Our Guide to: Registering Your Club on the Voluntary Part of the Ofsted Childcare Register

If your club provides activities or care for children, particularly those aged eight and over, registering on the Voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register can bring significant benefits. While not mandatory for clubs working with older children, registration can enhance your club’s credibility and allow parents to use government subsidies to help cover costs. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the registration process, the associated benefits, costs, and timelines.

Why Should Your Club Register?

Mandatory Registration for Certain Clubs: If your club provides care or activities for children under eight years old for more than two hours a day, Ofsted registration is required. This ensures your club meets specific standards for safety and care.

Voluntary Registration Benefits: For clubs working with children aged eight and over, while registration is not compulsory, it offers several advantages:

1. Enhanced Credibility: Registration shows that your club meets Ofsted’s minimum standards, reassuring parents that their children are in a safe and well-regulated environment.
2. Approved Childcare Status: Once registered, your club qualifies as approved childcare, making parents eligible to use government subsidies, such as childcare vouchers, to cover the fees for your services.

What Does Registration Involve?

To register your club, you’ll need to complete an online application via the government’s website. Before applying, make sure your club has the following in place:

• Enhanced DBS Checks: All staff working with children must undergo a background check, which costs £75 per person, with an additional £13 annual update fee.
• Paediatric First Aid Certificates: At least one staff member should have a valid certificate. These courses cost £109 for a comprehensive 12-hour course.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: This qualification, required for staff, costs £75.
• Public Liability Insurance: Essential for any club, with costs starting at approximately £70 per year.
• Certificate of Good Character: If any staff members have lived abroad in the last five years, they will need to provide this certificate from an embassy.

You can begin the application process by setting up a government gateway account and following the steps provided.

Costs Associated with Registration

Here’s a breakdown of the costs your club can expect:

• Enhanced DBS Checks: £75 per check, plus £13 annually for updates.
• Paediatric First Aid Course: £109
• Level 2 Common Core of Skills and Knowledge: £75 per staff member.
• Public Liability Insurance: Starting from £70 annually.
• Voluntary Register Fee: £103* annually (non-refundable).

Registration Timescales

• Enhanced DBS Check: Typically completed within 14 days but may take longer in some cases.
• Paediatric First Aid Course: The course takes two days, and the certificate is issued shortly afterward.
• Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: 6 hours of online content
• Public Liability Insurance: Can be obtained instantly online.
• Ofsted Registration Process: The entire process can take up to 12 weeks.

Mandatory Registration for Clubs with Younger Children

What is the Ofsted 2 hour rule? If your club cares for children under eight years old for more than two hours a day, Ofsted registration is not just recommended—it’s required. This requirement ensures your club complies with regulations designed to protect and safeguard young children.

By registering your club on the appropriate Ofsted register, whether mandatory or voluntary, you demonstrate a commitment to providing a safe, high-quality environment for children. This step enhances your club’s appeal, making it easier for parents to trust and access your services. For more detailed information and specific exemptions, visit the government 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