Typically, nannies and similar roles that look after children in the children’s home do not need to register, but choose to do so due to the benefits, such as being able to accept childcare vouchers.
With childminders, the register depends on the age of the children being looked after. If you only look after children over 8 years old, the registration is optional, ie you can opt to join the voluntary register. Otherwise you will need to join the early years register if you look after young children under 5, or the compulsory childcare register for children between 5 and 8.
Common core
Regarding common core, this is required for anyone wanting or needing to join the childcare register, and who does not hold a level 2 qualification in childcare. In general, if you want to work in an early years setting you will already hold a level 2 or higher qualification. But for others, typically nannies and after school clubs, the common core course is the simplest way to achieve this.
First Aid
Emergency paediatric first aid (EPFA) is the minimum qualification required for recently qualified early years practitioners. However, some roles require the full level 3 paediatric first aid (PFA12hr).
The requirements as set out by the government are somewhat complex and depend on your particular situation, but in general, if you are a childminder looking after children under 8, you need the full 12 hour PFA. If you work in an early years setting, you will need at least the 6 hour EPFA, but you should speak to your manager to confirm, as there needs to be at least one member of staff on site with the full qualification. After schools club staff will likely need the full 12 hour qualification.