Register as a childminder agency in England

Printable version

1. Overview

You must register with Ofsted if you want to set up a childminder agency in England.

Childminder agencies register childminders and give training, business support, advice and help finding suitable parents.

You can register as an individual, or as a private or public sector organisation such as a school or academy.

You must have a , and be interviewed and inspected by Ofsted as part of your application.

Which register to join

There are 2 registers. You must apply to join:

  • the Early Years Register to register childminders who look after children aged 5 and under
  • the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to register childminders who look after children aged 5 to 7
  • both registers to register childminders who look after children of all ages

The Early Years Register is for children from birth up to the 31 August after their 5th birthday.

If you바카라 사이트™re on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, you can also join the voluntary part. You can only register childminders on the voluntary part of the register if you바카라 사이트™ve already registered them on the compulsory part.

How long it takes

Registration can take up to 16 weeks.

Fees

It costs £220 to register as a childminder agency.

It바카라 사이트™s free to join the Childcare Register if you바카라 사이트™re already on or applying to the Early Years Register.

2. How to apply

  1. Read the childminder agency registration guidance.

  2. Apply for a through the Ofsted portal.

  3. Join the DBS update service and agree to Ofsted checking your DBS certificate at least once every 6 months. You have 19 days to join the service after getting your certificate, otherwise you바카라 사이트™ll need to get a new certificate.

  4. Download, fill in and send the application form.

  5. Check whether you need to fill in and send a declaration and consent form.

  6. Prepare for your registration visit by an Ofsted inspector (see the childminder agency handbook for details on this).

Get help and advice

Contact Ofsted if you have any questions about the application process.

Ofsted
Telephone: 0300 123 1231
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Change your details

You must tell Ofsted if there are any changes to anyone named in your application. Email the changes to childminder.agencies@ofsted.gov.uk.

3. After you apply

You바카라 사이트™ll be told at the end of your registration visit if you can start working as an agency.

You바카라 사이트™ll get a registration certificate in the post that you must display at all times in your workplace.

After you바카라 사이트™re registered, Ofsted can either:

  • inspect you
  • visit to check you바카라 사이트™re meeting the legal requirements

You must tell Ofsted if there are any changes to anyone named in your application. Email the changes to childminder.agencies@ofsted.gov.uk.

If your application is refused

Ofsted will send you a letter called a 바카라 사이트˜notice of intention바카라 사이트™ which will tell you why your application has been turned down.

You can object the notice of intention letter.

If you do not object to the notice of intention letter, Ofsted will send you a 바카라 사이트˜notice of decision바카라 사이트™ letter.

You can appeal the notice of decision letter.

Withdraw your application

You can withdraw your application up until you get a notice of intention to refuse your registration. Your fee will not be refunded.