References after being a SAHM

[halia]

I'm applying for jobs this summer after a career break but really stuck who to use for references.

My last employer has changed alot of staff and I know my line manager, HR etc have all left. Unfortunatly the one person I can be sure is still there is someone I had a personality clash with sighs

I havn't had chance to do voluntary work because of the costs of childcare for a pre school child.

I've been studying but its OU and they can't give personal references only a standard one confirming your grades.

People I could use;
friend/ neighbour (not a close friend) who is a childcare worker and who used to see me at playgroups etc.(possibly good for any jobs I go for which are in schools), has known me for 8 yrs.

General contact details for HR dept at old employment

Older employement - 2x jobs ago, (2002)

Friend who I have been helping with organising of wedding (known for 2 years)

Temp agency I did some p/t work for last year when DS was a bit better and we needed some cash.

who would you use?

[flowerybeanbag]

You must give previous job, otherwise eyebrows will be raised and people will wonder why not. Just give HR.

I would also use temp agency if they are prepared to give a reference and also the older employment if there's someone there.

I wouldn't bother with friends, regardless of what you have done for/with them. As an employer I would only be interested in personal references if there was really nothing at all available in a work context. You do have work options so I'd go for them.