Ofsted - Early Years

Information about Ofsted for early years and childcare providers.

Who are Ofsted?

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. More about Ofsted 

Registering as a childminder or childcare provider

You must register with Ofsted if you want to be paid to look after children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day in England. More information about registering.

Inspection guidance, handbook and frameworks

Here are documents relating to Ofsted's inspection of early years and childcare providers.

Finding an Ofsted inspection report

Search for an Ofsted inspection report here

Early Years Myths

Watch these early years films about myths  and banish the myth monster

Using the Ofsted logos

The Ofsted logos are protected under Crown Copyright. Logos can only be used by providers that are judged the relevant grade overall at their last inspection. These guidelines must be followed if you are looking to use them.

Follow Ofsted  

Online Services

Ofsted Online allows providers to communicate with Ofsted electronically. Once you have set up a personal Government Gateway account you can access the following services:

  • Childcare Register Application
  • Early Years Register Application
  • Self-evaluation
  • Online Payments  

Contact details

For information and advice you can get in touch with the Ofsted Contact Centre, open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday