As a rule, you need to register with Ofsted or a childminder agency to get paid for looking after children under eight (8) years old.

But, the childminder registration process would become mandatory if all these circumstances apply to your situation:

• The children are under the age of eight (8).
• You look after them for more than two (2) hours a day.
• Taking care of the children takes place in your own home.
• You get paid for looking after them (includes payment in kind).

Note: Failing to register with Ofsted when you need to can result in a fine!

Note: Different rules apply for ‘daycare‘ (childcare conducted on non-domestic premises). For example, it is not uncommon for childcare providers to conduct daycare outside someone’s home (e.g. at crèches, nurseries, and playgroups).

But, you would not need to become a registered childminder if you are a:

• Nanny
• Babysitter (looking after the children between 6pm and 2am)
• Family friend (looking after the children less than three hours per day)
• Tutor

There are some benefits in choosing to register as a childminder even if you do not have to (e.g. you’re a nanny). Doing so can help the parents qualify for free childcare. See further details below on which register to join.

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Who Cannot Register as a Childminder?

Childminding rules and regulations place certain restrictions on who can register as a childminder in the United Kingdom. Thus, you would not be able to make a successful application if you:

• Are under the age of eighteen (18).
• Are related to all the children that you are looking after.
• Do not possess the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Have been barred (or disqualified) from working with children.
• Are childminding in the same home as a disqualified person either living or working there.
• Were refused a previous registration or had it cancelled (unless for non payment of the annual fee).

Note: You can get disqualified from providing early years or later years provision (including the management of). Use the Ofsted waiver application form if you are applying to waive disqualification as a childminder.

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Which Childminder Register to Join?

There are several different ways to register as a childminder or nanny. In most cases, it would depend on:

• How old the children are that you look after.
• Whether you will be registering as a childminder or as a nanny.

Note: The application process is set up to prompt you into joining the correct register at the time you apply.

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Childminder Registration Fee

There is an annual registration fee paid to Ofsted. The other costs also include DBS checks for childminders and childcare workers, insurance, and training.

• Childminders caring only for children aged 5 or under: Annual registration fee is £35
• Childminders caring for children of all ages: Annual registration fee is £35
• Childminders caring only for children aged 5 or older: Annual registration fee is £103

Note: The annual cost to register as a nanny is £103.

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Cost of Criminal Record and Health Checks

• Cost of a criminal record check is £48.10 (for childminders and nannies)
• Checks for adults in your home £48.10 each (not applicable for nannies)
• Cost of criminal record check update service (recommended) £13 per year (for childminders and nannies)
• Cost for a GP to fill in and sign a health declaration booklet is around £90 (not applicable for nannies)

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Training Costs for Childminders and Nannies

• Cost of a First aid course that covers the age groups you look after is £60 to £200 (for childminders and nannies)
• Charges for childcare training on the type of care you provide (check with the council) £50 to £200 (for childminders and nannies)

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Other Related Costs

• Cost of public liability insurance is £25 to £100
• Cost of the data protection fee with ICO to keep digital records of children is £40 (childminders only)

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ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Working after the Registration

Ofsted set out key obligations and responsibilities for childminders who have registered to work. Besides keeping your details up to date, there is a specific form to use for reporting accidents and incidents.

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