About Ofsted Registration
Parents are able to take advantage of Childcare Vouchers or the new Tax-Free Childcare initiative by employing an Ofsted Registered nanny. Ofsted operate two childcare registers for childcare providers in England.
The Early Years Register (EYR)
- Compulsory for childcare providers for children of ages up to five, unless exempt.*
*Ofsted refers to a nanny, or a person who minds children in the children’s own home, as a Home Childcarer, and they are exempt from the compulsory registers. Nannies can register under the voluntary part providing they meet the criteria.
The Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR)
This is for Childcare Providers caring for children aged 5 and over. There are two parts to the OCR:
- a) Compulsory when the provider is caring for one or more children aged between five and seven
- b) Voluntary for all other childcare providers, including those who look after children in their own home*.
*Ofsted refers to a nanny, or a person who minds children in the children’s own home, as a Home Childcarer, and they are exempt from the compulsory registers. Nannies can register under the voluntary part providing they meet the criteria.
Scotland
In Scotland it is the nanny agencies that are registered with the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS) also known as the Care Inspectorate, (formerly known as the Scottish Care Commission). Parents wishing to use Childcare Vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare must employ a nanny through a registered agency.
For more information please visit the Scottish Care Inspectorate.
Wales
Wales has the Childcare at Home Approval Scheme on which nannies can register.
For more information, please visit the Childcare at Home Approval Scheme.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has the Home Childcarer Approval Scheme on which nannies can register.
For more information, please visit the Home Childcarer Approval Scheme.
Ofsted FAQs
The most commonly asked questions from nanny employers, nannies and nanny agencies:
Nannies are not required to be registered on the Ofsted Childcare Register. Registration is entirely voluntary.
However, to be able to claim the childcare element of working tax credits or employer supported Childcare Vouchers, parents must employ nannies who are registered.
Read more about the Ofsted Requirements for a nannyuirements for a nanny.
The length of time it takes to become registered depends primarily on how long it takes for the DBS check to be completed.
On average Ofsted aim to complete applications within 12 weeks.
It is recommended that nannies allow plenty of time when renewing.
Registration costs £105, this does not include the cost of the DBS check. The annual cost of renewal is £105.
Read more here about Registration Costs
The parents benefit financially and as a result they often end up covering the cost. However, it could be argued that nannies may be perceived as more employable, and so in the future may be expected to foot the bill.
Be aware that if the parents do pay for the registration it is considered a Benefit in Kind and should be declared as such.
No they can only be used once nanny has been issued with her unique reference number by Ofsted.
To find out more about the voluntary part of the OCR please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-register-as-a-childminder-or-nanny-quick-guide