Tag: OFSTED

Our Guide To: Ofsted Registration for Clubs

A Comprehensive Guide to Ofsted Registration for Clubs: Voluntary and Compulsory

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If your club provides activities or care for children, whether for those under eight years old or older children aged eight and above, understanding Ofsted registration requirements is crucial. While not always mandatory, registering with Ofsted can enhance your club’s credibility, ensure compliance with legal standards, and enable parents to use government subsidies to help cover costs. This guide will walk you through both compulsory and voluntary registration, the benefits, the process, and the associated costs and timelines.

Why Should Your Club Register with Ofsted?

Compulsory Registration for Certain Clubs

If your club cares for children under the age of eight for more than two hours a day, you are legally required to register with Ofsted. This applies to clubs that provide general care (as opposed to specific activities like sports or arts). Registration helps ensure your club meets essential safety and quality standards, as required by the Childcare Act 2006.

You will need to register on one of the following:

  • Early Years Register (EYR): For clubs caring for children from birth to 31st August following their fifth birthday.
  • Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR): For clubs caring for children from 1st September after their fifth birthday up to eight years old.

Voluntary Registration for Clubs Working with Older Children

If your club cares for children aged eight and over, or if you provide a specific activity (such as chess, karate, or art), you can voluntarily register with Ofsted on the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register (VCR). Although registration is not mandatory in these cases, it offers several advantages:

  • Enhanced Credibility: Registration demonstrates that your club meets Ofsted’s standards, giving parents confidence that their children are in a safe and regulated environment.
  • Access to Government Subsidies: Once registered, your club qualifies as approved childcare, allowing parents to use government subsidies like childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for your services.

What Does Registration Involve?

The registration process depends on the type of care you provide and the age of the children. Here’s what’s typically required:

General Requirements:

  1. Enhanced DBS Checks: All staff working with children must undergo a background check. This costs £75 per person, with an additional £13 annual update fee.
  2. Paediatric First Aid Certificates: At least one staff member must have valid first aid training. The course typically costs around £109 for a comprehensive 12-hour course.
  3. Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Qualification: Required for staff to ensure they meet basic childcare competency. This qualification costs around £75 per person.
  4. Public Liability Insurance: Essential for clubs, with prices starting at approximately £70 per year.
  5. Certificate of Good Character: Required for staff who have lived abroad in the past five years. This can be obtained from the relevant embassy.

Additional Requirements for Compulsory Registration (Early Years and Compulsory Childcare Registers):

  • Compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): For clubs working with children from birth to the age of five, you must follow the statutory framework for the EYFS, which covers learning and development, assessment, and welfare requirements.

Registration Process

To register your club, you’ll need to complete an online application via the government’s website. You will need to set up a Government Gateway account if you don’t already have one.

  • Step 1: Collect all necessary documentation, including Enhanced DBS checks, first aid certificates, and proof of qualifications.
  • Step 2: Submit the online application for the relevant register:
    • Early Years Register (EYR)
    • Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR)
    • Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR)
  • Step 3: Await confirmation. The registration process can take up to 12 weeks, though in some cases (especially for the Early Years Register) it may take longer.

For more details on the registration process, visit the GOV.UK website.

Costs Associated with Registration

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved:

Exemptions from Compulsory Registration

Certain clubs may be exempt from compulsory registration. These include:

  • Clubs offering specific activities: For example, clubs focused on sports, chess, or music do not need to register if they exclusively provide those activities.
  • Holiday clubs: If your club operates for 14 days or fewer in a calendar year, you may not need to register.
  • Clubs running less than two hours per day: If children attend your club for less than two hours daily, you are exempt from registration.

For a full list of exemptions, see Annex A of the Early Years and Childcare Registration Handbook on the GOV.UK website.

Inspection and Monitoring

For clubs on the Early Years Register, Ofsted will conduct an inspection within 30 months of your registration and thereafter at least once every six years.

