Starting a nursery or other group-based childcare provision
Find guidance, forms and policies for registering with Ofsted as a nursery or other group-based childcare provider.
Group-based childcare provision can include:
- a nursery
- a nursery provided in a home
- a playgroup
- a preschool
- before-school and after-school care
- a holiday club
Apply to register
You’ll need to register as one of these types of provider if you plan to care for children at any point between their birth and the 31 August after their fifth birthday:
- childcare on domestic premises – 5 or more people looking after children, mostly or always in someone’s home
- childcare on non-domestic premises – any number of people looking after children somewhere that is not someone’s home
If you want to register as a childcare on domestic premises provider, you can choose to register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.
Who else needs to apply
Certain other people involved in your group-based childcare provision must also apply to Ofsted as part of your application.
What Ofsted needs to process a registration
What you need to give Ofsted when you apply, and who in your business must register.
How Ofsted checks and registers providers
How Ofsted checks and registers group-based childcare providers.
Registration requirements
If you are registered on the Early Years register, you must meet the Early Years Foundation Stage framework standards.
If you are registered on the General Childcare Register, you must meet either or both of the voluntary or compulsory General Childcare Register requirements, depending on your registration.
If you are registered on both registers, you will need to meet each set of requirements.
Telling Ofsted about changes to your registration
You must tell Ofsted about changes to those responsible for your group-based childcare provision.
If the childcare takes place in someone’s home, you must tell Ofsted about any changes to who is living or working there.
Anyone you have to tell us about must also apply to join your registration.
Telling Ofsted about significant events and serious incidents
Providers must report significant events affecting their childcare as soon as possible, but within 14 days.
Making payments to Ofsted
You will need to maintain your Ofsted registration with an annual fee.