ITT Suitability to Teach Checks

Applicants for Initial Teacher Training and Early Years Teacher Training programmes will be subject to the following checks, in addition to criminal records checks, which are designed to ensure that the process to assess suitability to teach is as rigorous as possible:

DfE Teacher Records check

The University will undertake a check of the Department for Education (DfE) Teacher Records database to confirm that offer holders are not subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State. This check is separate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process, as an individual may be prohibited from teaching due to conduct or professional concerns that would not necessarily result in inclusion on the DBS barred list.

The Teacher Records check will also confirm whether an applicant already holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), and will identify any previous registrations for Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Where the check reveals information that has not been disclosed within your application form, the University may contact you to request further clarification.

The University will complete a Teacher Records check for all offer holders. Should the outcome of the check raise concerns or prove unsatisfactory, we will contact you to discuss the findings. Please note that an unsatisfactory outcome may result in the withdrawal of an offer or prevent admission to the programme.

Childcare Disqualification check

Entrants to Primary ITT and Early Years Teacher Status Graduate Entry (non-employment based) programmes are subject to appropriate checks with regard to the childcare disqualification requirements. You are asked to confirm in writing that you are not disqualified by downloading, completing and signing the Childcare Disqualification Regulations form.  Please return the form to:

Primary PGCE/QTS and PGCE Early Years (EYTS): teachertraining@reading.ac.uk.

BA Primary Education: ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk

Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeships: Please upload a copy of the completed form to your Aptem account.

N.B: Applicants for Secondary Initial Teacher Training programmes are not subject to this check and do not have to complete the form.

If you are disqualified, you will either need to obtain a waiver from OFSTED or the location or nature of your training will need to be changed so that you are no longer covered by the disqualification regulations.

For PGCE Early Years (Employment Based route) applicants, the school or setting at which you are undertaking your training will carry out this check.