How to Register With Ofsted as a Childminder — Step-by-Step Guide

Registering with Ofsted is one of the most important steps you will take as a childcare professional. This guide walks you through exactly who needs to register, who is exempt, what the process involves, and what you must do to keep your setting Ofsted-ready after registration. Read this before you take a single paying minded child.

Short version: how to register as a childminder, step by step

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📋 Do You Need to Register with Ofsted?

In England, the law requires most people who provide paid childcare to register with Ofsted. The rules are set out in the Childcare Act 2006 and its subsequent amendments. Whether you need to register depends on the age of the children, the number of hours you care for them, where the care takes place, and whether you receive payment.

Quick Decision Guide: Do I Need to Register?

If you answered yes to questions 1–4, you very likely need to register. If you are a nanny working solely in the children's own home and caring for one family only, you are exempt — but you can register voluntarily to accept Tax-Free Childcare. Always check with Ofsted directly if you are unsure.

👤 Who CAN Register — and Who CANNOT

✓ Who Needs to Register

Childminders (caring for children in your own home)
Day nursery providers
Pre-school and playgroup managers
Childcare on domestic premises (where several people provide the care in someone's home — check Ofsted's "childcare on domestic premises" guidance for the current threshold)
Creche providers (2+ hours)
After-school and holiday club providers (for under-8s)
Nannies who want to register voluntarily (to accept Tax-Free Childcare)

✗ Who is Legally Exempt

Parents caring for their own children
Close relatives caring for related children (grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, step-parents)
Nannies working solely in the child's own home for one family
Foster carers (registered separately with the local authority)
Providers of less than 2 hours of care per day
Unpaid/voluntary carers
Schools (governed by separate inspection arrangements)

Important — Nannies: If you are a nanny working in the child's own home for one family only, you are exempt from mandatory registration. However, if you wish to accept Tax-Free Childcare payments on behalf of parents, you must register voluntarily on the Voluntary Part of the Childcare Register. Without this, parents paying you cannot use Tax-Free Childcare to pay you. (Employer childcare vouchers are closed to new joiners, so Tax-Free Childcare is the main scheme to plan for.)

📂 The Three Types of Ofsted Registration

Mandatory

Early Years Register (EYR)

For anyone providing early years childcare for children from birth to 31 August after their 5th birthday. Mandatory for childminders and nurseries caring for children in this age range.

Mandatory

Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR)

For providers caring for children aged 5–7 for 2+ hours per day on 4+ days per year. Applies in addition to EYR for most childminders.

Voluntary

Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR)

For providers who want to register but don't have to — including nannies and providers caring for children over 8. Can enable Tax-Free Childcare acceptance.

Most registered childminders will appear on both the Early Years Register and the Compulsory Childcare Register. Your registration certificate will confirm which registers you are on. Not sure which applies to you? Ofsted's registration guidance on GOV.UK is the place to check.

📋 Eligibility: Who Can Apply to Register

Before you apply, Ofsted will assess your suitability. To register as a childminder or childcare provider you must:

Qualifications: While there is no mandatory minimum qualification for childminder registration in England, but Ofsted expects you to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competence at your registration visit. Many childminders choose to complete a Level 3 childcare qualification (CACHE, BTEC, NVQ) which strengthens their application and professional credibility.

🔢 Step-by-Step: The Registration Process

The registration process has ten key stages. Work through them in order — Ofsted will only process your application once the required forms, DBS details, first aid and fee are in place.

Step 1

Read the EYFS Statutory Framework

Download and read the full Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework from gov.uk. Make sure you read the childminder version effective from 1 September 2026, which includes updated safeguarding requirements (for example on safer sleep, screen use, and banned dog breeds on the premises). This is the legal document that governs everything you do as a registered early years provider. Ofsted's inspector will ask you about it at your registration visit. It is free to download at gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework.

Pay particular attention to: the seven areas of learning, the three characteristics of effective learning, safeguarding and welfare requirements, and the key person approach. Ofsted's registration guidance may also list introductory training or a pre-registration briefing to complete first, so check the current GOV.UK page.

Step 2

Complete Paediatric First Aid Training

You must hold a valid Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate before you register. This is a full course of at least 12 hours specifically for infants and children — it is different from a standard adult First Aid certificate and the two are not interchangeable.

