References after time away

[Underovereasy]

I am returning to work in education as a TA after a 7 year break. What is the correct way to go about using a reference. Do I need to ask permission from my old head teacher or can I just put them down as a reference?

I'd ask first.

You always ask before putting someone down as a referee. It is a basic courtesy and after a seven year gap they will need a chance to refresh their memory of who you are if you have had no other contact. If the headteacher has moved on then the HR department will be able to provide a factual reference for safeguarding purposes confirming that you were employed between specific dates.