Our Guide to: Registering as a Childminder on the Voluntary Part of the Ofsted Childcare Register

If you’re a childminder looking after children aged eight and over, you might consider registering on the Voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. While not required for this age group, joining the register can boost your professional standing and enable parents to use government subsidies like childcare vouchers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the registration process, understand the benefits, and manage the associated costs and timelines.

Who Should Register?

As a childminder, your registration requirements depend on the ages of the children in your care:

• Early Years Register: If you’re caring for children from birth to five years old (up to 31st August after their fifth birthday), you must join this register.
• Compulsory Part of the Childcare Register: Required if you’re looking after children from five to eight years old.
• Voluntary Part of the Childcare Register: This is for childminders who care for children aged eight and over. Registration is optional, but it offers significant advantages.

Why Should I Register on the Ofsted Childcare Register?

1. Enhanced Credibility: Being on the register demonstrates that you meet Ofsted’s minimum standards, providing parents with confidence in your services.
2. Approved Childcare Status: Registration allows you to be recognized as approved childcare, making parents eligible to use government subsidies like childcare vouchers to help cover your fees.

How to Register

To register as a childminder on the Voluntary Childcare Register, you must complete an online application via the government’s website. Before starting, ensure you have the following prerequisites:

• Enhanced DBS Check: A mandatory background check costing around £75, with an additional £13 annual update fee.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate: Required for registration, with 12 hour courses costing £109.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: This certification is essential for childminders.
• Public Liability Insurance: You’ll need this insurance, which starts at around £70 per year.
• Certificate of Good Character: Necessary only if you’ve lived abroad in the last five years.

Once you have these documents, set up your government gateway account to begin the registration process. You can access the childminders’ application form directly here.

Costs Involved

Here’s a breakdown of the costs you’ll need to budget for:

• Enhanced DBS Check: £75 with a £13 annual update fee.
• Paediatric First Aid Course: £109 for Paediatric First Aid, a comprehensive 12-hour course.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: £75
• Public Liability Insurance: Starts at £70 annually.
• Voluntary Register Fee: £103 annually*, non-refundable.

Timescales

• Enhanced DBS Check: Typically takes around 14 days, though it can take longer in some cases.
• Paediatric First Aid Course: The course lasts two days, with the certificate issued shortly after completion.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: 6 hours of online content
• Public Liability Insurance: Available instantly online.
• Ofsted Registration Process: Can take up to 12 weeks.

By completing these steps, you can successfully register as a childminder on the Voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. This registration can enhance your professional reputation and provide more options for parents seeking childcare services. For more detailed information and any specific exemptions, you can visit the official government page.

The London School of Childcare Studies offers all three essential training courses as a package, saving you money compared to buying each separately. This package includes paediatric first aid, common core skills and knowledge and a DBS check. Read more here: Voluntary Register with OFSTED Training Package

* correct at time of posting