§ Guide · Ofsted registers

Childcare register requirements: which Ofsted register do you need?

Before you can care for children in England, you usually need to be on the right Ofsted register. There are two - the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register - and which you need depends on the ages of the children you look after. Here's how it works.

The Early Years Register

Anyone caring for children from birth up to 31 August after their fifth birthday must register on the Early Years Register. This is compulsory, and providers on it must meet the EYFS statutory framework. Nurseries, pre-schools and childminders caring for this age group all fall here.

The Childcare Register

The Childcare Register has two parts. The compulsory part is for providers paid to care for children aged five to seven for more than two hours a day. The voluntary part is for caring for children aged eight and over, or for providers who are otherwise exempt - nannies, for example, can choose to join the voluntary part.

Many providers are on more than one register: it's common to be on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register, depending on the ages cared for. Which you join is determined by the childcare you offer.

What registration involves

Registering means meeting the relevant requirements and passing suitability checks, including DBS checks for the people involved. Once registered, you'll be inspected by Ofsted (or, for some childminders, a childminder agency).

Frequently asked questions

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