references for return to teaching course?

[jammyjamjam]

I trained a s a primary school teacher, worked full time for 7 years and then left to be a SAHM. I have not worked for 12 years. I now want to go on a Return to Teaching course but I need 2 references. I have an excellent reference from my last Head, would that do? Or is that too old? That was the last time I was employed. He has retired now so should I could get a reference from an ex-collegue who is now a Head, would that be better? I'm struggling to find someone for my second reference. Would my ds' scout leader do? I help out occasionally and he's known me for 2 years. Any ideas or advice greatly appreciated!

Can you not contact the institution that you intend to study with which they would prefer? I've just been accepted on a masters course starting next year and that is what I did.

Sorry - I got interrupted mid-thought there. That should read:

Can you not contact the institution that you intend to study with and ask which they would prefer?

Have you done any volunteering in your child's school? Hearing readers, helping on trips etc. If so, why not ask the school to write a reference? (and if you haven't, I suggest you do get some volunteering in before you start the course - the life of a teacher has changed a lot in the past 12 years, so you'd find it really, really helpful to have some current experience before you start the course).

I'm an admissions tutor for a different Masters which also has students such as yourself and my preference would be the reference from your old head. But I agree with the others, just phone and check.

There are no longer any return to tecahing courses. And you don't need one: once you are QTS, always QTS. I returned after 6 years out, and changed from Secondary to Primary, by volunteering, then supply, then back to teaching. Now is a good time to go back as the whole curriculum / levels thing has changed, no-one knows what will happen, so you are all in the same boat.

Well OP must have found a course otherwise wouldn't be asking for advice about references.

Hi, thank you all for your help. Yes, there are still some return to teaching courses out there. I thought about becoming a TA or volunteering, but it's been such a long time I really want some tuition.
I'll give them a call and see if the reference from my old Head is ok, thanks