The full course is a minimum of 12 hours
It must cover CPR, choking, seizures, burns, allergic reactions, and more
Your certificate must be renewed every 3 years
Choose a trainer whose course meets the EYFS paediatric first aid criteria (Annex A of the EYFS). Many local authorities, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross and others run these
Prices vary between providers, so compare a few

Important: A standard First Aid at Work certificate does NOT meet the Paediatric First Aid requirement. Always check that the course is specifically for infants and children and is at least 12 hours.

Step 3

Apply for Your Enhanced DBS Check

You need an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children's barred list check. This is the highest level of DBS check available. A Basic or Standard check is not sufficient for childcare registration. Follow Ofsted's current instructions for how the checks are requested as part of your application, rather than applying separately.

Ofsted's registration guidance explains how the checks are requested: see gov.uk/guidance/childminders-and-childcare-providers-register-with-ofsted
Cost: the DBS fee for an enhanced check is £49.50 until 4 October 2026, falling to £41.00 from 5 October 2026. Check what you will be charged when you apply
Processing time: usually up to about six weeks, but it can take longer
Ofsted strongly recommends joining the DBS Update Service to keep your check current
Keep your certificate safe in case you are asked for it

    Everyone aged 16 and over living or working on your premises must also have an enhanced DBS check (with barred list). This includes your partner, older children, lodgers and any assistants. Start these at the same time as your own. From 1 September 2026 the EYFS also says nobody may start working or volunteering with children until their enhanced DBS and barred list check has been received.
  

Step 4

Get Public Liability Insurance

You must hold Public Liability Insurance before you start caring for minded children. This protects you if a child in your care is injured or if a parent makes a claim against you. Standard home or car insurance does not cover childminding activities.

Cover level: ask your insurer or agency what they recommend. £5 million is a common level, but check the current position with Ofsted
Specialist childminder insurance is available through Morton Michel, Coram PACEY, Childminding UK, and others
Costs vary by insurer and cover level, so compare quotes
Check that your policy specifically covers childminding activities
Also consider: Professional Indemnity cover and Personal Accident cover

Step 5

Prepare Your Policies and Risk Assessments

Before your registration visit, have written policies and procedures ready. The EYFS and Childcare Register requirements expect a range of these, and inspectors commonly look for policies covering:

Safeguarding and child protection
Health and safety (including a written risk assessment of your premises)
GDPR and data protection
Behaviour management
Food, nutrition, and allergies
Complaints procedure
Sick child and illness exclusion
Equal opportunities and inclusion
Settling-in procedures
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

Your PolicyAndPlay account gives you all of these as professionally written templates. Print them, customise them with your setting details, and have them ready in a folder for the inspector.

Step 6

Create Your Ofsted Online Account and Submit Your Application

Applications are made online through the Ofsted Portal at ofsted.gov.uk (look for "Register as a childminder or childcare provider").

Create an Ofsted online account using an email address you check regularly
Complete the online application form. Everyone aged 16 or over connected to your application (household members, assistants) also completes an EY2 declaration and consent form
You will need to provide personal details, your setting address, details of all household members aged 16+, and your DBS reference number
Provide your first aid and any training details, plus your health declaration (Ofsted's health declaration booklet is completed with your GP, who may charge)
Give the contact details of two referees and complete the suitability declarations honestly
Pay the application fee (£35 for childminders registering on the Early Years Register; check gov.uk for current fees). There is also an annual fee once you are registered

Processing time: Ofsted aims to complete most childminder applications within 12 weeks, though some take longer (for example, delays with other agencies or extra enquiries). Do not take on paying minded children until your registration is confirmed.

Step 7

The Suitability Checks and Registration Visit

Ofsted completes its suitability checks on you and everyone connected to your application first, then arranges a registration visit. The visit includes a suitability interview and checks that you understand the EYFS and can meet its requirements before you begin caring for children. An inspector will not normally make more than one registration visit. Ofsted has confirmed that dangerous dogs are not compatible with domestic childcare, and from 1 September 2026 the EYFS prohibits childcare from premises where a banned dog breed is kept or present.

