Our Early Years Professional Reference Request Form is designed to support nurseries, preschools and early years settings in gathering clear, reliable and safeguarding-focused references for new staff, volunteers and student practitioners.
Created specifically for the early years sector, this form ensures that settings can make well-informed recruitment decisions that prioritise child safety, professional competence and high-quality practice.
The form covers all essential areas of early years professionalism, including safeguarding awareness, communication skills, behaviour support, teamwork, planning contributions and relationships with children. It also includes structured sections for strengths, areas for development and overall suitability to work with children aged Birth–5.
Whether you are recruiting for a permanent role, evaluating a placement student or welcoming a new volunteer, this form provides a clear, consistent and sector-appropriate way to request and record references in line with safer recruitment expectations.
