Our Guide to: 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.

What are the benefits of being an Ofsted registered Nanny?

Although registration is voluntary for nannies, there are key advantages:

1. Credibility: Registering with Ofsted shows that you adhere to established childcare standards, offering reassurance to parents about the quality and safety of your care.
2. Approved Childcare Status: Being on the register qualifies you as approved childcare. This allows parents to use government subsidies, such as childcare vouchers, to help cover the cost of your services.

How to Register as a Nanny

The registration process involves applying online through the government’s official website. However, before you begin, you’ll need to gather the following:

• Enhanced DBS Check: A background check to ensure you are suitable to work with children. This costs around £75, with a £13 annual fee to keep your status updated.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate: You must complete a paediatric first aid course, which typically costs between £89 and £109, depending on the provider and course length.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: This qualification demonstrates your understanding of key childcare concepts and costs £75.
• Public Liability Insurance: Necessary to cover any potential claims, with prices starting at around £70 annually.
• Certificate of Good Character: Required only if you’ve lived abroad in the last five years, to verify your conduct in other countries.

Once you have these documents, you can begin your application by setting up a government gateway account. The application process is straightforward, and the specific link for nannies can be found here.

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).

Timescales

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.

Registering as a nanny on the Voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register can set you apart in a competitive market, offering peace of mind to parents and potentially increasing your earning potential through eligibility for government subsidies. For further details, including any 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