Voluntary registration now available
The new voluntary part of the Childcare Register is open for registration as Sharon Russell, who led the new Ofsted’s planning for the legislation explains
Ofsted now offers nannies, carers for children aged eight years and over, and activity-based provision such as sports clubs their first ever opportunity to register on a voluntary basis. This is big news because it means that parents will be able to claim the childcare element of working families' tax credits when they use these services.
The new scheme allows appropriate organisations to register as long as the people working with children, the premises they work from, and the way they deliver care, meet certain requirements. The more service providers that register, the more choice parents will have.
The easiest way to apply is online, although you can also apply by phone or post. The approval process takes about 12 weeks, but may be quicker if you are already known to us.
Applicants will need to supply personal information, sign a declaration that they can meet the requirements and give evidence of a valid first aid certificate. After that they will be asked to take a number of documents, including their completed Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) application forms, to the post office for checking.
The fee for joining the Childcare Register is £100 for childminders and nannies and £110 for others. The Department for Education and Skills will pay for the cost of CRB checks for nannies and childminders. Other applicants will have to pay for these checks, in addition to paying their joining fee.
Once the checks are complete, and if we are satisfied the applicant meets our criteria, we will issue a certificate of registration. Find out more from our website, your local children's information service (via Childcarelink) or by ringing the Ofsted helpline on 08456 404040.
