Find out about the Ofsted registration process for childminders and what documents you'll need.
Whilst childminders are unique and have their own skills and qualities to offer, Ofsted has a registration process to ensure childminders:
The Ofsted registration process can take up to 12 weeks.
Read more about registering with Ofsted.
Read GOV.UK's guide on registering with Ofsted if you want to look after children at home.
Before you complete the Ofsted online application, you should:
Once your application is received, Ofsted will arrange a registration visit to your home. This will normally take place once all your checks are complete but could happen earlier.
It's important that you're ready to provide childcare at this point. An inspector will not normally make more than one registration visit.
Ofsted will check that you and your home are suitable to look after other people's children before they register you.
Contact our Childminding Development Officer once you have a registration visit date. They will come out to your home and help you prepare. Find out more about an Ofsted registration visit.
At the registration visit, Ofsted will tell you if you have been successfully registered.
You can start childminding when you get your registration certificate.
Once you're registered you can:
Find websites that can help you make sure you have all the documents you need to become a childminder: