Introduction
Anyone who works face-to-face with children in a paid, self-employed or voluntary capacity, must have a Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance, unless they qualify for an exemption.
A WWCC involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of reportable workplace misconduct. The outcome of a check is either a clearance to work with children, or a bar against working with children.
If cleared, a check is valid for 5 years, however cleared applicants are continuously monitored.
If you're a parent/guardian wanting to verify that someone has a WWCC clearance, you can do so online.
Eligibility
Parents/guardians can check the WWCC status of the following paid, self-employed or voluntary:
- babysitters
- nannies
- tutors/music teachers
- sporting coaches
- au pairs
- home carers
- child carers.
What you need
- their name
- their date of birth
- their WWCC number, or
- application number (if applicable)
- your name
- your email address.
How to check
- Select the 'Check online' button.
- Complete the online form.
- Select 'Submit'.
You'll receive an email with the status of that person's WWCC.
More information
You'll receive an email detailing the person's WWCC status as 'cleared', 'barred' or 'not found'.
- 'Cleared' means the person is cleared to work with children.
- 'Barred' means the person cannot work with children, whether paid or unpaid. Don't hire this person. It's an offence to hire a barred worker for child-related work.
- 'Not found' means there was no matching result because their details were entered incorrectly, or their application was withdrawn, terminated, or not completed. It's an offence to hire someone who doesn't have a WWCC.
The NSW legislation allows parents and other close relatives (such as sibling, grandparent, step-parent, uncle) to volunteer in activities that involve their own children, without needing a Working with Children Check.