After school club compliance UK: a childminder's guide

Which Ofsted register applies

If you are already registered as a childminder, you may not need a new registration, but you do need to check your certificate carefully. The register depends on the ages of children you care for.

• Early Years Register: for children from birth to 31 August after their fifth birthday. This includes reception-aged children. You must meet EYFS requirements for these children.
• Childcare Register compulsory part: for younger school-aged children who are still under eight. Once children turn eight, this becomes voluntary if you want to continue offering care for older children.
• Childcare Register voluntary part: for children aged eight and over, and for some other types of care that do not require compulsory registration.

If you run a small out-of-school club on non-domestic premises rather than from your own home, you may be registered under a different category, such as childcare on non-domestic premises. The same age split applies, but your conditions may differ. Check your registration certificate or ask Ofsted.

Ratios and what changes for over-fives

For childminders, the EYFS sets a standard ratio. At the time of writing, a childminder may care for no more than six children under eight. Of those six, no more than three may be under five, and of those under fives, no more than one may be under one. Your own children under eight count within these limits.

When children move into key stage one and beyond, the under-five limits may free up, but they still count in the overall maximum of six until their eighth birthday. Once a child turns eight, they no longer count in that under-eight ratio. However, there is no universal national ratio for over-eights in out-of-school care. You must risk-assess the group size, level of supervision and experience of staff, and follow any local authority requirements in your provider agreement.

If you run a small setting with assistants rather than as a lone childminder, your ratio rules may be different. For under-fives, EYFS group ratio rules apply. For over-fives, there is no single national ratio, so your risk assessment becomes the main evidence of suitability. Ofsted will expect you to be able to explain why your staffing is safe.

Policies and records to have ready

You do not need a completely separate filing system for after-school care, but you do need records that reflect the different age group.

• Child protection and safeguarding policy, including contacts for local children's services
• Complaints procedure
• Health and safety policy, including fire safety and outings
• Food hygiene and allergy management if you provide snacks or meals
• Medication and illness policy
• Behaviour management policy
• Equality and inclusion policy
• Data protection and privacy notice
• Attendance register for each session
• Accident, incident and medication records
• Risk assessments for home, outdoor play, walks and holiday trips
• Parent contact details, permissions and allergy information
• Staff or assistant records if you employ anyone

If you also care for any children in the early years age group, your EYFS policies and paperwork will already cover much of this. For over-fives, the requirements are less prescriptive, but clear written policies are still the quickest way to show you have thought through safe routines.

Quick checklist

• Check your Ofsted certificate to confirm which registers you are on
• Record the age of every child and review ratios daily, including your own children
• Update your risk assessment for before-school, after-school and holiday sessions
• Check paediatric first aid and safeguarding training are in date
• Ensure parent permissions cover collection, outings and emergency treatment
• Keep an accurate attendance register for every session
• Review your insurance to confirm it covers out-of-school and holiday care
• If you are unsure about your registration category, contact Ofsted or your childminder agency

If you want a calmer way to keep the paperwork in order, Policy & Play has an editable set of Ofsted-ready policies and a free AI assistant called Polly at Try Polly. It is a helpful starting point, but it does not replace current official guidance from Ofsted or GOV.UK.

FAQs

Do I need a separate Ofsted registration to run a holiday club from my childminding home?

Usually not if you are already registered as a childminder and the children fall within the ages on your certificate. If you plan to operate from different premises, that may need a separate registration. Ask Ofsted before you start.

Can I care for more school children once I have no under-fives?

Not necessarily. The overall limit of six children under eight still applies to childminders. Once children are eight or older, they no longer count in that limit, but your insurance and local authority agreement may still set limits.

Do I need to follow the EYFS with after-school children in Year 1 and above?

No, the EYFS learning and development requirements apply to children in the early years age group. For older children, you still need to meet the Childcare Register requirements and provide safe, suitable care.

What is the most common compliance problem Ofsted notices?

A common issue is not being able to explain ratios or show current risk assessments. Keep records simple and up to date, and make sure every adult in the household has the required DBS check in place.