A new category of Childminder: Childminder without domestic premises

Following reforms by the Department for Education, Ofsted has introduced a new category of childcare registration to provide greater flexibility within the early years and childcare sector.

Previously, childminders were required to work at least 50% of their time from a home address. This requirement has now been removed, enabling providers to register as childminders without operating from domestic premises. Additionally, the number of people allowed under a single childminder’s registration has increased from three to four, enabling greater collaboration with co-childminders and assistants. Existing providers on domestic premises can continue to operate with up to four individuals.

A ‘childminder without domestic premises’ is a childminder who works solely from somewhere other than a home, such as a community, village hall, office building, or outdoor area.

Ofsted aims to inspect non-domestic premises within 9 weeks of application acceptance to ensure safety, suitability, and compliance with registration requirements.

 Childminders without domestic premises cannot work from their or anyone else’s home at any time under this type of registration.

Operating a childcare provision without registration where required or working from premises that Ofsted has not approved is a criminal offence.

Joining an Ofsted Register

Unless you are relying on an exemption, you must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency if all of the following apply:

• You want to look after children under the age of 8.
• You are not related to all the children you look after (some children can be relatives).
• You want to look after children for more than 2 hours a day.
• You receive payment for looking after children.
• You want to provide childcare on non-domestic premises, like a community or village hall.

The registers you need to join depend on the ages of the children you intend to care for and whether your provision qualifies for an exemption from registration. You can specify which registers you need to join during your application process.

There are two different Ofsted registers:

• The Early Years Register: For childcare providers looking after children from birth to 5 years old (up to and including the 31 August after the child’s 5th birthday).
• The Childcare Register, which is split into two parts:
  • The compulsory part: For childcare providers caring for children from 5 to 8 years old (from the 1 September following the child’s 5th birthday).
  • The voluntary part: For childcare providers caring for children over 8 years old or relying on an exemption from registration and choosing to register.

How to register

Before you start your application, ensure you have the following information ready:

• Childcare details:
  • Address of each premise you intend to use.
  • Number of children in your care.
  • Times of day you will provide care.
• Personnel details:
  • Information on any additional caregivers, including their DBS certificate numbers.
  • Two referees (one should be your current or most recent employer; if you’ve worked in childcare in the past 5 years, include your most recent childcare employer).
• Additional information:
  • Employment history.
  • Details of any past Ofsted or regulatory body registrations.
  • Address history for the past 5 years.
  • Credit or debit card for registration fees.

If you plan to work with assistants or co-childminders, you may need to gather their information before completing the application. Ofsted may conduct additional checks or contact other government agencies to inform their suitability decision.

Required Documents

• DBS certificate: A valid DBS certificate with the certificate number (digital or scanned copies are not accepted).
• Health declaration: A form completed by a GP, which you can email as a photo or scanned copy with your name and unique reference number after submitting your application.
• Certificate of good conduct: If you have lived abroad in the past five years, you must have a certificate from an embassy.

Registration costs

You must pay an annual fee for each register. You must pay this when you apply to register as a childminder without domestic premises. The costs are:

Early Years and Childcare Register (both parts) £35

Childcare Register (compulsory part) £103

Childcare Register (voluntary part) £103

After You Send  Your Application

Your application can be processed in up to 12 weeks. Ofsted will email you updates every two weeks.

Relevant Courses

If you’re considering this new category of childminding, you may find the following courses beneficial:

Common Core Skills and Knowledge Level 2
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Home-based Childcare Award
Paediatric First Aid