Become a childminder or nanny (England)
Register as a childminder
You must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency to look after children in your home. There’s a list of childminder agencies you can register with.
If you’re looking after children in their own home, you should register with Ofsted as a nanny or au pair instead.
Registering as a childminder with Ofsted
You will need:
- an enhanced check with barred lists for home based workers from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- first aid training for the age group you will look after
- childcare training - speak to your local council
- a health declaration booklet
- contact details for 2 references
- a certificate of good character from an embassy - if you’ve lived abroad in the past 5 years
Ofsted will reject your application if you do not have the correct documents.
Checks on other people in your home
You must tell Ofsted about new adults in the home where childcare takes place. This applies if they:
- move in
- start working there
This includes a child of yours already living in the home who turns 16.
If anyone aged 16 or over lives with you or works in your home regularly, they’ll need to get an enhanced DBS check with barred lists.
The type of check they get depends on their role. For example, your partner would need to get a different check from someone who works in your home, such as a cleaner.
They’ll also need to get a certificate of good character from an embassy if they’ve lived abroad in the last 5 years.
If you’re helping someone else with their application
Data protection regulations mean we cannot share information about an application status with anyone except the childminder.
How much it costs
It usually costs £35 to register with Ofsted. This fee is not refundable.
How long it takes
It usually takes up to 12 weeks to process your application.
Register online
It should take you about 30 minutes to fill in the form.