Introduction
Most childcare providers are already required to register with Ofsted. There are now changes in the law that mean those not obliged to register can now choose to join the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register.
These include childcare providers who:
- provide care for children aged eight and over (such as childminders, out of school clubs, holiday clubs, play schemes, play-centres and open access play provision)
- offer activity-based care such as sports, drama, language or arts clubs etc; or
- provide care in the child's own home for example, nannies and au pairs (unless they look after children of more than two families) or home based care for disabled children
Why register?
- Parents will know that cetain standards have been met that have been designed to safeguard children
- Parents who are eligible will be able to get help with the cost of childcare through Working Tax Credit and employer-supported childcare schemes
- Support from Local Authorities for training to registered providers
- Schools who use external organisations to provide an extended service are encouraged to work with a registered provider
What are the requirements for voluntary registration?
- The care must be:
- provided for at least two hors a day
- joined up to the beginning or end of the school day; or
- part of an arrangement whereby care is provided for a continuous period of at least two hors (for example as part of extended schools activities or childcare)
- All staff with unsupervide access to children must undego a check with the Crimminal Records Bureau (CRB)
- Staff, premises, equipment and care provision must be safe and suitable
- At least one memebr of staff caring for children must have an appropriate first aid certificate and one memebr of staff must have had appropriate training training coveing the common core skills
- The registered provider must have public liability insurance.
Cost?
The registration fee is:
- £100 for childminders or people caring for a child in the child's home
- £110 (plus cost of CRB checks) for other childcare on domestic or non-domestic premises.
Registration will be subject to an annual fee and continued ability to meet the requirements.
Inspection?
Ofsted will randomly select a proportion of providers for inspection and there will always be an inspection following a complaint. If all the requirements have been met then childcare providers will get a letter confirming this.
Further information
If you wish to make an application or for more information please contact Ofsted; 08456 40 40 40 or visit the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk
Parents who would like further information about Working tax Credit or employer supported childcare should contact HM Revenue and Customs; 0845 300 3900 or visit the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk
To download a leaflet with this and further information please see the 'Read more' section on the page.