Registration
There are different types of registered childcare provision depending on where the childcare takes place, how many people are providing the childcare and the ages of the children who are cared for.
Childminder
This is a person who is registered to look after one or more children, to whom they are not related, for reward. Childminders work with no more than two other childminders or assistants.
They care for:
- children on domestic premises that are not usually the home of one of the children unless they care for children from more than two families wholly or mainly in the homes of the families
- at least one individual child for a total of more than two hours in any day. This is not necessarily a continuous period of time. For more information please see the Guide to registration on the Early Years Register: childminder; and Guide to registration on the Childcare Register.
They must register to care for children under the age of eight, unless they are not required to do so; and can choose to register to care for older children. There is more information in our fact sheet: Registration not required
Childcare providers
Childcare providers care for at least one individual child for a total of more than two hours in any day. This is not necessarily a continuous period of time.
Domestic premises
These are people providing care on domestic premises with at least three other people. They can provide the care directly or employ people to work with them. The difference between childminding and childcare on domestic premises is the number of people involved. If four or more people look after children at any time they are providing childcare on domestic premises, not childminding.
Non-domestic premises
These are childcare providers on non-domestic premises cares for individual children in premises that are not someone’s home. These premises can range from converted houses to purpose built nurseries.
For more information please see the Guide to registration on the Early Years Register: childcare on domestic and non-domestic premises; and Guide to registration on the Childcare Register.
They must register to care for children under the age of eight, unless they are not required to do so; and can choose to register to care for older children. There is more information in our fact sheet: Registration not required
Home childcarers
Home childcarers care for children of any age up to their 18th birthday wholly or mainly in the home of a child being cared for, and care for children from no more than two families. They can only register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. For more information see the Guide to registration on the Childcare Register.