Apologies in advance for any typos I might make. I am very upset right now and need to vent/get advice.
I worked as a supply teacher in a secondary school. School was very happy with me and wanted to keep me on as permanent. They said things such as my work ethic is amazing, I’m hard working etc. a couple of months later there was an incident where I was pushed very aggressively by a 14 year old student. It was not accidental, he purposely pushed me and I was hurt. The school did nothing, no consequences, talking to him, nothing at all. He was back in my class the next lesson which I questioned and headteacher told me he is still investigating it and has to look at it from both angles. I decided to give my notice in and left a week later as per supply contract. The school tried to convince me to stay and said they’re sorry how it all escalated etc.
I applied for a permanent job as I’m sick of supply teaching, everything went great; I did amazing at interview, the lesson observation was amazing and I got offered the job against 3 other applicants subject to references.
I got a call this morning from my new school saying there has been a concern raised from one reference (the school with the incident). The HR has told me I need to write a statement and they need to investigate it further as it’s a safeguarding concern. She wouldn’t tell me exactly what was in the reference as I need to get a written request in to view but she said the reference “is very positive” just one slight detail related around an incident involving a student.
The old school (supply position) is being very petty aren’t they? I feel so angry I feel I don’t want to let this go and I actually want to contact someone like governors etc but I don’t know what I should be doing. I’m on phone to my union now but I’m like position 8 still!
Please help. I’m so worried I’ll never get a job again. I have two young kids to support plus rent to pay and bills.