Question about DBS

[crazycatgal]

I'm starting teacher training in September and my DBS has arrived. Is it worth signing up for the update service or will I have to get a whole new one when I qualify? This one lists me as a 'trainee primary teacher' and my employer is listed as the university.

Interesting question. I pay for the update service because I work supply and it’s cheaper than paying for a DBS with each agency. When I was permanent, the school paid for the check. If you want some flexibility with employers, it may be worth paying for it (it’s really not expensive) but if you are intending to stay put, it’s probably not necessary. If you think you may need to work supply once qualified then again, it is worth paying the fee because it’s the one thing that stands in the way of you working.

Like ohreally said - if you think you might go onto supply - get it onto the update service. Before it came along the amount of CRB certificates I had to pay for for different supply agencies was bonkers. Loved the "oh we're just updating your file and..." phonecalls.

@crazycatgal
Can I just ask?

When you applied for your DBS, did you apply using a paper form or did you go to a website that your training provider uses to apply for everybody's DBS?

I am only asking because I had to apply for my DBS using a website that does many DBS applications in bulk (for the council) and it didn't give me a reference number so that I could track my application.

@PersianCatLady I applied using a paper form and got a reference number but you can use your certificate number when the certificate comes to sign up to the renewal service.

You don't normally really need to track your application - these days the system works fairly well, although it's the busy time of year for them - mine came through (I applied for one just before the end of the school term) in about 3 weeks and that's fairly slow by their usual standards.

I applied using a paper form and got a reference number but you can use your certificate number when the certificate comes to sign up to the renewal service
When I applied for a DBS for a voluntary position last year, I also applied using a paper form.

Using the paper form meant that I could use the reference number of my application form to check on the progress of my application and register for the update service.

I suppose I will just have to hope that the certificate arrives this week!!

You don't normally really need to track your application
You are right but I am feeling a bit inpatient at the moment.

I suppose I will have to become a bit more patient instead??

@crazycatgirl
I am definitely going to pay the £13 for the Update Service when my certificate arrives!!

Like I say - busy time of year for them and mine still came through in about 3 weeks (cos I was stalking it at the same time as my kids' DLA application one was more productive than the other so the postie thought I was mad)

Then I popped it down to my kids' school to get their records updated as I'm in as a volunteer there a lot, chucked it in my handbag with my daughter's antibiotics she'd been having at school, and the blooming bottle leaked all over it. Nowt like taking it into your supply agency and having to sheepishly explain the penicillin stains on the damned thing!

@5000KallaxHoles
That sounds like the sort of thing that normally happens to me!

Luckily for me as my school used the e-bulk service, they will be notified about my DBS status online.

According to the DBS website, I will only need to show my actual certificate to my school if there something is listed on it.

My DBS somehow came through last week, 9 days after I completed the forms. I was really shocked, especially because it's a busy period.

Yes, pay for the update service.

@crazycatgal
I am still waiting and my postman thinks I am stalking him.