Question on referees

specificus1 wrote:Hi guys,

I've been looking at past threads but I feel like I'm going crazy with all the information so hopefully someone can answer me.

I'm applying together with my son who is 3.

For my professional referees, can I use someone who is a photographer, and also a director of her limited company? There is no such thing as professional photographer (UKBA guidance states "photographer (professional)"), i.e. there is not one professional body issuing the qualification that defines you are a professional. She is a successful weddings photographer who has a limited company and if featured on many websites, etc. She knows me both as a friend and a photographer (We worked together on a number of occasions). Would that work? Is she is a director of a VAT registered company AND knows your child, it should be fine. Have you tried the health visitor or a teacher or someone who is engaged with the child? If your photographer friends knows you and your family as a friend, you can use her as the personal referee.

For my son, can I use his past childminder as a professional reference? She has known him for just over 2 years (he is 3 and 3 months now). health visitor or nursery teacher?? I don't see childminder on the list. Is the childminder through a nursery??

Also, is there any proof required for the referees? Like the copy of their passport, and the proof of their professional standing? No

Thank you
Sorry I'm getting confused big time!

CR001 wrote:

specificus1 wrote:Hi guys,

Would that work? Is she is a director of a VAT registered company AND knows your child, it should be fine. Have you tried the health visitor or a teacher or someone who is engaged with the child? If your photographer friends knows you and your family as a friend, you can use her as the personal referee.

She is not VAT registered, but a director of a limited company is on the list, as well as a professional photographer. She knows my child personally, as a friend.

For my son, can I use his past childminder as a professional reference? She has known him for just over 2 years (he is 3 and 3 months now). health visitor or nursery teacher?? I don't see childminder on the list. Is the childminder through a nursery??

Ok good point. He does not go to nursery, he goes to an independent registered childminder. Can I try a GP? Or any professional person who knows him as a family friend (and not necessarily engages with him in a professional capacity)? For example the photographer as mentioned above?

Thank you
Sorry I'm getting confused big time!