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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this surely isn't my responsibility

106 replies

theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 15:48

DH is not working full time due to ill health, so reluctantly I have registered with a supply teaching agency.

One reference has duly been returned without a problem. However, a school I worked at has since seen the Head been dismissed.

The school were awful to work for/at. Anyway the agency can't get a reference so have told me to contact the school. AIBU to think surely this doesn't lie with me?

OP posts:
peachgreen · 02/10/2017 15:50

I mean, you're the one who wants a job, right?

Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 15:52

To rephrase, peach, if the school are ignoring requests for a reference from employers, they probably will not respond to me!

OP posts:
existentialmoment · 02/10/2017 15:56

Well then give them a different refererence. What do you want?

FakePlasticTeaLeaves · 02/10/2017 15:56

What would you like them to do if they can't get a reference and you won't try? i.e. Is there a solution you have, or you think they should just forget about the reference?

hooliodancer · 02/10/2017 15:59

It is actually down to you if the school doesn't provide the reference. You need to approach the deputy, or the Chair of Governors and ask for the reference.

Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 15:59

It isn't that straightforward in teaching existensial.

You need to give references covering a certain number of years (sometimes three but usually two.)

Fake, i have absolutely no idea, which is why I am asking on here I suppose.

Do people have to be quite so abrupt in their replies?

OP posts:
HeebieJeebies456 · 02/10/2017 16:00

Get in touch with a colleague you know who can provide you with a reference.

If higher management has changed then you're not going to get much of a 'reference'.

Prospective employers don't have time to keep chasing for references, they've tried and failed to get one.
The responsibility is now yours.

Coconutspongexo · 02/10/2017 16:01

You need to either contact the school or find another reference it is your responsibility.

MidniteScribbler · 02/10/2017 16:02

You want a job (reluctantly!) so you need to get off your arse and actually get references for your work. Or do you just hope you don't get a job?

astrotel · 02/10/2017 16:02

Standard procedure. You should have contacted the school before you name them as a reference.

wannabestressfree · 02/10/2017 16:03

Nothing in your post sounds as if you do want to work.... approach the hod if hr are not forthcoming.
Hope your dh feels better soon.

monkeywithacowface · 02/10/2017 16:03

I suppose people are being abrupt because it makes no sense that you think this isn't something you need to deal with?

I don't get where you are coming from.

WhatToDoAboutThis2017 · 02/10/2017 16:03

Do people have to be quite so abrupt in their replies?

You know you posted in AIBU, right?

Bluntness100 · 02/10/2017 16:07

Is the issue here you don’t want to work?there is no issue in picking up the phone aNd exlainining you need a reference, stalling to argue over something like this rather than picking up the phone would indicate you’re just looking for a reason.

It probably took you longer to start the thread than it would have done to call the school and ask.

Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 16:10

Please may I just explain, that this isn't about me somehow being lazy and deciding I can't be bothered to get references.

I have never once been required to get my own references (always worked in teaching.)

The reference needs to come from the Head, I don't know any colleagues who work there.

I just don't know how appropriate it is to ring up, explain no one knows who I am and they've ignored the agency so can they listen to me, please. Like I say I have never come across it before.

OP posts:
tiredbutFINE · 02/10/2017 16:10

It very much is your responsibility, I think that's why you are getting hard time. Sorry but that's very much the way it works. Always best if you give the former employer a heads up that they will be getting the enquiry as well.

Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 16:10

Oh, is it the reluctantly bit people are being snippy about? It's more the idea of supply than work per se.

OP posts:
RB68 · 02/10/2017 16:11

Just phone the Office Manager, give her the dates you worked there and make it clear they are holding up your employment elsewhere.

References with schools are slightly diff than elsewhere and you shouldn't have to inform them you are going to use them - they will know as you HAVE to. Even though all they say is yes worked here, x no days off and no Safeguarding concerns etc

Bluntness100 · 02/10/2017 16:11

For goodness sake, pick up the phone speak to the receptionist and explain you used to work there and need to get a reference, ask her how to go about it.

Are you going to be a teacher?becayse this is showing a distinct lack of any form of common sense.

tiredbutFINE · 02/10/2017 16:12

Also it's very common to be asked for a reference even if the head, line manager etc has changed and they don't "know" the person. That's why employers keep records, otherwise no-one will ever get a reference!

Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 16:14

Bluntness, I get you are called bluntness Smile but that really would not be appropriate. I don't know anybody and no one knows me. I was not there for very long.

tired, i know, I expected a generic sort of reference but as it is nothing has been provided.

OP posts:
flimflaminurjams · 02/10/2017 16:14

If the school is still under LA control then ask HR in the education team - it will at least give a ref to say you were employed there at what time period and what pay scale.

References does lie with you I'm afraid. Agency will have no idea to contact within the school. Are there no other staff who can? A Deputy Head, Associate Head, Head of Dept (as long as one level senior to you its fine). Even the Bursar (or whatever fancy title they have now) should be able to do something and get it signed by a governor. All you have to do is ask. Most people will be happy to help...

Or is @Bluntness100 on to something

Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 16:14

Thanks R68

OP posts:
Original poster
theonememoryIforget · 02/10/2017 16:15

I don't know who to contact in the school either.

It is an academy.

Anyway doesn't matter.

OP posts:
HaHaHmm · 02/10/2017 16:17

The purpose of the reference is primarily to account for your movements for safeguarding purposes. HR should be able to supply a simple factual statement - 'memory worked at X High School from September 2011 until August 2014. I confirm that she was not subject to any disciplinary action during her tenure.'

The agency will have to accept that it can't come from the headteacher.