Is Bubble childcare safe?

Yes. Bubble uses a 16-point trust and safety system, and every carer must pass ID, right-to-work, reference, background and photo checks before going live. Only 1 in 4 carers who register are approved, over 99% of completed sits are rated positively by parents, and every sit is covered by up to £1m public liability insurance.

How are back-up carers vetted differently from nursery staff?

In England, nursery staff are vetted under the EYFS statutory framework, which Ofsted inspects against and which requires enhanced criminal records and barred list checks for everyone aged 16 and over working with children. In-home back-up carers, such as babysitters and nannies, do not have to register with Ofsted, so the checks are set by the platform or agency that introduces them.

Do all back-up carers have a DBS check?

Not necessarily. A DBS check is not a legal requirement for babysitters or nannies working in a family's home, and on Bubble it is optional. Carers can upload or buy a DBS certificate, the level is shown on their profile, and thousands of carers hold an Enhanced DBS, but it sits alongside mandatory ID, right-to-work, reference and background checks rather than replacing them.

Who is responsible for employee data in a back-up care scheme?

It depends on the provider, so ask before you sign. With Bubble for Work, employees become Bubble customers and Bubble is the data owner and controller. Employees' accounts are personal and kept separate from their employment, and Bubble is ISO 27001 certified for information security.

What insurance covers back-up care bookings?

Cover varies between providers. On Bubble, every sit is covered by up to £1m public liability insurance for accidental injury or property damage, at no cost to the employee or the carer.

How Are Back-up Carers Vetted? A Guide for Employers

Posted on: October 21, 2026, by

Bubble Life

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