You need four things in place before you apply: a DBS check, the required training, a GP-signed health declaration and three references. Once Ofsted accepts your application you have eight weeks to supply the supporting evidence and pay the fee, or the application closes and you may lose the fee.
Fees and forms change. The figures here were correct when written but are not maintained on this page. Check current costs and requirements on gov.uk before applying.
Table of contents
What you need before applying
- A DBS check. This must be completed before registering with Ofsted. Everyone aged 16 and over who is regularly in your home needs a DBS disclosure, including family members.
- The relevant training, including a 12-hour paediatric first aid course, the Introduction to Childcare Practice course (CYPOP5), and a food and hygiene course.
- A signed health declaration booklet. Your GP must confirm you have no health conditions that would prevent you working as a childminder.
- Three references, contacted in advance so they know Ofsted may be in touch.
Once your application is accepted you have eight weeks to provide details of your training, your signed health declaration, and payment. Miss that window and Ofsted will close the application, and you may lose the registration fee.
Step one: supporting documentation
DBS checks
- Applying. If you do not already have a DBS check, use the Ofsted DBS application portal. You will be asked for an organisation reference, which is OFSTEDP. Leave the password section blank.
- Who needs one. Everybody over 16 who lives or works on the premises. Each check carries its own fee, so a household of several adults adds up. Current costs and FAQs.
- The disclosure notice. Once complete you receive a DBS disclosure notice by post, carrying a disclosure number you will need for the online application.
For more on how DBS checks and the update service work, see DBS checks for nannies.
Health declaration
You must complete a health declaration form, with your GP completing the second half. Your GP may charge an admin fee. Ask them to return the completed document to you, so you can send it to Ofsted yourself.
References
- Ofsted require three references: your current or most recent employer if applicable, plus two character references. Character references can be friends but not family.
- Tell your referees before you apply that Ofsted may contact them. You can choose for Ofsted not to contact your current employer.
- Enter their contact details in the referees section of the online application, or submit copies of the character references instead.
Step two: the online application
Once you have your DBS disclosure notice, a completed health declaration and your referees informed, you can begin.
- Choose your register. Either the Early Years Register (children aged 0 to 5) or the Childcare Register. The two carry different fees.
- Pay the registration fee through the payment section of the Ofsted Online website. Ofsted will close an application if evidence or payment is missing after eight weeks.
- Create a Government Gateway account via the Ofsted online portal.
Step three: the registration visit
When Ofsted has all your supporting evidence they will contact you to book a visit. This is a suitability visit, not an inspection, to check that you and your home are suitable for providing childcare.
The inspector uses the visit to:
- check your identity, premises and equipment
- consider your suitability as a childminder
- assess your ability to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage
- assess how you will support children's learning and development
- consider how you will meet safeguarding and welfare requirements
The visit consists of:
- an interview about delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage
- a check of your premises
- a review of your policies, procedures and risk assessment
At the end, the inspector will tell you the next steps, including whether you are ready to be registered. Ofsted publish a guide, Preparing for your registration visit, which sets out the questions you may be asked.
Public liability insurance
Holding public liability insurance is a legal requirement. Your inspector may ask to see a valid certificate during the visit, so have it ready rather than pending.
Supporting information
- Ofsted guidance: registering with Ofsted
- DBS checks for childcare providers registering with Ofsted
- Requirements for childminders on the Childcare Register
- Registration and suitability guidance
If you have questions about your application or the preparation booklet, contact your local childminding co-ordinator for support.
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