Crb States Battery, I Was Charged And Convicted For Common Assault

[jodfrey]

I work in a school as a teacher. A couple of years ago whikst working through my NQT year, something happened in my personal life and I was arrested for common assault. I admitted and pleaded my guilt throughout the process and in spite of the assault being against my wife the CPS chose to prosecute. I was convicted and was given a 6 month conditional discharge and fine. My wife and I are back together - we acknowledged there was fault on both parts and as such worked together to strengthen our marriage.

I was honest with my school from the start, having phoned the head, the morning after the assault. The head and the school stood behind me and in spite of the assault they chose to employ me as a qualified teacher on a permanent contract.

Now I have more experience under my belt I am looking for new positions in new schools. So far I have been unsuccessful and im sure this is partly due to me having to disclose the assault.

My question is, is there any difference in the way that common assault and battery are perceived by education professionals? I also read somewhere that common assault is now to be removed from CRB's after the sentence is passed. Is this the same with battery?

This is part of my life I am not proud of, but now have to live with. My head has said she will contact any school I apply to to try and help explain the situation and why she chose to employ me in spite of the assault, which I am very grateful for. Is there anything else I can do to help repair the damage of this conviction with regard to future employers?

[New Judge]

"Battery" is an alternative term for Common Assault. It will remain on your record forever but in your case the conviction became spent after the term of the Conditional Discharge expired. Whether or not you have to declare it when applying for a job depends on the position you apply for. Most jobs that involve working with children are exempt meaning that you will always have to declare the conviction when applying for teaching posts.

[EDDIE51]

A teacher will always need an enhanced CRB and as NJ says that remains on your record for life . I do not see what more you can do , this was just 2 years ago so would be regarded as 'recent' with the passing of time as long as you keep out of trouble I am sure employers will be more willing to employ you.
Look at it from the other side , who would you choose , a person with a record of assault 2 years ago or one with a clean record?