for children without their parents present |
| Yoga in a care home |
Yes
|
Required if teaching adults at risk or vulnerable adults |
| NHS or healthcare setting |
Yes
|
Usually required if working with patients or adults at risk |
| Teaching adults at risk (charity work) |
Yes
|
Required if teaching adults at risk through an organisation |
| Private 1:1 children’s class (self-employed) |
Depends
|
Required if in regulated activity; seek advice if unsure |
| Online yoga for children/adults at risk |
Depends
|
Required if working for an organisation or in regulated activity |
Every organisation will carry out its own safeguarding risk assessment and determine the appropriate level of check.
DBS Checks and Self-Employment
Many yoga teachers are self-employed, which sometimes causes confusion.
If you are self-employed:
- You may obtain a Basic DBS check yourself.
- You cannot simply request an Enhanced DBS because you would like one.
- The role must legally qualify.
- Applications for Standard and Enhanced checks are normally submitted through an employer or an umbrella body.
DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service allows eligible DBS certificates to be kept up to date online.
Some employers accept certificates registered with the Update Service rather than requesting a completely new DBS check, although others may still ask you to obtain a new certificate.
If you regularly teach in different venues or organisations, joining the Update Service may save time and money.
A DBS Check Is Only Part of Safeguarding
Holding a DBS certificate does not replace good safeguarding practice.
Professional yoga teachers should also:
- Complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
- Maintain clear professional boundaries.
- Obtain consent where physical contact is used.
- Hold appropriate insurance.
- Follow safeguarding policies.
- Understand how to report safeguarding concerns.
Creating safe environments depends on professional behaviour as much as background checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a DBS check before applying for teaching work?
You can apply for a Basic DBS check yourself at any time. Standard and Enhanced checks must usually be requested through an eligible organisation.
Does my DBS certificate expire?
No.
A DBS certificate has no official expiry date.However, employers and organisations may decide how frequently they require a new check.
Can I use the same DBS certificate for multiple employers?
Sometimes.
If your certificate is registered with the DBS Update Service and the role is appropriate, some employers may accept it. Others may still require a new application.
I've lived abroad. Will my DBS show overseas convictions?
No.
DBS checks only include information held within UK records. If you've lived overseas, you may be asked to provide a criminal record certificate from the relevant country.
Do I need a DBS to teach online?
Not automatically.
However, if you teach children or adults at risk online on behalf of an organisation, safeguarding responsibilities still apply, and the organisation may require an appropriate DBS check.
Good Practice for YogaPros Members
If you teach children or adults at risk, we recommend that you:
- Complete regular safeguarding training.
- Understand your legal safeguarding responsibilities.
- Obtain the appropriate DBS check where required.
- Maintain professional boundaries.
- Keep your insurance up to date.
- Have clear procedures for photography and social media consent.
- Know how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns.
Final Thoughts
DBS checks are an important part of safer recruitment, but they are only one element of professional practice.
Understanding when a DBS check is required and when it isn't helps you work confidently with employers, studios and organisations while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your students.
If you're ever unsure which level of DBS check is appropriate for your role, speak to the organisation requesting it or seek advice before applying.
Related articles:
Safeguarding
Other DBS checks info
This guidance is for general awareness and professional orientation. It is not a substitute for professional legal, tax, or insurance advice specific to your individual situation.