During the visit, the inspector will:

Confirm your suitability checks are complete (yours and all household members aged 16+)
Ask to see your Paediatric First Aid certificate
Ask about your insurance
Assess the safety and suitability of your premises (inside and outside spaces, kitchen, bathroom, sleeping areas)
Talk through your policies and procedures with you
Ask you questions about the EYFS, safeguarding, and child development
Check your understanding of how you will plan and observe children's learning

How to prepare: Lay out all your documents in a clear folder: DBS certificates, First Aid certificate, insurance certificate, policies folder, and any risk assessments. Be ready to talk confidently about safeguarding — what you would do if you had concerns about a child, who your Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is, and how you would record an incident.

Step 8

Await the Decision

After your registration visit, Ofsted makes a decision on your application and notifies you. Outcomes can include:

Approved: Ofsted sends your Registration Certificate. You can now begin caring for minded children.
Conditions attached: Registration is granted but with specific conditions you must meet. These could include a limit on the number or ages of children.
Refused: Ofsted will explain its reasons and the routes open to you, which can include challenging the decision. Read Ofsted's guidance on GOV.UK or take independent advice if this happens.

Step 9

Receive and Display Your Registration Certificate

Your Ofsted Registration Certificate is a legal document. It confirms:

Your registration number
Which registers you are on (EYR, CCR, and/or VCR)
The maximum number and ages of children you are permitted to care for at any one time
Your registered address
Any conditions attached to your registration

You must display your registration certificate in a prominent position on your premises where parents can see it. You should also share your Ofsted registration number with parents — they may wish to look up your inspection record on the Ofsted website.

Step 10

Begin Caring for Children — and Your First Inspection

Once your certificate is received and displayed, you may begin caring for paying minded children. Congratulations! Ofsted will conduct your first full inspection after registration. From April 2026 Ofsted usually inspects a new provider within 18 months of registration (previously 30 months), though timing can vary.

Ofsted's revised early years inspection toolkit applies to inspections from 1 September 2026, and reports now use a five-point report card rather than the old single-word grades. For your first inspection, be ready to talk through:

How you plan and observe children's learning (EYFS planning evidence)
Your approach to safeguarding
How you work in partnership with parents
How you identify and support children with SEND
Your professional development and ongoing training
Your policies are current and being used in practice

📝 Documents and Requirements Checklist

Before You Apply

For Your Registration Visit

📊 Child Ratios: How Many Children Can You Care For?

Your Ofsted Registration Certificate will specify the maximum number of children you can care for at any one time. The standard ratios for childminders in England are:

🔄 After Registration: Staying Compliant

Registration is not a one-off event. Once registered, you have ongoing legal obligations to Ofsted. Failure to comply can result in conditions being added to your registration, or registration being suspended or cancelled.

Changes You MUST Notify Ofsted About (as soon as reasonably practicable, and within 14 days)

Ongoing Requirements

✅ Dos and Don'ts of Ofsted Registration

Age Group	Maximum Number	Notes
Under 1 year old	1	Includes your own children under 1
Young children (until 1 September after their 5th birthday)	3	Includes the child under 1 and your own young children
Under 8 years old (total)	6	Includes all children under 8 in your care including your own

DO

Register before you take any paying minded children
Read the EYFS Statutory Framework in full before applying
Get DBS checks for every adult aged 16+ in your home
Notify Ofsted of changes and significant events as soon as reasonably practicable, and always within 14 days
Display your registration certificate prominently at all times
Keep all policies reviewed, dated, and signed
Renew your First Aid every 3 years before the expiry date
Keep a professional development log of all training
Join Coram PACEY or Childminding UK for ongoing support
Talk to Ofsted before you plan to go over your usual ratios
Prepare a policies folder before your inspection — lay it out neatly
Ask your health visitor or local Family Information Service for help

DON'T

Start minding paid children before receiving your registration certificate
Take more children than your certificate permits
Leave an assistant alone with children beyond what the rules allow (check Ofsted's assistant guidance)
Advertise yourself as "Ofsted registered" before you are registered
Ignore any correspondence from Ofsted — respond promptly
Change your premises without letting Ofsted know
Ignore a caution, conviction or charge affecting anyone in your household: tell Ofsted
Let anyone start working with children before their enhanced DBS and barred list check has been received
Assume a standard First Aid certificate covers your legal obligation
Let your insurance lapse
Delete or lose minded children's records: check the EYFS and data protection guidance on how long to keep them
Operate as a childminder at a different address from your registered address

⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Starting before registration is confirmed

This is the most serious mistake a childminder can make. It is a criminal offence under the Childcare Act 2006 to provide childcare for reward without being registered. Wait for your certificate — no matter how eager you are to start, or how much financial pressure you are under.

