Employment Referencing service

We know that safeguarding children is your top priority and that the complexities of Safer Recruitment can be overwhelming.

What you want is to be able to focus on employing your team whilst compliance is handled. This is why here at Redwing we have decided to offer a Employment Referencing and HR Admin service called Vryfi™.

"i don't have time to play detective!"

At Vryfi™, we want recruitment to feel like a solution, not a risk.

Most reference checking services operate on a simple, employer-led model: the employer provides the name, job title and email address of two referees, and the service sends out a standard request.

Our service is fundamentally different.

In line with the EYFS requirements, we take ownership of the entire referencing process from start to finish.

Using the candidate’s application form, we identify the appropriate referees, liaise directly with the candidate where clarification is needed, independently locate and verify referee contact details, and then issue, chase and scrutinise references to ensure they are meaningful and compliant.

Crucially, we do not simply collect responses, we actively verify them against EYFS expectations before completion.

All stages are managed through our secure online portal, giving employers clear oversight while removing the administrative burden and significantly reducing safeguarding and compliance risk.

The introduction of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage statutory requirements in September 2025 means that compliance with Safer Recruitment is a lot stricter. From 1st September 2025 you now have to:

not accept open references
not rely on applicants to obtain their reference
ensure any references are from the candidate’s current employer, training provider or education setting and have been completed by a senior person with appropriate authority
not accept references from a family member
obtain verification of the individual’s most recent relevant period of employment where the applicant is not currently employed
secure a reference from the relevant employer from the last time the applicant worked with children (if not currently working with children). If the applicant has never worked with children, then ensure a reference from their current employer, training provider or education setting.
contact referees to clarify content where information is vague or insufficient information is provided
compare the information on the application form with that in the reference and take up any discrepancies with the candidate
establish the reason for leaving their current or most recent post
ensure any concerns are resolved satisfactorily before an appointment is confirmed

You will see that the new wording for 3.14 of the EYFS is (for Group and school based providers) is as follows:

“providers must record information about staff qualifications and the identity checks, vetting processes and references that have been completed (including criminal records check reference number, the date a check was obtained and the details of who obtained it.)”

Here’s what a satisfied client had to say about her experience with Vryfi™

"In July, I had the task of recruiting new staff, and I was dreading the process of chasing references and verifying they were genuine. I came across the advert for Vryfi in Redwing’s summer newsletter, and after asking a few questions, I decided to sign up. I’m so glad I did. Claire has been fantastic—she took all the pressure off by handling everything, from the initial request for references to confirming their authenticity and even chasing up any gaps in employment. The whole process has been stress-free and so much easier than I expected. I would highly recommend Vryfi to anyone—it takes so much of the pressure and stress out of recruitment. Thank you so much!"

Julie Gould, Nursery Owner

Discover why we were shortlisted as HR Consultancy of the Year in 2020.

Book a free no-obligation chat to find out how we can support your setting with expert HR for Early Years.

employment policies you may find useful

Recruitment Policy
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References Policy
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Endorsed by experts in safeguarding children

I’ve had the privilege of working with Redwing Solutions for a number of years now sharing learning and best practice through training and having reflective conversations about safeguarding in the early years. Their commitment in keeping safeguarding knowledge updated and as a priority consideration in their work as HR advisors is both commendable and provides essential and relevant support to the sector.

Rachel Buckler

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