Getting back to work

[Loulou767]

I need a little advice I've been a mum for 18 years both my daughters have additional needs so I've been a stay at home mum since they where born I've now decided it time to get back into work I've had 2 interviews with a company that I smashed and they offered me the job then they asked for references because I've been out of work for so long my job references are old but I can still get hold of old managers and I have character references but now I'm being told due to ofsted and Insurance my references may not be enough even if my dbs is clear and for the role I have first hand experience with dealing with children with additional needs purely due to a job references being old I may lose out on my dream job any advice welcome

Do it voluntary for a set period of time ?

They will risk assess in lieu of references (same as when a DBS isn’t back in time), then get Manager/SLT to be your referee.

Have you done any volunteering roles in recent years that could be used as the "work" reference? Helping out at school or clubs your DDs attended?

If OFSTED/insurance need staff to have recent references then this will be a hurdle for you in any job in the sector. Can you look at volunteering in a related area for a few months, either in the place you've applied to or elsewhere in order to get an up to date reference. Many people who've been out of the workplace for years do this.

Good luck

I am in the same position as you. I’ve also been involved in schools where references have been missing. As a pp said they will risk assess you and then after a set time get an internal reference. In my 17 years at home with my additional needs children I have been a school governor and use a fellow governor as a personal reference.

I would have thought historic references should be fine though.