Registering as a childminder

The quickest and easiest way to apply is the Ofsted Online website. Please note that we updated this website in May 2013; and this autumn we aim to move to online applications only.

Help to apply

Help to apply is available from your local authority (A–Z of local authority websites) and from us.

Before you apply to register you should contact your local authority. They can provide you with information and advice, and can help you to access training.

Registering on the Early Years Register or the Childcare Register

Early Years Register

You will need to complete the relevant forms for the Early Years Register.

You can apply online, or download the forms from our website.

Once you have completed the downloaded forms you post them to us. We will send you relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (this replaced the Criminal Records Bureau on 1 December 2012: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs) forms to complete; and tell you what your application fee is. Once you have completed the forms you can send them to us wth your fee.

We check all relevant people connected with the registration. We interview the applicant and check the premises.

Childcare Register

A prospective provider must:

make a declaration to meet all the requirements of the Childcare Register
consent to checks to see if everyone who is to work with children or is connected to the application is suitable to work or be in regular contact with children
have a current first-aid certificate and have completed a local authority-approved childminder training course
pay the application fee.

You will need to complete relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (this replaced the Criminal Records Bureau on 1 December 2012: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs) forms.

Registering on the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register

If you wish to register on the Early Years Register you must meet its requirements and the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. If you apply for both registers at the same time we will ask you to sign a declaration that you meet these requirements.

If you want to register on the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register, then you just have to complete the forms in the Early Years Register application pack, as these include a place to apply for the Childcare Register. You can apply online or download the forms from our website.

You will need to complete relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (this replaced the Criminal Records Bureau on 1 December 2012: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs) forms.

We check all relevant people connected with the registration. We interview the applicant and check the premises.

From receipt of a completed application the registration process can take up to 12 weeks.

Refusing registration

If we refuse to register your application then you will be disqualfied from registering in future unless you apply to us to waive your disqualfication. You cannot offer a childminding service that requires registration while you are disqualified.

If we refuse registration, then you can appeal. This process allows you to appeal to an external body – the First-Tier (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Tribunal. For further information go to How to appeal: guidance for people applying to provide and those registered to provide childcare.

How long will my application take?

Ofsted’s timescales for the registration process are published in our guides to registration:

Applications are not subject to tacit approval under the EU Services Directive. Tacit approval relates to a situation in which an authority does not process an application for registration within the published timescales and the application as a result becomes deemed as having been granted. It does not apply to applications to Ofsted for registration as a childcare provider because different arrangements are in place for overriding reasons relating to the public interest, namely the need to safeguard and protect children’s welfare (Provision of Services Regulations 2009, regulations 19(5) and (6)).

We aim to carry out our work smoothly and without incident. However, if you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the registration process please contact us. he details of our complaints procedure are available here: Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted.