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Part of Childminder registration in England: registers and checks
Childminder registration in England: registers and checks
Childminder registration in England: which Ofsted register applies by age, the DBS and paediatric first-aid checks, and related business duties.
What to take away
- In England, paid childminding for children under eight, for more than two hours a day, normally needs Ofsted registration.
- The register depends on the children's agesthe Early Years Register covers under-fives; the compulsory Childcare Register covers children aged five to seven, and voluntary registration may cover children aged eight and over.
- Ofsted childminder registration requires enhanced DBS checks for relevant adults; childminders on the Early Years Register also need a current paediatric first aid qualification.
- Food hygiene, data protection and business structure duties can apply alongside childcare registration.
Which register applies
Childminder registration in England depends on the ages of the children you look after, not the name of your business. Ofsted maintains the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register for home-based childcare. The registration framework is set out in the Childcare Act 2006. Ofsted's organisation page sets out the registers and application route. This article covers England; the other UK nations use different registers.
Which Ofsted register applies
Early Years Register
- Ages covered
- Under five
- What it requires
- EYFS delivery and inspection
- Can combine
- Yes
Childcare Register (compulsory)
- Ages covered
- Five to seven
- What it requires
- Suitability checks and rules
- Can combine
- Yes
Childcare Register (voluntary)
- Ages covered
- Eight and over
- What it requires
- Optional public assurance
- Can combine
- Yes
The table below shows which register fits the ages you plan to care for.
Ages covered
- Early Years Register
- Under five
- Childcare Register (compulsory)
- Five to seven
- Childcare Register (voluntary)
- Eight and over
What it requires
- Early Years Register
- Delivery of the early years foundation stage and Ofsted inspection
- Childcare Register (compulsory)
- Suitability checks and compliance with childcare register rules
- Childcare Register (voluntary)
- Optional registration for public assurance
You can apply to join more than one register if your work covers different age groups. The compulsory Childcare Register applies to children aged five to seven. Care for children aged eight and over can be registered voluntarily.
Checks before you can register
DBS check childminder rules cover more than the applicant. Ofsted carries out enhanced DBS checks for the childminder and for people aged 16 or over who live or work in the home. After receiving the certificate, subscribe to the DBS Update Service within 30 days and keep the subscription active. For care on the Early Years Register, you need a current paediatric first aid qualification meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) criteria. The EYFS does not prescribe one awarding body's course title: a Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) is a common route, and the course must be at least 12 hours, include practical face-to-face training and cover infants and young children. Renew the qualification every three years.
Checks before you register
- Enhanced DBS check for childminder
- Enhanced DBS for adults 16+ in home
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Identity, criminal records and health checks
- Ofsted home visit to check premises
- Keep reference numbers for online application
- Tell Ofsted before any change
Suitability checks look at identity, criminal records and health. Ofsted may visit your home to check the premises and how you plan to care for children. A childcare business licence in the usual sense does not exist; registration is the approval that lets you operate.
Keep evidence of each check in one file. You will need the reference numbers when you complete the online application. If anything changes, such as a new adult moving in, tell Ofsted before the change takes effect.
Other duties that sit alongside registration
If you prepare or serve food as part of the childcare day, you may need to register as a food business with your local council. GOV.UK's food business registration guidance explains when this applies. It is separate from Ofsted registration.
Our guide to whether you need a licence to sell food from home in the UK sets out how that duty works for a home kitchen.
Data protection also applies. You will hold names, addresses, medical notes and emergency contacts for children and parents. The ICO's UK GDPR guidance explains the principles you must follow. Use the ICO's data protection fee self-assessment to check whether you must register and pay the fee; some organisations are exempt.
Public liability insurance is not usually a registration condition, but many parents and local authorities expect it. Check your policy covers childminding at your home address. If you employ an assistant, employer's liability insurance may be legally required.
Apply to Ofsted
Use the GOV.UK online routes to apply to join the Early Years Register and, where relevant, the Childcare Register. The routes are titled “Apply to join the Early Years Register” and “Apply to join the Childcare Register”.
Ofsted may need more information if you have lived or worked abroad. Do not accept paid childcare before your registration is granted.
Your business structure affects tax and liability. Our comparison of sole trader vs limited company explains which route fits a small childcare business.
If you incorporate, Companies House filing and confirmation statements apply. A limited company does not remove the need for Ofsted registration. The person who provides the care must still meet the same suitability checks.
Common questions
Do I need Ofsted registration to be a childminder?
If you are paid to care for children under eight in England for more than two hours a day, you normally need to register with Ofsted. There are limited exemptions, so check the GOV.UK guidance before you rely on one.
What first aid qualification do childminders need?
For the Early Years Register, you need a current paediatric first aid qualification that meets the EYFS criteria. The framework does not prescribe one awarding body's course title; a Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) is a common option. The course must be at least 12 hours, include practical face-to-face training, cover infants and young children, and be renewed every three years.
Who needs a DBS check?
The childminder and any person aged 16 or over who lives or works in the home usually need an enhanced DBS check through Ofsted. After receiving the certificate, subscribe to the DBS Update Service within 30 days and keep the subscription active. Report changes to the household before they take effect.
Can I be a childminder as a sole trader?
Yes. Many childminders register as sole traders, but you can also form a limited company. Your choice affects tax, liability and filing duties, not the Ofsted suitability checks.
