School Contractor Safeguarding Readiness Check
A quick self-check for schools and academy trusts reviewing how cleaning contractors fit into Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (KCSIE), DBS, site access, induction, relief cover and safeguarding reporting.
Quick assessment
How ready are your contractor arrangements?
Contract requirements
Does your cleaning contract or mobilisation plan clearly set out safeguarding expectations for contractor personnel?
DBS and vetting
Is there a documented process for deciding, obtaining and verifying the appropriate DBS check for each school cleaning role?
Identity and access
Does the school know who is expected on site and how contractor identity will be checked on arrival?
Induction
Do cleaners receive a site-specific induction covering safeguarding, access restrictions and the school's reporting route?
Reporting concerns
Do cleaning staff know the school's safeguarding reporting route and who to contact if they see or hear something concerning?
Relief and temporary staff
Are relief, temporary and mobile cleaners controlled through the same pre-deployment safeguarding and access process?
Personnel changes
Is there a reliable process for notifying the school about starters, leavers and changes to the cleaning team?
Working arrangements
Have working hours, pupil contact opportunities, restricted areas and any supervision arrangements been considered for each cleaning role?
Specialist and subcontracted work
Do specialist, periodic or subcontracted cleaners follow agreed safeguarding, identity and access controls when attending the school?
Evidence and assurance
Can the contractor provide appropriate evidence of checks, training and induction when the school or trust reviews the contract?
Concerns about contractor personnel
Is there an agreed process for handling a safeguarding concern or allegation involving a member of the cleaning contractor's staff?
Annual review
Are contractor safeguarding arrangements reviewed when KCSIE or relevant DBS guidance changes?
Use the result as a conversation starter
A low or uncertain answer does not automatically mean a school or contractor is non-compliant. It identifies an area where the process, evidence or responsibility may need to be clarified.
For procurement, pair this check with the School Cleaning Tender Assistant and Specification Health Check.