The voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register was started in April 2007, as part of the Childcare Act 2006. The information below summarises guidelines from Ofsted regarding the registration process; for more detail see www.ofsted.gov.uk
Contents
Why should nannies register?
Who can register?
Who applies for registration?
How do I apply?
How do Ofsted decide that the nanny is suitable for registration?
Can Ofsted refuse nanny registration?
What do you receive once registration is complete?
Will Ofsted carry out an inspection?
What does registration cost?
Why should Nannies register?
Benefit to Nannies
The benefit to Nannies is to be able to show to prospective employers that they hold a recognised childcare qualification, an upto date enhanced CRB disclosure (Criminal Records Bureau), a current paediatric first aid certificate and have public liability insurance.
Benefit to Parents/employers of a Nanny
Parents who use registered childcarers may be eligible to claim the childcare element of working tax credits.
Who can register?
A nanny who:
- Has a recognised childcare qualification ( this includes “Introduction to Childcare Practice Course” ICP).
- Is caring for one or more children aged from birth to 17, from no more than two families, wholly or mainly in the home of one of the children, for a continuous period of at least two hours in any one day, or for a period of less than two hours where the childcare provided is part of arrangements that ensure a continuous period of care which is longer than two hours or which joins up with a school day.
You are not eligible to apply for registration if you provide care in an appropriate children’s home, in a care home, in a residential family centre, or for children who are patients in a hospital, or are a school providing a childcare service for its pupil(s) – see Childcare Act 2006: Chapter1 Sections 18 (5).
Who applies for registration
The nanny applies for registration. The process can take up to 12 weeks
for approval.
How do I apply?
Online at www.ofsted.gov.uk, by telephone 08456 404045, or request a form from Ofsted, who will then write to you with details on how to:
- Obtain an enhanced CRB disclosure ( if you do not already have one carried out by Ofsted in the past 3 yrs)
- Arrange an identity check, first aid qualification, insurance documents and any other information required (This is checked at local post office)
- Pay the non-refundable application fee
- Provide further information on your suitability to provide childcare
- If you have lived abroad in the past three years you need to tell Ofsted the countries you have lived in on the application form. The CRB has reciprocal arrangements with some countries that allow it to check of criminal history. You may need to provide further information.
How do Ofsted decide that the Nanny is suitable for registration?
Suitability will be assessed by considering the information on the nanny application form and the Criminal Records Bureau ( CRB) disclosure.
Further information may be required.
Can Ofsted refuse Nanny registration?
Registration can be refused if the Nanny has already been disqualified,
is unsuitable, fails to pay the registration fee, does not agree to the requirements of registration or lives with someone who is disqualified.
What do you receive once registration is complete?
A certificate is issued which is your proof that you are registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. If you lose or destroy your certificate you will need to pay a charge of £5 to get a replacement.
Once you are registered you must continue to meet the requirements relating to people, premises and provision that you confirmed on your application form. A list will be sent to with your registration certificate.
Will Ofsted carry out an inspection?
Once a Nanny is registered, Ofsted may inspect you at any time while registration is current. If a complaint is made about the childcare provision that relates to the requirements of registration or any conditions that Ofsted may have imposed on the Nanny’s registration an inspection will be carried out.
If you are a home childcarer Ofsted will always seek permission from the parents/occupier of the premises where the Nanny works before
the inspection.
Following an inspection the Nanny will receive a letter confirming that they have met the requirements for registration or a letter explaining what needs to be done in order to remain registered.
- Application fee is £100 for applicant for childminding and home childcare
( which inc CRB enhanced disclosure fee) - Annual fee is payable on the anniversary of the date you were registered. The fee is set by the Government each year
Note : If you do not have a recognised Nanny qualification, and/or valid First Aid certificate, and/or public liability insurance, you will be required to obtain these and may incur additional costs in doing so.
For Nannies not registered, but requested to do so by their employers, costs associated with registration should be discussed between Nanny and employer.