Mistake 2: Getting the wrong type of DBS

Only an Enhanced DBS check with the children's barred list check satisfies the registration requirement. A Basic or Standard DBS is not the check Ofsted needs, so make sure the right level is requested.

Mistake 3: Forgetting household members

Many applicants apply for their own DBS but forget that every person aged 16+ in their household also needs one. If an unchecked adult is connected to your home, your application can be delayed or refused, and an existing registration can be put at risk.

Mistake 4: Not having policies ready for the visit

Be ready to talk through your policies and procedures at your registration visit. Use your PolicyAndPlay templates to have a complete, Ofsted-ready policies folder in place before the visit.

Mistake 5: Exceeding ratio limits

Your registration certificate specifies exactly how many children you can care for at any one time. Exceeding this — even briefly, even for family emergencies — puts your registration at risk. If you need a different arrangement, contact Ofsted first.

Mistake 6: Failing to notify changes

Ofsted must be informed as soon as reasonably practicable, and within 14 days, of a significant change or event: a new person in the house, a change of address, a caution, a serious incident. Failing to notify can lead to enforcement action, so set yourself a reminder system.

🔗 Useful Contacts and Resources

Resource	What It's For	Where to Find It
Ofsted Portal	Submit your registration application	ofsted.gov.uk → Register as a provider
EYFS Statutory Framework	The legal framework for early years childcare	gov.uk/government/publications/eyfs-framework
Criminal record checks for childminders	How enhanced DBS checks work for childcare registration	gov.uk/guidance/criminal-record-checks-for-childminders-and-childcare-workers
Coram PACEY	Professional association: insurance, helpline, CPD	corampacey.org.uk
Childminding UK	Membership body for childminders	childminding.org
Local Family Information Service	Local support, funding information, pre-registration advice	Search "[your county] Family Information Service"
Tax-Free Childcare	Government childcare support for parents	gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

PolicyAndPlay tip: Your registration is just the beginning. Use your PolicyAndPlay templates to build a professional policies folder before your inspection, keep them updated as regulations change, and use the activity plans to demonstrate your EYFS planning from day one. Having a PolicyAndPlay dashboard means your compliance materials are always current.

📚 Sources and Official References

This guide has been compiled from the following official UK Government and regulatory sources. This guide was reviewed against current guidance in September 2026. Regulation and fee structures are subject to change — always verify current requirements at the official sources listed below.

Source	What It Covers	Where to Find It
Childcare Act 2006 (as amended)	Legal basis for mandatory registration requirements in England	legislation.gov.uk
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework (September 2026)	Learning and development requirements; safeguarding and welfare requirements	gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework
Ofsted — Childminder registration guidance	Application process, suitability checks, registration types	ofsted.gov.uk → Register as a childminder or childcare provider
Ofsted — Childcare Register guidance	Compulsory and Voluntary Childcare Register requirements	gov.uk/guidance/childcare-register-childminders-and-childcare-providers
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) — Enhanced Check Guidance	DBS check types, application process, children's barred list	gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service
EYFS statutory framework, Annex A (paediatric first aid)	Criteria for paediatric first aid training in early years settings	gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Guidance on infection control in schools and childcare settings	Exclusion periods, notifiable diseases	ukhsa.gov.uk
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)	Safeguarding roles and responsibilities including LADO	gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children

Disclaimer — Important: This guide is produced by PolicyAndPlay for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, regulations and fee structures are subject to change. You must verify all current requirements directly with Ofsted and your relevant regulatory body before making registration decisions. PolicyAndPlay accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or regulatory consequence arising from reliance on this guide. Always consult Ofsted's official guidance and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

Registering with Ofsted as a Childcare Setting