As a rule, you should get your first aid and introductory training (from the local council) before you apply.

But, you can provide a course date for your first aid training if it will be within eight (8) weeks of your application.

So, what is going to happen once you have applied to be a childminder? Having submitted an application to Ofsted, they will:

• Carry out background checks with the local authorities.
• Check the two references that you provided.
• Send your unique reference number (URN) by email.

Note: You can apply to become a childminder without having to wait until Ofsted complete your DBS checks.

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Ofsted Registration Visit for Childminders

After applying to Ofsted to be a childminder, they will send an inspector to visit you. The main purpose of a home inspection is to check:

• The identity and qualifications of the applicant (including a current and valid certification in first aid).
• The home and outside garden areas meet the safety requirements for children.
• The applicant is familiar with the requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). They want to be sure you know how to put them into practice (based on your level and understanding of English language).

Note: If you will only look after children over five (5) years old you will not get an inspection visit. But, Ofsted produce a handbook explaining how to prepare for the registration visit and what they will check.

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If Ofsted Approve Your Childminder Application

If your childminder application gets approved you will receive a certificate of registration. Having this certificate is a requirement for starting work as a childminder.

Note: Ofsted publish all unique reference numbers and inspection reports online. As a rule, they also publish the name and address of each registered childminder. You would need to ask them not to if you prefer to keep yours private.

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If Ofsted Refuse Your Childminder Application

Ofsted may turn down your application for becoming a childminder. If so, they will send a letter to you called a ‘notice of intention’.

The notice of intention will inform you why Ofsted turned down your application. Receiving this letter would also disqualify you from applying to be a childminder again in the future.

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How to Object a Decision

There is a set procedure to follow if Ofsted plans to take steps that will affect your registration. You can object to Ofsted’s decision if they send you a ‘notice of intention’.

You would need to make the objection within fourteen (14) days of the date stamped on the notice letter. After considering the objection, Ofsted would then notify you of whether:

• The refusal of registration still stands.
• They will place restrictions on looking after children in a particular home.
• They will overturn the decision.

What happens if Ofsted decide not to change the decision (or you do not make an objection)? In this case, they would notify you of their final decision in a second letter called a ‘notice of decision’.

The second letter would inform you of their decision to refuse childminder registration or the approval of a certain premises.

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Appeal against Ofsted Final Decision

A registered, or a prospective child care provider, can appeal if Ofsted is planning to take steps that will affect a registration.

You can appeal against a final decision to an independent tribunal. An appeal must take place within 28 days of the date that Ofsted sent the notice of decision to you.

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