Can my request for a reference be refused?

[LaTrucha]

I gave up teaching on the brth of my DD 5 years ago. I had no problem with the school I was at nor they with me. I now want to do some examining and contacted them for a reference as they were my last employer. They have told me that they can't as everyone in my department has left since I did and so has the headteacher.

What do I do? I would now have to go back beyond my last employer, well over ten years, to get a reference. I know one who would as we're still in contact and friendly but I feel just plain silly contacting someone out of the blue after such a long time.

That's interesting LaCiccolina. I think the LA would be able to do that for me as, yes, fabulousathome they still hold my pension.

Thanks fo rall your help. I think I can see a way through it now.

Would you be able to update me if you get anywhere with this?
Thanks.

I will. I'm being very lazy about it as we've all got horrible colds. I'll try to use you to galvanise me!

I have emailed my LEA and the message has been passed to the appropriate person but I haven't yet heard anything. I will let you know.

Yup. Contacting the HR department of the LEA is the answer. No trouble at all.