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Reference request for volunteers: guidance and templates

You should seek references for volunteers to help check their suitability to volunteer in your school. Download our template reference request forms and get advice on what to do if it's difficult to get references.

Last reviewed on 16 July 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 30270
Contents
  1. EYFS settings must obtain references for volunteers
  2. It's good practice for all settings to request references from volunteers
  3. Download and adapt our template reference request forms
  4. Conduct a risk assessment
  5. What to do if you have trouble getting references
  6. Examples of school/trust approaches

EYFS settings must obtain references for volunteers

Providers must obtain a reference for any volunteers before their placement.

This is set out in paragraph 3.20 of the EYFS statutory framework (applicable from 1 September 2025). 

The framework includes good practice guidance that you should follow when seeking references:

Ensure that references are from the applicant's current employer, and have been completed by someone with appropriate authority Verify the applicant's most recent relevant employment (where the applicant isn't currently employed) Secure a reference from the last time the applicant worked with children (if they aren't currently working with children), or from their current employer/training setting if they have never worked with children  Make sure that electronic references come from a legitimate source Contact referees to clarify content if the information they provide is vague or insufficient Compare the information on the application form with the reference, and discuss any discrepancies with the applicant Establish the reason for