Need help - School DBS check

[HM1984]

Hi there,

Long time reader, first time poster here!

I'm currently looking for a school job and need a bit of advice from anyone who's worked in HR in schools before.

Last year, I had a short run at a school - I didn't like the environment, the people and so I left (perhaps not on the best terms!) I ended up falling out with someone quite senior and haven't had any communication since. It was a VERY SHORT RUN so I've decided not to include in future applications.

Now I'm looking for work again, I remember the school paying for a DBS check. If a new school was to do this, would it show on my DBS record for them that I had a school do a DBS check on me already? I really don't see a point including them in my work history because it was literally a couple weeks and I barely saw my line manager in that time, maybe once on my induction and 1 time for a general catch up and I didn't really do much there *(I was support in the office).

I guess I'm worried because if it does show, then I basically have to explain my reasons for leaving on applications and ask for a reference from the head of the old school etc. If I can get away with not having that hassle then I'd much prefer that!

If you are applying for a school job you need to include every employer, no matter how short lived, and also account for any gaps in employment.

Each dbs is separate. Did you sign up to the update service at the time?

A dbs just lists any convictions etc... not the number you have had done and when.

So I know my DBS is clear, I've got nothing to hide from that side (and I have a copy from the old school). I just wanted to understand if it will show that X school did one before as I'm not sure if that will raise any issues later.

It wasn't a big reason why I left, and I guess if I have to do it I will - its more asking for a reference from someone who I saw twice for a job I did for about 2 weeks (which was "learn from the educate training online" instructions). Seems rather pointless to include in my career history. But then I have thay enhanced DBS status so...????

You should have a copy of your current dbs which will have your old employers name on it. The new job will apply for a separate one with their name on it. You can tell them you have a current certificate but most employers ask for a new one and pay for it.

Great, thank you for your help all.

I'll crack on with these applications then - Wish me luck!

Have a lovely sunny evening wherever you may be :)

As a PP poster said, you must include all your previous jobs on your application. It's a big deal.

I completely understand where you're coming from, but I think you'd be far better being open and honest from the outset rather than risk the new school finding out in due course which would lead to some very awkward questions. If you've got nothing to hide and have a good reason, don't hide from it.

Yeh I think it would be much worse if they found out at a later date. Shall I send the head an email asking for him to be a referee (he will most likely forward to the office manager who is a bit of a gossip) but least I've been honest.

I gave them a valid reason to leave and made it clear it wasnt anything against them or the school and the person I fell out with shouldn't be involved in the reference process

This is not a good sign OP
About you.

If you have nothing to hide, then be honest.

If it’s teaching there have been cases of teachers actually struck off for this. So do tread carefully.

The problem is that if you don’t put them down the reason might be child protection related (I know it isn’t) so that’s the rationale for it.

@atadaddicted, thanks for that. Really unnecessary to basically label someone you dont know as a bad person.

To everyone else who actually helped and gave constructive feedback, thank you. It is all appreciated. I will drop the old head a note and state I'll be using his name on applications I make.

I haven’t labelled your a “bad person”

However you’re OP is clear.... can I omit something in my employment history that I don’t want current employer to know about.
And on the basis of your OP - not a good sign about your integrity.

your

I’m glad you decided to include it. I’m SLT at a primary school and we would withdraw a job offer if this came to light. However it wouldn’t stop you being hired.

No it won't show other organisations who have run a dbs on you. If you have other referees you won't need to ask them if it was a short time. Start afresh! If your DBS is clean and you have two references then go for it.

Safer Recruitment checks will highlight any gaps in your employment and an explanation will be requested at the intetview.

You do have to declare it. If it came up later (Schools do talk and word gets round) you would be subject to disciplinary action.

Safer recruitment in education states that HR must apply for and obtain at least two references and one must be your current or most recent employer, the second one should be the next most recent wherever possible.

The reference would ask the previous employer about any disciplinary issues and whether they consider you mentally and physically fit to work in a school environment. You can request copies of any references provided.

Honestly OP put it in your application, there are lots of links between schools, some schools are ‘that school’ if you had been a couple of weeks there it wouldn’t put my school off because we know what it’s like there. It will come out at some point, better to be up front.

As a rule, employers have to and should include Factual, objective information in a reference (i.e sick days, lateness, length of employment).
Current DBS check certificate is valid only if used in a similar setting and ONLY within 3 months of being issued. After 3 months you need a new check and maybe apply to have it renewed every year but you only can apply AFTER you have received the NEW DBS certificate providing the number and paying a fee of £13.
Your new employer won’t be able to see any past DBS certificates; the information provided after the DBS check will be only in regards to convictions or wrong doings.
Good luck!