Reference question

[Rabbitholebonkers]

I was successful for a TA role. I provided two references from two previous schools I have worked at (HR managers). Both have been completed and my DBS has returned. I thought I was all good to go but now they are requesting the head teacher at my precious school counter signs the reference. I don’t know this head as she took up post when I left. Nevertheless they still want it sound and despite chasing this the head never responds. (I know she will be busy and won’t have time) especially because I haven’t even met her.

Is this standard practice now? I thought a HR reference would suffice.

• previous, and signed rather

Yes, standard now. We will only accept references that are school based from the head and if the applicant gives another colleague will ask for an additional one from the headteacher.
This is part of Safer Recruitment as sometimes it is only the head that knows about ongoing disciplinaries, LADO referrals, safeguarding concerns, etc.
You mention HR so I assume it must be a very large school or MAT. Even in the very large primaries I know the HR is a small extra job that the office manager does, so levels if confidentiality regarding those type of concerns are not really part of their "need to know".

Thanks.
Two previous schools I worked at, it was their policy that references should be obtained only from the HR managers. It’s all sorted now and the head countersigned my reference even though me and her have never met.