After-School Programme Rules & PVG Checks - Glasgow

Education Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, organisers of after-school programmes must follow Scottish childcare registration rules, conduct appropriate protecting-vulnerable-groups (PVG) checks for staff and volunteers, and meet local premises and safety requirements. This guide summarises the practical steps to operate legally in Glasgow, the agencies that enforce standards, complaint pathways and the record-keeping and application processes commonly required. It is aimed at community groups, schools running wraparound care, private providers and volunteers who need to confirm checks, registration and premises compliance.

PVG checks under Scotland's scheme replace England/Wales DBS checks for roles involving protected adults or children.

Who regulates after-school programmes

Registration and standards for services that provide care to children outside school hours are regulated in Scotland by the Care Inspectorate when the activity meets the definition of day care or out-of-school care. Employment and volunteer checks for working with children use the PVG scheme administered by Scottish Government/Disclosure services.[1]

Key legal requirements

  • Registration: register as a care service with the Care Inspectorate if the after-school activity is classed as day care or out-of-school care.
  • Staff checks: obtain PVG scheme membership or a Disclosure as required for all regulated adults working with children.
  • Premises & safety: ensure letting agreements, fire safety, gas/electrical safety and insurance meet local council and landlord conditions.
  • Fees & funding: determine charge policies and check entitlement for any public funding or council-managed subsidised spaces.
  • Records: maintain registers, accident logs, parental consents and recruitment records including PVG evidence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcers: the Care Inspectorate enforces registration and operational standards for childcare services; Disclosure and PVG matters are handled by the Scottish disclosure service and Scottish Government policy. Complaints about care standards or unregistered services should be raised with the Care Inspectorate via its concerns process.[2]

If you operate without required registration or checks you risk enforcement action including prohibition of service operation.

Fines and monetary penalties: specific fine amounts for unregistered out-of-school provision or PVG failures are not specified on the cited pages and depend on the statutory offence charged or court order; the Care Inspectorate uses enforcement notices and referrals to other authorities where required, and criminal sanctions where relevant are set out in primary legislation or by prosecuting authorities (not specified on the cited pages).

Escalation and continuing offences: the pages consulted do not list fixed escalation fine ranges for first or repeat offences; escalation may include enforcement notices, improvement requirements, prohibition orders or prosecution depending on the severity and persistence of breaches (not specified on the cited pages).

  • Non-monetary sanctions: improvement notices, conditions on registration, suspension or cancellation of registration, prohibition orders and referral to prosecuting authorities.
  • Inspection & complaints: the Care Inspectorate inspects registered services and accepts concerns from parents and the public; enforcement pathways include inspection reports and formal investigations.
  • Appeals & review: appeal and review routes for registration decisions or enforcement actions are handled under the statutory scheme; precise time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: legislation and guidance allow for regulatory discretion and consideration of reasonable excuses, but specific defences and thresholds are set out in primary legislation and guidance (not specified on the cited pages).

Applications & Forms

  • Care Inspectorate registration: follow the Care Inspectorate registration process for child day care services; details of application forms, supporting documents and fees are published by the Care Inspectorate (see Help and Support / Resources below).
  • PVG scheme applications: obtain PVG membership or a disclosure through the Scottish PVG process for staff and volunteers; application guidance and forms are published by the Scottish disclosure service.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Operating without registration when required — outcome: enforcement notice; possible prohibition, investigation or referral to prosecution (penalties depend on the statutory offence and are not specified on the cited pages).
  • Failure to obtain PVG checks for regulated roles — outcome: suspension of staff duties, requirement to recruit compliant staff and possible reporting to disclosure authorities.
  • Poor premises safety or insurance lapses — outcome: improvement requirements, refusal of lettings or closure until remedied.

Action steps for providers

  • Confirm whether your after-school activity meets the Care Inspectorate definition of day care or out-of-school care; if it does, begin registration.
  • Apply for PVG scheme membership or a disclosure check for all staff and volunteers in regulated positions before they start unsupervised contact with children.
  • Prepare policies: child protection, behaviour management, health & safety, data protection and record-keeping.
  • Check fees, insurance and funding options; keep clear written agreements with host schools or venue owners.

FAQ

Do I need DBS checks for staff in Glasgow?
No, Scotland uses the PVG scheme; providers must use PVG disclosures for regulated roles rather than DBS.
When must I register with the Care Inspectorate?
Register when the after-school activity is classed as day care or out-of-school care under Scottish regulation; short-term parent-run groups may be exempt depending on activity and frequency.
How do I report an unsafe or unregistered after-school service?
Raise concerns with the Care Inspectorate via its concerns process; provide dates, names and evidence where possible.

How-To

  1. Check whether your session counts as regulated out-of-school care and needs Care Inspectorate registration.
  2. Apply for PVG checks for all relevant staff and volunteers and verify membership status before they start.
  3. Complete registration with the Care Inspectorate if required, providing policies, staff details and premises information.
  4. Secure written venue permission, insurance and undertake risk assessments for activities and travel.
  5. Set up record-keeping for attendance, accidents, medication and parental consents and schedule routine reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • Scotland uses PVG checks, not DBS, for work with children.
  • Register with the Care Inspectorate if your after-school activity meets the definition of day care or out-of-school care.
  • Raise complaints about standards or unregistered services with the Care Inspectorate.

Help and Support / Resources

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