Childminder attendance register: what it must record
In England, a childminder must hold a daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises, their hours of attendance, and the name of each child's key person if that is not the childminder (EYFS 3.103). A parent signature is not part of that rule. It is good practice. Keep registers for a reasonable period (EYFS 3.97).
Checked 5 October 2026 against the EYFS statutory framework for childminders (in force from 1 September 2026). EYFS statutory framework on GOV.UK.
What the rules say
| What to record | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| A daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises | EYFS 3.103 |
| Each child's hours of attendance | EYFS 3.103 |
| The name of each child's key person, if this is not the childminder | EYFS 3.103 |
| Registers kept for a reasonable period of time after the child has left | EYFS 3.97 |
| Records held securely, and only available to people who have a right or professional need to see them | EYFS 3.95 |
What our form includes
- Two weekly sheets, Monday to Friday, with space for the setting, the childminder and the week beginning
- For each child each day: sign in, sign out and total hours
- A column for the parent or carer signature, which is good practice rather than a framework rule
- A notes column, which you can use to name a key person who is not you
- A weekly summary for each child: days attended and absences
- Space for comments, and a childminder signature to confirm the register is accurate
The full form is part of membership (£14.99 a month or £99 a year).
How to fill it in
- Complete the register daily, and record exact sign-in and sign-out times.
- Ask the parent or carer to sign at drop-off or collection if you want that extra proof. It is good practice, not a framework rule.
- If someone other than you is a child's key person, write their name down as well.
- Keep completed registers for a reasonable period after the child leaves. Your insurer or local authority may ask for longer.
Common questions
What must a childminder's attendance register include?
A childminder in England must hold a daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises, their hours of attendance, and the names of each child's key person if that is not the childminder (EYFS 3.103).
Does a childminder attendance register need a parent signature?
No. The EYFS rule on the daily record (EYFS 3.103) asks for children's names, hours of attendance and key person, and does not mention a parent signature. Many childminders ask for one at drop-off or collection as good practice, which is your choice.
How long should a childminder keep attendance registers?
The EYFS says records about individual children must be kept for a reasonable period after the child leaves (EYFS 3.97). It sets no number of years, so each childminder decides. Your insurer or local authority may ask you to keep registers for longer.
Do childminders have to record the hours a child attends?
Yes. The daily record a childminder must hold under EYFS 3.103 includes the names of the children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance. Recording exact sign-in and sign-out times is the simplest way to do that.
Related forms
This is general guidance for childminders in England, not legal advice. Policy & Play is not part of Ofsted or the Department for Education. Always check the official wording.