References if SLT have left?

[Teenyflower]

Hello
I am looking to get back to a Teaching Assistant role after 8 years out, raising a family. Im unsure what to do about references as the staff have changed at my last school and the SLT have all moved on (not in touch so unsure where). What would I do about references jn this instance?

A teacher you worked alongside? I think they'd accept a reference from a teacher for someone applying for a TA role. After all, they probably knew you better than SLT anyway.

Yes, that's true. It's just that it says next to the current/most recent employer box that it needs to be someone with access to my records... whatever that entails, but I doubt there would be any records from that long ago 😄

Can you contact the school office/HR and ask? They might be able to confirm you worked there and the dates from their records, if not from having worked with you personally at the time?

You’ll need to put the headteacher of your last school, even if you never actually worked for them. As well as dates of employment etc. they’ll be able to give factual safer recruitment information such as whether there were any safeguarding concerns or disciplinary matters. A teacher or other colleague wouldn’t be answer these questions. You could use a former colleague has your second referee who may be able to vouch for your skills, knowledge and duties etc. Good luck!