CRB checks - help!

[pokeydotty]

I am applying to do a PGCE course, and as part of that I have booked time off work to do a week's observation at a primary school. The school made no mention about a CRB check at any point in our sorting out the timing. But now two relatives said to me, oh, have you done a CRB check? Ahhhh! Do I need one?? It's due to start in a week's time and I can't switch the week due to work. And how would I get one anyway??

I suspect I will never be alone with the children, as the point is to observe across several classes, always with the teacher and TAs there. I'm not sure if that's relevant information or not.

Sorry for the note of panic, it's just that I had this all so carefully arranged and don't want it torpedoed. I need to complete the observation before applications go in for the PGCE. [Breathes into paper bag to calm self.]

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!

No, you don't need a DBS (it's changed from CRB now) to do a week's observation in school - this kind of thing is at the discretion of the Head. As you say, you won't be alone with the children and will be observed at all times - you'll be more akin to a visitor than a teacher.

Once you start your PGCE, your provider will conduct a DBS check (you may have to pay, depending on the route you're doing) and send details to the school.

The school cannot ask you to get another DBS done, and it cannot ask to see your disclosure document. (Unless you are doing an employment based route such as salaried School Direct, or Teach First when the school will be doing the DBS.)

Schools are notoriously shit at understanding these things though.

I was asked to do one by the placement school. They are paying for it. It is entirely at their discretion, and is not a legal requirement so I wouldn't worry too much if this is the first time you've heard of it. There's no point getting one off your own back as ime my employers have always wanted to have another one done, as they cannot use the old one.

Thank you all so much. Calmer now. It says in bold letters on the DBS site, You can't do a check on yourself. Which does make sense.

I suppose if the head had wanted one, she would have asked for it. One hopes!