When you register with tiney, we ask you to provide two references from people who have known you for more than 12 months. Here's why this matters.
It's a safeguarding requirement
As an Ofsted-registered Childminder Agency, tiney has a legal duty to make sure that everyone who cares for children is suitable to do so. References help us build a picture of who you are and whether you're the right person to care for young children.
We ask referees about your character, your reliability, and your suitability to work with children. This is a key part of safer recruitment across the childcare sector.
Why 12 months?
We need references from people who genuinely know you – not just acquaintances. Someone who has known you for over a year can speak meaningfully about your character and how you conduct yourself over time.
Who can be a reference?
References can come from employers, colleagues, tutors, or other professional contacts. They cannot be family members. If you've worked in childcare before, one of your references must be from that role.
Need help?
If you're having trouble finding suitable references, speak to your tiney advisor – they're happy to help.