Clubs on the Compulsory or Voluntary Childcare Registers are subject to random inspections, with around 10% of providers inspected annually. These inspections assess whether your club meets the safety and welfare standards required by Ofsted.

Timelines for Registration and Training

Here are typical timelines for key parts of the process:

Conclusion

Registering your club with Ofsted, whether on the compulsory or voluntary registers, demonstrates your commitment to providing a safe, high-quality environment for children. Compulsory registration ensures compliance with legal standards for younger children, while voluntary registration enhances your club’s credibility and makes it easier for parents to access your services through government subsidies.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, your club will not only meet regulatory requirements but also stand out as a trusted, reliable option for parents seeking high-quality care for their children. For more detailed information and specific exemptions, visit the Ofsted registration page on GOV.UK.

The London School of Childcare Studies offers essential training courses, including paediatric first aid, common core skills, and DBS checks, as a cost-effective package. Read more about this package here.

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Our Guide To: Ofsted Registration for Childminders

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

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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:

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:

Timescales

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

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

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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:

Time Scales

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

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

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Guide on registering with OFSTED

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HOW-TO GUIDE ON REGISTERING WITH OFSTED – CHILDCARE REGISTER (Updated for changes in 2020)

As of 8th July 2020, the government has moved all forms from Ofsted Online to the gov.uk portal (see news story)

To register on the Voluntary Part of the OFSTED Register you need to obtain the following:

  • UK criminal record certificate
  • First aid training
  • A minimum level 2 qualification in childcare training OR common core skills
  • Public liability insurance

The UK criminal record certificate, otherwise known as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, is managed by Capita and can be obtained by following these 4 steps.

Before you start
Gather all necessary ID documents and details of your debit/credit card together so that you are ready for the application process.
For this you will need:
• a debit/credit card so that you can pay for the DBS
• originals of ID documents – a list of the suitable documents can be found in this link:

• https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/sw-files/identity-checking-from-new.pdf

Step one

Read through the guidance for voluntary registration

Step two

Complete the online DBS application process, including providing payment.
Start your online application for the DBS via Capita e-bulk.

Where you are asked for: ‘Capita Organisation Reference’ type: OFSTEDP
You will also be asked to enter a password – just leave this blank.

More guidance can be found here.

Step three

After applying for a DBS, Capita must also be satisfied about your identity. There are two ways in which to have your ID checked, and this should be done within 1 month of your application.
Option 1 – using the Identity Checking Form
You can process the ID check by completing the Identity Checking Form
The process involves gathering relevant ID and completing the form. As the applicant you need to complete Part A of the form and then have someone from the list of ‘acceptable professions for responsible persons’ to look at your documents and complete Part B.

The form has details of the documents you can use and the people who can verify your documents as well as providing details on exactly what you need to do during the process.

The completed form and photocopies of relevant documents need to be scanned and sent to: capitadbs@capita.co.uk. Alternatively, they can be posted as per the instructions in the form.

Option 2 – using the Post Office checking service

If you do not have a person to check your documents then you can use your local post office to verify your identity, for a charge of £12.75. This involves taking your original ID documents and photocopies to a post office with your payment and the necessary completed form.

Step four

Registering with the DBS Update Service – this is not compulsory, but is very useful as it will persist your DBS proof. Without it, DBS certificates will only be accepted by OFSTED within the first three months of issue.

To register for the update service, you need to wait until you receive your certificate to get your certificate number. You can then register here. You must register within 30 days of the certificate being issued.

DBS Costs
DBS Enhanced Disclosure fee £40.00

Online application administration fee £6.80 OR paper/postal application administration fee £9.46

ID check completed by responsible person £1.30 OR ID check completed at the post office £12.75

For example if you are applying online and having your IDs checked via a responsible person you will be charged £48.10 (£40 + £6.80 + £1.30)

Once you have obtained your DBS Certificate you are ready to Register on the Voluntary part of the OFSTED Register.

