The post for which you are applying involves substantial opportunity for access to children. It is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are, therefore, required to declare any convictions or cautions you may have, even if they would otherwise be regarded as ‘SPENT’ under this Act. The information you give will be treated in confidence and will only be taken into account in relation to an application where the exemption applies.
The disclosure of a criminal record will not debar you from an appointment unless it is considered that the conviction renders you unsuitable for appointment. In making this decision, the nature of the offence, how long ago, what age you were when it was committed, and any other factors which may be relevant, will be considered. Failure to declare a conviction may, however, disqualify you from appointment, or result in instant dismissal if the discrepancy comes to light.
The school is entitled, under arrangements introduced for the protection of children, to check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for the existence and content of any criminal record of the successful applicant. If you are selected for the post for which you are applying, you will be required to have a DBS check.
Any information received from the DBS will be kept in strict confidence and will be destroyed immediately the selection and checking process is completed. Information supplied may be used for registered purposes under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1984.