Childminder's daughter asked for a reference

[legofootcasualty]

I have a childminder whose daughter sometimes helps out by bringing my DC home, giving them treats etc.

She asked me for a reference for a childcare job, which I agreed to.

But the request has just come through from the company, saying she's said she was employed by me, can I confirm this and provide dates of employment and salary etc.

Obviously I can't say I've employed her. I assumed it was a character reference/phone call where I could explain that she's good with my kids when she's around them. Feel very awkward about it now. AIBU not to provide the reference, and how to explain?

I would go back to her in the first instance. Explain that they have come with an employers reference. What has she told them?
Then you can decide
If it's a first job, she may well have said that she has done some baby sitting for you. They may not be looking for huge amounts of experience and likely only have one form!

I had a similar situation like this with Dd vocal teacher. It was from a larger company that couldn't seem to adapt their processes or forms for people not formally employed. We often get the same from recruitment companies for students at my work place too. They justbwant me to confirm dates of study but I get a form which does not seem fit for purpose more like asking for a employment with character ref.

Some companies, including in education from my experience, only have one reference form and it is for employers.

I was filling one in just yesterday for someone I know professionally, have worked with maybe four times over the last year (less frequently than usual due to Covid) but have never employed, or even worked in the same organisation with.

I put 'N/A - I have never employed X' for a number of the questions, such as how many days absence have they had in the last two years, or what was their job description when employed by me, and left blank some of the tickboxes where I had no knowledge.

In the section on suitability for the role, I wrote how I knew them and for how long, and that I could comment on the following relevant aspects.

I emailed the reference with the covering note that I had not ever been X's employer, so could not answer some of the questions but would be happy to clarify anything if they needed more information.

In your case, I would check with the girl what she said your relationship with her was. I actually always ask to see the application of anyone I am writing a reference for. If she has lied, then refuse to be her referee.

If she has been honest, I would fill it in as best you can, like I described above.

It is fairly standard, although a bit annoying and awkward.

It will be because the company use a template reference request, rather than because she's told them she worked for you.

Reply, explaining the situation and give a character reference.

@NewMatress

It will be because the company use a template reference request, rather than because she's told them she worked for you.

Reply, explaining the situation and give a character reference.

This is what I was going to say. If you are honest, you can't go wrong.

Thanks all. In the cover letter it says 'X states she has previously worked at your organisation' so I don't know if that's just a blanket statement (as I'm not an organisation!) or if she's said she's worked for me.

@legofootcasualty

Thanks all. In the cover letter it says 'X states she has previously worked at your organisation' so I don't know if that's just a blanket statement (as I'm not an organisation!) or if she's said she's worked for me.

Probably had to fill in online, where the options were limited.

I wouldn't assume the worst, just be completely honest in your response.

Yes I think more likely she's had to fill in online and /or they have a blanket system with no discretion!

I've worked in hiring before and ours was similar, I once followed up with a phone call to a referee as I knew that really the printed letter and form they would receive was inappropriate for the circumstance as it was detailed on applicants cover letter.

I had to do this for someone once who had only babysat for me. As PPs said, it's a standard form. I filled it in and explained as best I could. She got the job.

My son is currently filling in applications, the forms are not designed for school leavers, as above just answer what you can, and thank you for doing it.

Please help her without getting bogged down with semantics.
It has been so hard for young people to get work experience in the last year.

So you are happy to give her sole responsibility of your DC and work with the. but not provide a reference?

If you don’t understand or want to understand how the reference is formatted, then tell her but don’t expect her to be doing any more work for you bringing your DC home or tending to them.

I sometimes get requests for references for volunteers with a charity I'm involved with . Invariably they ask about dates of employment and things like timekeeping which are not relevant to what they do for the charity. I simply explain that they were volunteers and and answer what questions I can, and usually explain that again in the covering letter or email. It seems to be fine.

@Brazilianut she doesn't have sole responsibility, she's my childminder's daughter? She doesn't do work for me. Read the OP

Thanks everyone! This has put my mind at rest. Will be happy to fill in what I can from the form.

I had a very similar situation with a friend's daughter who had done some bits for me but I had never employed them. I wrote my reference from the angle of it being work experience. That was fine with the school who had requested it as it was still a work related reference rather than a character reference. That would probably work in your situation too.

@legofootcasualty

Did you not say she takes your children home for you? That’s what the OP says.

Actually I think others read it the same as I do. The childminder looks after your children in the day and then later the daughter brings them back to yours for babysitting, perhaps because you work late or shifts.

@Brazilianut @GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat It's only very occasionally (like it's happened maybe 5 times) if she can't make it, she'll text me and say 'oh do you mind if X picks them up from nursery today.' She'll be with another member of the family that drives them to childminder's house from there. Same situation if she's taking him home, unless they go by train.

She's really good with him, but it's not what I'd class as a shared job/responsibility.

Ok yeah that's not allowed unless she's a registered assistant with Ofsted.

Fair enough but that’s definitely sole responsibility even if not often. Also as @GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat said, she should be registered as there’s all sort of problems with legal permissions etc.