I'm a supply teacher and an allegation against me has been found to be substantiated

[weightoftheworldonthesupplyteachersshoulders]

Recently, a Year 7 child alleged that in the passing of a chair to her, that I caught her hip and bumped her which resulted in harm, and the investigation concluded that that is what happened, that the claim is substantiated, though no harm was intended, so it was acknowledged that it was accidental.

No bodily marks or visible injury was found. I am surprised by this outcome and did not see this coming.

I am worrying that I will never be able to work with children again, because surely the agency has to disclose this incident in a reference, even though it was found to be accidental. I have no idea what to do. The entire thing was a massive misunderstanding, and I'm now seemingly paying for it with my entire future.

Is there any way I can have this removed from my reference, as I don't think anyone is going to want to hire me if they think I hurt children or have conduct issues.

The only thing I can think to do is remove the agency from my CV and say I was self employed as a tutor or something instead for jobs that I will apply to going forward. (Only problem with this is that I have already applied to some jobs, had some interviews, and put the agency down as my most recent employer.)

Are you in a union? Really this is one for them, to eg negotiate an agreed reference.

If you aren't in a union I'd suggest seeking the advice of an employment lawyer independently.

What a weird situation. I’d just ask how this might be referred to in a reference. An accident being found to be an accident doesn’t really sound like much. If questioned, I’d just explain I’d reflected on my practice and adjusted my chair passing method accordingly, or similar! Or, I realised I should inform parents of accidents of this sort in a more timely fashion etc.

Sometimes accidents happens. I tripped over a bag in a crowded corridor (the student was waiting outside a classroom) and careered into my Y9 class, basically thumping one of the boys in the arm in an desperate attempt to stop myself falling over. They all just found it hilarious. I did check on the boy and his arm later but he insisted it was fine.

Definitely worth a chat with the union to reassure yourself.

The important question is - did they refer it to LADO? If not, your agency will just send you somewhere else....

What do your agency say?

Take care. I know this is very stressful.

What unbelievable crap. I had something similar but did get work after with same agency. Some kids make a thing out of nothing just because they know they can; and SMT for some reason feel they have to make a ‘case’ out if it! Makes you wonder how we got to this ridiculous place.
Your reference must mention ‘accidental’ and minor, if it does refer to it. Ask to see it.

What was the actual outcome? Final written warning or just a warning?

I'm a supply teacher and never went back.

Did this affect you getting more jobs OP?

Can't believe a kid complained about this if it was as trivial as OP says.
Can't believe anyone had time to investigate such a non - event either.

If it went to the LADO, I'm pretty sure it's recorded against your name and TRN so if you try to hide it, it'll come back to bite you.

I’m very confused about this. It doesn’t sound like there was any harm (based on LADO harm threshold) so not sure how this has come about. Which policy were they investigating under? Conduct or safeguarding? Was there an actual investigation where you were informed and interviewed? Have you got a copy of the report? Definitely speak to your union.

Having spent some time looking at TRA teacher misconduct reports today, I will say don’t try to hide it. Teachers are banned for this.