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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

The staffroom

Reference madness.

11 replies

cosmicglittergirl · 20/05/2016 19:40

A bit of an odd one here. I worked at school A for years until I left to have children. My HT is odd to say the least, without going into it, they are a controlling. Several members of staff have left in the last year due to this. One staff member now works at school B which is in the same area and the HT who doesn't like this school has refused to give a reference, ok that's fine. What I'm asking is I'm now interested in working at school B and asked the AH if they could write me a reference but they said the HT has said that they have to ok all references first. Is this legal does anyone know?

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samlovesdilys · 20/05/2016 19:48

I'm not in HR but I thought they had to write a reference, if only 'X worked here from y to z dates teaching abc...' Can you ask the school for an open reference that you can then forward independently??

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cosmicglittergirl · 20/05/2016 20:26

I think I will yes. But I was wondering if HTs could police references being written by other senior members of staff.

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Maidupmum · 20/05/2016 21:40

I'm a HT and I insist on seeing all references that leave my school. If someone is commenting on a member of staff who worked under me and using my school letterhead, I expect to be consulted on & agree with the content.

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cosmicglittergirl · 20/05/2016 22:00

Thanks.

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GinandJag · 21/05/2016 13:50

I don't think schools can accept a "to whom it may concern" reference. The new school has to write to the head of the last school you worked it (or last place you worked with children).

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Maidupmum · 21/05/2016 14:32

You're right Gin I couldn't accept that. It usually has to come from a recognised school email address too. Safer recruitment is paramount.

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cosmicglittergirl · 21/05/2016 15:38

Well I shall request one and hope for the best.

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GinandJag · 21/05/2016 16:04

Make sure you ask the head if she will do a reference. It's courtesy.

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cosmicglittergirl · 21/05/2016 17:32

Yes I know that.

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clam · 23/05/2016 21:29

How do you know that this Head refused to give a reference because they didn't like the school? Could it have been more to do with the person themselves?

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cosmicglittergirl · 23/05/2016 22:10

I know because I worked at that school for ten years and my collegue for longer, she was an outstanding teacher. She left to do supply and ended up in the neighbouring school where she has now stayed. The head used to have connections to the school but it went sour. I also know because people I know who still work there have told me. It sounds fantastical I know.