Applying for new job - reference help

[IstillloveKingThistle]

Hi there.
I’ve been out of work now since 2022 due to both physical and mental health reasons.
My last job was in a primary school and my attendance was appalling due to long periods of absence with my mental health. My physical health issues began once I had left.

When I was at the school, I absolutely loved it. I am great at my job- I just became very poorly and took a lot of time off.
The issue that I have now is that I have seen a fabulous job with the hours that are so good that would suit me. I really want fill
in the application form but am terrified because I have to give my former head as the first reference because they were my last employer.
Gah! What do I do? I’m doomed.
Deadline is tomorrow so I really need to do this today but I worry it’s going to be fruitless given the reference that I will get.
Please help me!

References have to be factual, and are much simpler since employees have had the right to see them. Your previous employer is unlikely to slag you off!

Your absence record will be mentioned factually - I would mention absence in the job application and say what I had done to deal with the cause of the absence.

Thank you so much 😊
I will tell them if I am fortunate to get an interview. Also - I have a second reference who will be happy to answer questions but she’s worried as we’ve not worked together for years. Talk about a stress .
thank you xx