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.
This page explains the different types of childcare and has links to guidance providing details on registration.
The how we register page available via the navigation on the left goes through the process for registering on the Early Years Register and/or the Childcare Register.
The how to apply page available via the navigation on the left explains which forms to complete for registration and how to obtain them.
You can apply online via the Ofsted Online website. Please first read the how we register and how to apply pages available via the navigation on the left.
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. Friends who care for each other’s children do not have to register with us, if the care is without payment of money or for things like food and electricity.
Childminders care for:
- children on domestic premises – this is in someone’s home; it is usually the childminder’s own home, but it can be someone else’s home; it is not usually the home of one of the children
- 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.
Registration
Childminders must normally register on our Early Years Register if they want to care for children from birth to five.
They must register on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register if they want to care for children from five to seven.
They can choose to register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register if they want to care for older children.
For more information please see:
- Guide to registration on the Early Years Register: childminder
- Guide to registration on the Childcare Register
- 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. They can care for children on domestic premises or non-domestic premises.
- Childcare on domestic premises: these are people providing care in someone's home 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.
- Childcare on non-domestic premises: these are people providing care for children on premises that are not someone’s home. These premises can range from village halls to purpose-built nurseries.
Registration
Childcare providers must normally register on our Early Years Register if they want to care for children from birth to five.
They must register on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register if they want to care for children from five to seven.
They can choose to register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register if they want to care for older children; they are providing short-term care such as a crèche attached to sports facilities; or they are providing activities where care is only incidental, such as sports coaching.
For more information please see:
- Guide to registration on the Early Years Register: childcare on domestic and non-domestic premises
- Guide to registration on the Childcare Register
- 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 one of the children being cared for. They 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.