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Safer recruitment - checking references

14 March 2019
Lady being interviewed

When employing staff you must check references thoroughly before they start work. This means following up any areas for clarification, confirmation or concern.

If you don't, you could be in breach of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) safeguarding and welfare requirements. This could trigger a referral to Ofsted.

When providing references:

  • Don't delay giving a reference for past or current employees applying for work at another early years and childcare setting.
  • If you employed that person a while ago, mention it in the reference and be clear about the dates.

For more information visit the Safeguarding section and Running your business section.