Registering as a Nanny on the Voluntary Part of the Ofsted Childcare Register

As a nanny, you’re not required to register with Ofsted, but doing so voluntarily can significantly enhance your professional standing. Being on the Voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register demonstrates that you meet recognized standards, making your services more attractive to parents who may also benefit from government childcare subsidies. Here’s what you need to know about the registration process, benefits, costs, and timelines.

Registration process

As a nanny, you may care for children from two different families in the home of one of those families. However, if care is provided to more than two families simultaneously, it is classified as childminding, requiring you to register as a childminder.

To register, apply online via the government’s official website and submit the necessary documents as outlined in further instructions.

Ofsted typically completes nanny registrations within 10 weeks of issuing your unique reference number (URN), though processing times can occasionally be longer.

If approved, you will receive a registration certificate and a URN. Ofsted will also publish your URN and any inspection reports online.

What you need

Before you begin your application, you’ll need to gather the following:

Enhanced DBS Check: This background check confirms your suitability to work with children. It includes a review of your criminal record against the Police National Computer (PNC) for both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Additionally, any relevant information held locally by police forces that may relate to the child workforce and the specific role is disclosed at the discretion of a Chief Police Officer. This check requires an annual DBS update service to maintain your status, and applicants should register on the update service within 30 days of receiving their DBS check.

Certificate of Good Character: This is required only if you’ve lived outside the country in the past five years to confirm your conduct while abroad. You’ll need to apply either in the specific country or through the relevant embassy in the UK.

Paediatric First Aid Certificate: Completing a paediatric first aid course is mandatory, and this certification must be renewed every three years. Please note that only courses delivered in person are considered suitable.

Childcare Qualification: A minimum Level 2 Childcare qualification is required. If you do not meet this standard, the Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge qualification can be obtained to demonstrate essential childcare knowledge.

Public Liability Insurance: You must have public liability insurance before applying to register as a nanny or starting work as one. If you do not yet have this policy when submitting your registration application, you can still complete your application. However, Ofsted will need confirmation that your insurance is in place before they approve your application.

Once you have these documents, you can begin your application by setting up a government gateway account.

The application process is straightforward, and here is the specific link for nannies.

Costs Involved

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with registering as a nanny:

• Enhanced DBS Check: £75, with an annual update fee of £13.
• Paediatric First Aid Course: Between £89 and £109, depending on the course.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: £75
• Public Liability Insurance: Starts at approximately £70 per year.
• Voluntary Register Fee: £103 annually* (non-refundable).

Time Scales

The timeline for completing your registration as a nanny is as follows:

• Enhanced DBS Check: Typically takes 14 days, but it may take longer in some cases.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate: The course usually takes 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: Can be obtained instantly online.
• Ofsted Registration Process: Can take up to 12 weeks.

Important Contact Details

For enquiries and help with registration, you can contact Ofsted here;

Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

Phone: 0300 123 1231.

Direct link to apply on the register:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-join-the-childcare-register-cr1

Insurance company: Morton Mitchel

Email: customerservice@mortonmichel.com

Phone: 0330 058 9861

Website: https://www.mortonmichel.com/

For further details, including specific exemptions, visit the government’s official website.

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