FIRST AID TRAINING

You need to obtain a first aid certificate, appropriate for your setting. The first aid for work certificate is appropriate in a work setting, but is not sufficient when looking after pre-pubescent children.

This needs to be renewed every three years.

LSCS provides both 6 hour and 12 hour blended first aid training.

CHILDCARE TRAINING

To be added to the voluntary register, you need to have a minimum level of childcare training, which can either be at level 2, or the standalone Common Core skills, which is available at LSCS.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

You must have personal liability insurance, covering death, injury, public liability, damage or other loss.

GUIDANCE ON HOW TO REGISTER ON THE VOLUNTARY SECTION OF THE CHILDCARE REGISTER

There are now two routes to register depending on whether you are joining as a nanny or a childminder. You need to register and have an account to use the online services. During this process you will be given a Government User ID (12 digit number).

If you want to speak to someone about your application to register or need any help with the process, you can call the Ofsted Helpline on: 0300 123 1231

For additional tips on how to complete the online form please see the below:
Once you are logged in/registered a “Welcome to Ofsted’s on-line Services” message appears.
Click on the link on the left hand side of the page that says “Online Applications”.
On the next screen click on the text on the left hand side of the page that says “CR1 Application” this is the Application form for the Childcare Register. This form is the correct form for home child carers (nannies) to complete.
The information you will need to complete the application is:
• Ofsted URN or application reference
• Full five year address history
• Details of qualifications and training
• Details of referees

And you will need to complete the following sections of the online form:
A: Type of Provision
A1) select 3rd tick box – home child carer
A2) select 2nd tick box – voluntary
B: Applicants details – need to supply name, email address, date of birth and addresses for the last 5 years etc.
E: Setting details.
F: Suitability and Disqualification.
I: Consent – finally consent and submit.

Once you submit your registration, Ofsted will then send you an acknowledgement with an EY reference number – this will need to be quoted if you contact them. Once you are registered this number is replaced with a Registration Number.

They will send you any necessary information plus details on how to pay the registration fee (which is currently £103 for home child carers and has to be renewed annually). Ofsted aim to complete applications within 12 weeks and within this time applicants must pay an application fee, confirm that they have met the requirements of the childcare register, and satisfy any suitability checks needed to establish suitability for registration.
You will also be asked to send your certificates, the Common Core Skills & Knowledge certificate (or appropriate level 2 qualification), and 6 Hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate, either by post or by email.
Once your registration has been successful, Ofsted will issue you with your Certificate.

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Guide on registering with OFSTED

Written on . Posted in Blog.

HOW-TO GUIDE ON REGISTERING WITH OFSTED

To register on the Voluntary Part of the OFSTED Register you first need to obtain a DBS Certificate via Capita.
If you are unsure about your individual circumstances please call the DBS Helpline on: 0870 850 2516 for advice and information.
GUIDANCE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A DBS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CRB) VIA CAPITA
STEP ONE:
Gather all necessary ID documents and details of your debit/credit card together so that you are ready for the application process.
For this you will need:
• a debit/credit card so that you can pay for the DBS
• originals of ID documents – a list of the suitable documents can be found in this link:

• https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/sw-files/identity-checking-from-new.pdf

STEP TWO:
Complete the online DBS application process, including providing payment.
Start your online application for the DBS via Capita e-bulk. Please go to the link below to do this:
https://disclosure.capitarvs.co.uk/crvs/applicantLogin.do?applicationType=dbs
Where you are asked for: ‘Capita Organisation Reference’ type: ofSTEDP
You will also be asked to enter a password – just leave this blank.

