Help me with a reference?

[SnapD]

So far I have

XXXX has been a reliable and willing employee. She has never been late and is trust-worthy. She cares deeply about the children she looks after.

She has had very little time off whilst working for me despite a broken arm and other health issues.

She is developing an understanding of child protection and legislative issues.

I worry that it sounds half hearted as she is not my favourite person

What else can I write honestly (iyswim)

I worry about the health stuff - is it a breech of confidentiality to mention them?

Thanks

I would phrase it as positively as possible. Rather than "she has never been late" say "her timekeeping is exemplary". I don't think you should go into detail about the health issues but you could say that she has taken a very responsible attitude to taking time off for health reasons. Could you say something about how she interacts with the children she looks after - is she lots of fun, is she quiet and gentle, what kinds of activities does she do with the children? HTH.

Good ideas there

Anything else?

OK now I have

"XXXhas been a reliable and willing employee. Her timekeeping is exemplary and she is trust-worthy. She cares deeply about the children she looks after.

She has taken a very responsible attitude to taking time off for health reasons

She is developing an understanding of child protection and legislative issues."

It isn't much better is it?

Is this a reference for a specific new job, or a general reference?

A general reference as I have laid her off

OK. How about something like this:

xxxx came to work for me in (insert date). At that time she was one of a team of (insert number of people) and her duties included (stick some stuff from her job description in here). Due to changes in the organisational structure (or whatever) I reluctantly took the decision in (date) to offer her redundancy.

During the time xxx worked for me, her timekeeping was exemplary, and despite some health problems she took a very responsible attitude to taking time off for illness. She has also shown a proactive approach to updating her knowledge of child protection and legislative issues.

Her relationship with the children in her care has always been very nurturing, and their parents have been very happy with the care she gives them. She has a particular affinity with (shy children/outgoing children, insert whatever seems appropriate) and has a talent for (crafts/music/storytelling/outdoor play/whatever).

I have no doubt that xxx will be a valued member of any childcare team she chooses to join in the future, and I wish her every success in her career.

The parents haven't tho' they don't like her much

So
"xxxx came to work for me in November last year. At that time she was one of a team of eight and her duties included childcare and general household tasks. Due to changes in the organisational structure and redused workloads I reluctantly took the decision in June to lay her off.

During the time xxx worked for me, her timekeeping was exemplary, and despite some health problems she took a very responsible attitude to taking time off for illness. She has updated her knowledge of child protection and legislative issues.

Her relationship with the children in her care has always been very nurturing. She has a particular affinity with older children and has a talent for crafts.

I have no doubt that xxx will be a valued member of any childcare team she chooses to join in the future, and I wish her every success in her career."

But she wasn't proactive about the training - she fought every step of the way

I sound a right cow - I'm not honest

You can't in all honesty say she was proactive if she wasn't - I was just hoping to jog your memory about this woman's good points! I think what you have written is fine, do you have a deputy or someone you could show it to before you make it final?

She's off for a month I miss her

Her english is better than mine