Become a childminder or nanny (England)
After you apply
When you submit your application Ofsted will:
- do background checks with local councils
- check your references
- give you a reference number to use if you have questions about your application
If you鈥檙e a childminder
An inspector will visit you to check:
- your identity and qualifications - including first aid qualifications
- your house and garden are safe for children
- that you鈥檙e familiar with the early years foundation stage (EYFS) requirements and know how to put them into practice
- your level of English
You will not usually get a registration visit if you鈥檙e only looking after children aged over 5.
Find out how to prepare for your registration visit.
If your application is approved
You鈥檒l get a certificate of registration if your application is approved. You will need this to start work as a childminder.
Ofsted will publish your unique reference number (鈥楿RN鈥�) and inspection reports online. If you鈥檙e a childminder they will also publish your name and address - unless you tell them not to.
If your application is refused
Ofsted will send you a letter called a 鈥榥otice of intention鈥� which will tell you why you鈥檝e been turned down.
You鈥檒l be disqualified from applying again in future.
Object to a decision
You can object to a decision if you鈥檝e been sent a 鈥榥otice of intention鈥�.
You must object within 14 days of the date on the notice.
Ofsted will consider your objection, then tell you if:
- you鈥檙e still refused registration
- you cannot look after children in a particular home
- your decision is overturned
If you do not object, or Ofsted does not change its decision, you鈥檒l get a second letter called a 鈥榥otice of decision鈥�. This is the final decision to refuse registration or approval of a certain premises.
Appeal a decision
If you disagree with Ofsted鈥檚 final decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
You must appeal within 3 months of the date that you鈥檙e sent the notice of decision.