Registered childcare
The registration and inspection of childcare services is the responsibility of Ofsted in England, and the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales.These organisations are responsible for regulating, registering and inspecting childcare for children under eight to make sure that they have consistent quality of service and meet the relevant standards.
Registered childcare services include:
- childminders;
- children's centres;
- day nurseries;
- extended schools;
- out-of-school services or kids' clubs;
- holiday playschemes/clubs;
- preschools/playgroups;
- nursery schools and classes; and
- registered or approved nannies (although are not legally required to register)
- some parent/carer and toddler groups (although are not legally required to register).
All staff working with children in registered childcare services has to have up-to-date Criminal Records Bureau checks, as well as relevant qualifications and training.
Childcare services are checked before they are registered and then are regularly inspected to make sure they meet the national childcare standards.
Any home-based childcarer who wishes to be registered will need to register on the voluntary Ofsted Childcare Register.
If your childcare is registered with Ofsted, you may be able to receive financial help through Working Tax Credit or employer-supported childcare.