From 1 September 2026, the updated EYFS statutory framework makes the requirements for reference checks more explicit, including that at least one reference must be in writing.
Early years providers and childminders in England will be required to obtain at least one written reference before any new staff member, student or volunteer starts. A phone reference on its own does not meet the statutory requirement.
Under the updated framework, the written reference has to:
- be provided by the applicant's current employer, training provider or education setting, not a personal contact or family member
- be completed by someone with proper seniority and authority, not an open ‘to whom it may concern’ letter
- cover the applicant's most recent period working with children, verified directly rather than relying on the applicant to arrange it.
What this means for your use of Referoo
If you're already using Referoo for your reference checks, you're well positioned for this change. Every reference completed through the platform is captured as a written, timestamped record. Referees are invited by email or SMS to click a link and complete their reference online, so the reference itself is always in writing. Most clients will not need to change their existing workflow as a result of this update, though a quick review is worth doing (see below).
Ahead of 1 September, we recommend reviewing your current process to confirm the following: that at least one referee per candidate comes from their current or most recent employer, training provider or education setting, and that you're not relying solely on a phone reference for any early years role.
If you would like to review your current workflow or reference templates to ensure they align with the new requirements, please reach out to your account manager, who will be happy to walk you through it.