The process involves completing the DBS application form, paying for the DBS via debit/credit card (see example of the costs below) and eventually completing the ID check. Only once you have paid and completed the application can you go on to supply the information they require regarding your proof of identity (STEP 3). Once your application is complete you will be issued with a DBS application reference number.
For general information on the process of applying for a DBS see here:
https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/step-two

DBS Costs:

1 DBS Enhanced Disclosure fee £40.00

2 Online application administration fee £6.80
or Paper/postal application administration fee £9.46
3 ID check completed by responsible person (click here for details) £1.30
or ID check completed at the post office £12.75

For example if you are applying online and having your IDs checked via a responsible person you will be charged £48.10 (£40 + £6.80 + £1.30)

STEP THREE:
Complete ID checking process.
After applying for a DBS, Capita must also be satisfied about your identity. There are two ways in which to have your ID checked.
OPTION 1:
To process the ID check you can complete an “Identity Checking Form”
To download the “Identity Checking Form” click here:
https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/sw-files/identity-checking-from-new.pdf
The process involves gathering relevant ID and completing the above mentioned form. As the applicant you need to complete Part A of the form and then have someone from the list of ‘acceptable professions for responsible persons’ look at your documents and complete Part B.

The above link details the list of the documents you can use and the people who can verify your documents as well as providing details on exactly what you need to do during the process.

Finally, the completed form and photocopies of relevant documents need to be scanned and sent to: OfstedEnquiries@capita.co.uk or alternatively they can be faxed or posted (full details on the link above).

This process is the cheapest way to have your ID checked.

Or

OPTION 2:

If you do not have a person to check your documents then you can just go to your local post office and they will check your identity for a charge of £7.15. This involves taking your original ID documents and photocopies of your documents to a post office with your payment and the necessary completed form. A copy of the form and the documents that you can take are detailed here

More general information on this step can also be found here:
https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/step-three

EXTRA NOTE: DBS UPDATE SERVICE
You do not have to register with this service but if you are interested in doing so then please see the link below for full details:
https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Once you have obtained your DBS Certificate you are ready to Register on the Voluntary part of the OFSTED Register.

GUIDANCE ON HOW TO REGISTER ON THE VOLUNTARY SECTION OF THE CHILDCARE REGISTER
Please go to the link below and sign up for a Government Gateway account. You need to register and have an account to use the online services. During this process you will be given a Government User ID (12 digit number), please keep this safe.
https://www.register-nanny.service.gov.uk/nanny/sign-in/new-application/ If you want to speak to someone about your application to Register or need any help with the process please call the Ofsted Helpline on: 0300 123 1231

For additional tips on how to complete the online form please see the below:
Once you are logged in/registered a “Welcome to Ofsted’s on-line Services” message appears.
Click on the link on the left hand side of the page that says “Online Applications”.
On the next screen click on the text on the left hand side of the page that says “CR1 Application” this is the Application form for the Childcare Register. This form is the correct form for home child carers (nannies) to complete.
The information you will need to complete the application is:
• Ofsted URN or application reference
• Full five year address history
• Details of qualifications and training
• Details of referees

And you will need to complete the following sections of the online form:
A: Type of Provision
A1) select 3rd tick box – home child carer
A2) select 2nd tick box – voluntary
B: Applicants details – need to supply name, email address, date of birth and addresses for the last 5 years etc.
E: Setting details.
F: Suitability and Disqualification.
I: Consent – finally consent and submit.
There is also a section at the top of the Welcome page that says “Guidance” – click on this if you have any problems with your Gateway account or click here: https://online.ofsted.gov.uk/onlineofsted/ofsted_online.ofml?page=guidance
Once you submit your registration Ofsted will then send you an acknowledgement with an EY reference number, this will need to be quoted if you contact them. Once you are registered this number is replaced with a Registration Number.

They will send you any necessary information plus details on how to pay the registration fee (which is currently £103 for Home Child Carers and has to be renewed annually). Ofsted aim to complete applications within 12 weeks and within this time applicants must pay an application fee, confirm that they have met the requirements of the childcare register, and satisfy any suitability checks needed to establish suitability for registration.
You will also be asked to send your Certificates – The Common Core Skills & Knowledge certificate and 6 Hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate – either by post or by email.
Once your registration has been successful Ofsted will issue you with your Certificate.