Register as a childminder agency in England
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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 you鈥檙e 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 you鈥檝e already registered them on the compulsory part.
How long it takes
Registration can take up to 16 weeks.
Fees
It costs 拢220 to register as a childminder agency.
It鈥檚 free to join the Childcare Register if you鈥檙e already on or applying to the Early Years Register.
2. How to apply
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Read the childminder agency registration guidance.
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Apply for a through the Ofsted portal.
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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 you鈥檒l need to get a new certificate.
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Download, fill in and send the application form.
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Check whether you need to fill in and send a declaration and consent form.
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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 [email protected].
3. After you apply
You鈥檒l be told at the end of your registration visit if you can start working as an agency.
You鈥檒l get a registration certificate in the post that you must display at all times in your workplace.
After you鈥檙e registered, Ofsted can either:
- inspect you
- visit to check you鈥檙e meeting the legal requirements
You must tell Ofsted if there are any changes to anyone named in your application. Email the changes to [email protected].
If your application is refused
Ofsted will send you a letter called a 鈥榥otice of intention鈥� 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 鈥榥otice of decision鈥� 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.