I've got a new pupil starting soon, and new pupil's parents have asked for references. This is the first time I've ever been asked for them, so am slightly flummoxed as to what to do. Obviously I need to check that any potential referee is happy to act as such (and will say nice things!), but do I get a full reference in writing from them? Pass their details to new pupil's parents so that they can follow it up? Anything else?

Thoughts, suggestions and experiences welcome.

I have only ever been asked once. And I too was flummoxed.

So I spoke to a parent of one of my other pupils (whose child went to the same school as the potential pupil as it happened) and she was happy for me to give her name to the enquirer.

I would treat it fairly informally, especially as you don't get many such requests, and just ask a current pupil or two, maybe of the same age, or their parents if you can pass their phone number to the new pupil.

I would be honest with the parents and tell them that you have never been asked before, hence your hesitation. They may not have realised that their (perfectly reasonable) request is somewhat unusual. A phone number or two of other pupils' parents is probably all that is required, and it puts the onus on them to follow up, rather than you having to produce something. You might then ask those parents to give you a brief written reference for future use.

Do you keep copies of pupils' exam certificates? Perhaps a bundle of them from a recent session might be useful, particularly distinctions and a pass rate % if they are that fussy?

A request for written references is a bit odd, I think.

I've never been asked, but I have over the years collected some written references from past pupils and parents in case anyone asked. I suppose there are other names I could give too, but again, I've never been asked. I tend to take the view that you provide them with enough information up-front to reassure them of your skills, so then they won't need to ask

I should say that if I was asked to provide references, I wouldn't mind in the slightest. If they weren't happy with the written ones I already had, then I'd be happy to go back to those pupils/parents and ask if they were willing to be contacted. It might be unusual for us to be asked, but in any other walk of life, would you really get a job without having to provide references?

S_G

I would do this as well. Not that I have had to yet.

If you do let them look at photocopies of exam certificates, please make sure that no names are visible. I think most parents would be horrified if you showed their child's comments to a random person like that.

Thanks, I should have mentioned that but at the time thought it would be a given.