Guidance

How to appeal: guidance for childcare providers when an application has been refused

How to appeal against a decision Ofsted has made about your application to register.

• From: Ofsted
• Published: 14 August 2012
• Last updated: 22 October 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 22 October 2026

     Updated to refer only to applicant processes. With links to the early years and childcare enforcement policy for current Ofsted registered providers.

  2. 23 November 2021

     Updated to align with legislation and clarify when decisions take effect.

  3. 25 February 2016

     Updated to reflect changes in registration processes resulting from the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

  4. 4 December 2014

     Document updated December 2014.

  5. 14 August 2012

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

How to appeal: guidance for childcare providers when an application has been refused

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This guidance explains how to appeal against a decision Ofsted has made about your application to register.