writing references

[FlatDullHairNeedsSaving]

Cross posted in employment references

I'm a nursery manager and I've just been asked to write a reference for a student who's about to complete a placement here so she can get a bit of extra babysitting work. I have no problem with this because she's fab, ace with the children and I'd employ her like a shot. But I've no idea what to put as I only got the manager job 4 weeks ago. I'd like her to be able to use it to get both the babysitting she wants now but also nursery work in the future because good refs are worth their weight in gold.

Can anyone help me?

What a lovely position to be in - what area are you in?!! Seriously, tho', if you look on my thread "Help! Not very good au pair has asked me for a reference", Nannynick posted some links. I read them and they were very useful, the third one would be especially relevant to you on this occasion, I think.

See the links I posted here with regard to legal implications of reference writing.

As you have nothing negative to say about her, then you don't need to worry too much about what you write. It just needs to be factual.

I would suggest that you keep it reasonably short, couple of paragraphs. First paragraph could contain the facts of the matter... such as worked for you between x date and x date, in what role.
Paragraph 2 could contain your personal opinion about her as a childcare worker and as a person generally.
You may wish to end it by saying that you would invite people to contact you if they wished to have a chat about her. Provide your office phone number.

Some of my best references are about a page of A4. If you send me an e-mail (see my profile, it will give you a clue as to how to find my e-mail address) or send me a CAT, I can scan some of my longer references from pre-school's/nurseries and send them to you by e-mail.

nannynick - have contacted you!

On a total aside, didn't realise you were a bloke. I think it's brilliant that you're man working in childcare and keep up the good work! I fear my one male nursery nurse feels a little overwhelmed at times.