Advice pls- is this weird (re ex student)

[Noraton]

I used to work in a special needs school as a TA. I had 8 children in my class (yr11) and it was my job as their TA to be with them from form time, all their lessons and up until the taxis came for hometime. We all were close and got on really well.

After their GCSE's I decided to leave the school and wished them all good luck for college. A lot of them were very nervous and I gave each s small gift and I put my personal email address in their card.
Out of the 8, I heard back from 2 and I bumped into another 2 of them at the shops.

Yesterday, one of the girls messaged to say she misses me and wants my number. I dont want to give my number but would it be appropriate to meet up with her and her mum at a local dessert parlour? I can bring my little girls too. I dont know how to word the message ...

Bump

My dd is meting her former teacher.
I think it’s ok. Are there any rules set by the school?

I don’t think it’s inappropriate at all if her parent is there. My son attends a SEN school and his TA’s are incredibly important to him and I’d love for him to be able to continue a friendship with them when he leaves school (though he’s only year 2 now!).

I’m friends on Facebook with his old TA from when he was in mainstream, and also the TA who worked in my Reception class when I was a child, and wouldn’t think anything of meeting up with them. I don’t think this is any different.

@Pinkfluffypencilcase I dont work there anymore...we both have left and the student will be nearly 18 now.

@Purplevioletsherbert thank you for your message. I will not feel comfortable if the student's mother is not there.

It might be hard for them to meet up with me, but I dont want to give out my phone number...

Then I presume it’s ok as you’ve both left the school.

Sorry, but it was inappropriate to give them your personal email in the first place. These people are not your friends. I say this as someone who works in education. Surely you know this is a safeguarding flag?!

@GyminyCricket I cleared it with the headteacher first.

Still weird.

I think it’s nice.
And parent coming along too.

@GyminyCricket do you work in a special needs school?