UK Parliament home

Open Require DBS checks for all staff in Soft Play centres.

Created by Chris Onslow
Closes on

We want the Government to amend safeguarding legislation so that all staff working in Soft Play environments are required to undergo DBS checks, ensuring consistent child protection standards across all childcare and play settings, and closing what we see as a clear safeguarding gap in current law.

Soft Play staff are not legally required to hold DBS checks, leaving a clear gap in child protection. Children often interact with staff beyond parents’ sight.

An NSPCC report found that 1 in 20 children experience sexual abuse. The Government’s 2025 update on tackling child sexual abuse stated that every institution must help close spaces where children are vulnerable. DBS checks would align Soft Play with schools and close this safeguarding loophole.

Sign this petition

1,089 signatures

Show on a map

10,000

Petition progress

View all updates for this petition, with the most recent first.

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 8 June 2026.