Do I need to pay for my own vetting checks?
Yes. All practitioners are responsible for arranging and paying for their own vetting, including DBS and references. This keeps the platform flexible and accessible.

How do I become “Verified by EYK”?
Once you have submitted your required documents (such as DBS, ID, and references), your profile will be reviewed. If everything meets our standards, you will receive a “Verified by EYK” status.

Can I work without being verified?
You may create a profile, but nurseries are more likely to book verified practitioners. Some nurseries may only accept verified staff.

Am I employed by Early Years Klique?
No. All practitioners are self-employed and responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, and insurance where applicable.

How do I get paid?
Payments are processed securely through the platform after your booking has been completed and confirmed.

Can I set my own hourly rate?
Yes. You have full flexibility to set your own rate based on your experience and qualifications.

  1. Question: Who are EYk practitioners? Answer: Vetted Early Years professionals across Oxfordshire — some are self-employed, choosing their own hours and rates; others are EYk agency staff. Every practitioner is DBS-checked, reference-verified, and ID-confirmed before their profile goes live.

  2. Question: What's the difference between self-employed and agency staff? Answer: Both are vetted to the same standard. Self-employed practitioners set their own rates and are paid directly after each shift. Agency staff work through EYk on a weekly PAYE basis. From your perspective, the booking experience is identical the type is shown clearly on each profile.

  3. Question: How do you vet practitioners? Answer: Every practitioner provides Enhanced DBS, identity, right-to-work, two professional references from previous Early Years employers, and qualification evidence. We verify each piece, and we contact referees directly on the setting's publicly listed number — not the personal mobile a candidate gives us. Profiles only go live once everything checks out.

  4. Question: How do I cancel my membership? Answer: Email hello@earlyyearsklique.co.uk or use the cancellation option in your account. Cancellation takes effect from the end of your current billing month. No phone calls, no hoops.

  5. Question: What if a practitioner doesn't turn up? Answer: Contact us immediately. We'll help find replacement cover and review what happened with the practitioner. Payment for a no-show booking is not released. Repeated no-shows result in profile removal.

  6. Question: How does payment work? Answer: You pay at the point of booking. Payment is held securely and only released to the practitioner after the shift is confirmed complete via QR clock-out. Membership is billed monthly. Permanent placement fees (when you take a practitioner on long-term) are invoiced separately and payable within 30 days.

  7. Question: How does EYk handle safeguarding concerns? Answer: Concerns about a child, or about an adult working with children, must go directly to the statutory bodies legally responsible — your local MASH for child concerns, or LADO for concerns about an adult in a position of trust. EYk does not sit between you and these agencies. For platform-level concerns (a profile, a practitioner's conduct on the platform, misuse), contact hello@earlyyearsklique.co.uk. Full detail in our Safeguarding Policy.

**General Is my data safe?
Yes. We follow UK GDPR guidelines and use secure systems to protect your information.

Why is EYK different from an agency?
We offer flexibility, transparency, and direct connections between nurseries and practitioners.

Will more features be added?
Yes — including training, events, and community features.