Do all school roles need the same reference checks?

The core KCSIE requirement applies to all roles in regulated activity with children — written references, safeguarding suitability question, disciplinary history and documented consent. However, the specific questions and role context differ between teachers, teaching assistants, supply staff and support roles. RefAssure allows schools to create role-specific templates so the right questions are asked for every appointment type.

Do teaching assistants need the same KCSIE references as teachers?

Yes. Under KCSIE, any member of staff in regulated activity with children requires the same standard of pre-employment checking as teachers — including written references with safeguarding suitability questions. A teaching assistant who works with children daily requires the same reference standard as a classroom teacher. Treating TA recruitment as lower risk is a safeguarding gap that Ofsted identifies.

What references are required for supply teachers?

Supply teachers require the same pre-employment checks as permanent staff under KCSIE — including at least two written references obtained directly from referees with safeguarding suitability questions. Where a supply teacher is placed through an agency, the school should confirm the agency has obtained compliant references or obtain references independently. RefAssure delivers compliant references in 1 to 3 days.

Can schools use different reference templates for different roles?

Yes. RefAssure allows schools to save separate templates for teachers, TAs, supply staff, support roles and management appointments — each with the mandatory KCSIE fields plus role-appropriate additional questions. Templates are shared across the team, ensuring consistent KCSIE-compliant evidence regardless of which staff member sends the reference.

Education Roles — KCSIE Reference Guides

Education roles reference checking — the right questions for every school appointment

KCSIE applies to teachers, teaching assistants, supply staff, SEN support, lunchtime supervisors and every other role in regulated activity. The safeguarding questions that matter differ by role. RefAssure lets schools create role-specific templates — consistent KCSIE-compliant evidence on every appointment. From 99p, no subscription.

Teachers and NQTs Teaching assistants and SEN Supply and cover staff Role-specific templates From 99p per reference

Get Started Education Overview

All

Roles in regulated activity — same KCSIE standard

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Role-specific templates — no extra cost

1–3

Days turnaround — supply references included

99p

From per reference — no monthly fees

Roles Covered

KCSIE reference guides for every school role

Each guide covers the specific KCSIE requirements, template questions and risk considerations for that role type.

Teachers UK

Permanent and fixed-term teachers — who should referee, what questions KCSIE requires, pre-interview references, NQT considerations.

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Teaching Assistants

TAs, SEN support, lunchtime supervisors, cover supervisors — KCSIE applies to all staff in regulated activity, not just teachers.

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Supply Teachers

Same KCSIE checks as permanent staff — fast turnaround for short lead times. Agency responsibility vs school responsibility explained.

Read the guide

Headteachers & Senior Leaders

Leadership appointment reference requirements — character and conduct questions, KCSIE compliance and governance expectations for senior roles.

Read the guide

School Support Staff

Admin staff, site managers, catering and cleaning staff with access to pupils — KCSIE obligations and reference requirements for non-teaching roles.

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Try a Template

See exactly what referees receive — the safeguarding questions, the online form, the experience. Build and preview before you commit.

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Role-specific education reference checking templates

One account. Role-specific templates. The same KCSIE-compliant process for every appointment type.

Save separate templates for teachers, TAs, supply staff and senior leaders — each with mandatory KCSIE fields plus role-appropriate questions. Every template is shared across the team. Every reference generates the same standard of SCR-ready evidence regardless of role or who sends it.

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Templates — no limit

Account — all roles

Why Role-Specific Templates Matter

KCSIE applies to all roles — but the right questions differ

Teachers — professional conduct and classroom management

Teacher references should ask about classroom conduct, professional standards, relationships with pupils and parents, NQT mentoring needs and whether the referee would re-employ in a teaching role.

TAs — 1:1 contact and SEN support conduct

TA references should ask specifically about conduct in 1:1 settings, approach to supporting children with additional needs, and behaviour during unsupervised contact — risks a generic reference misses.

Supply staff — reliability and short-notice conduct

Supply references should ask about reliability for last-minute assignments, conduct when covering classes independently, and whether the referee would place the candidate again in a school setting.

Senior leaders — leadership conduct and character

Headteacher and senior leader references should address leadership style, relationship with governors and inspectors, and conduct in a position of authority — beyond standard KCSIE fields.

In-Depth Guides

Education roles reference checking — every guide

Reference Checking for Teachers UK

KCSIE requirements, who should referee, pre-interview references.

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Teaching Assistants & Support Staff

KCSIE applies to TAs — same standard as teachers for regulated activity roles.

Read the guide

Supply Teacher Reference Checks

Fast KCSIE-compliant references for supply — agency vs school responsibility.

Read the guide

Headteacher & Senior Leader References

Leadership conduct, character and governance reference requirements.

Read the guide

School Support Staff References

Non-teaching roles with pupil access — KCSIE obligations explained.

Read the guide

FAQ

Education roles reference checking — questions answered

The core KCSIE requirement applies to all roles in regulated activity — written references, safeguarding suitability question, disciplinary history and documented consent. Specific questions and role context differ between teachers, TAs, supply staff and support roles. RefAssure allows role-specific templates so the right questions are asked for every appointment.

Yes. Any staff member in regulated activity with children requires the same reference standard as teachers. A TA who works with children daily requires the same KCSIE-compliant written reference. Treating TA recruitment as lower risk is a safeguarding gap Ofsted identifies.

Supply teachers require the same checks as permanent staff — at least two written references with safeguarding suitability questions. Where placed through an agency, schools should confirm the agency has completed compliant references or obtain them independently. RefAssure delivers compliant references in 1 to 3 days.

Yes. RefAssure allows unlimited role-specific templates — teachers, TAs, supply staff, support roles, management — each with mandatory KCSIE fields plus role-appropriate questions. Templates are shared across the team ensuring consistent evidence regardless of who sends the reference.

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