People associated with Ofsted-registered childcare
Guidance on checks we will carry out on anyone associated with Ofsted-registered childcare.
Applies to England
This guidance is for:
- childminder assistants
- people living or working with a childminder
- people living or working on domestic premises where children are looked after by someone registered as a childminder with domestic premises, or a childcare on domestic premises provider
- committee members
- other people associated with Ofsted-registered childcare
Even if you don’t provide childcare yourself, Ofsted may need to check you if you live or work on premises where this happens, or if you become part of an organisation that looks after children.
We need to know about you to make sure that everyone who is legally responsible for the children’s care, and anyone aged 16 or over who will care for or come into contact with children, is suitable.
If you do not tell us about everyone you are required to let us know about, we can take action against you.
Living or working in a home where children are looked after
Ofsted needs to check you if you’re 16 or over and you live or work in a home where children will be looked after by a childminder, or a childcare on domestic premises provider. This includes if you:
- are a household member – that is, you live on the premises where the childminding/childcare takes place
- work regularly on premises where childminding/childcare takes place during childcare hours, for example as a cleaner
- want to work as a childminder’s assistant or childcare worker
Household members
We need to check you even if you live elsewhere for most of the time. For example, if:
- you’re studying at university but come back during the holidays
- you stay in the childminder’s home regularly (such as if you split your time between 2 households)
This applies even if you are not there during childcare hours.
Visitors
The childminder/childcare provider is responsible for you while you are in the home and must ensure you do not have unsupervised contact with the children.
We do not normally need to check you if:
- you are a frequent visitor (for example, you are a relative or friend who comes over for lunch once a week)
- you stay overnight with a childminder occasionally (for example, a friend sleeping over)
- you’re doing building work or repairs in the childminder’s home
- you’re working in the home outside childcare hours, so there are no children there (for example, cleaning in the evenings or at weekends)
If you join an organisation that provides childcare
We may need to check you if you become part of an Ofsted-registered organisation that provides childcare.
For a childcare on non-domestic premises registration, we check:
- the applicant
- the nominated individual (where the applicant is a partnership, body corporate or unincorporated association)
- those who make up the registered person (where this is an organisation that has childcare as its sole or main purpose), such as committee members and trustees
For a childcare on domestic premises registration, we check:
- the applicant
- those living or working on the domestic premises where childcare takes place
- the nominated individual (where the applicant is a partnership, body corporate or unincorporated association)
- those who make up the registered person (where this is an organisation that has childcare as its sole or main purpose), such as committee members and trustees
You can find more information about the legal requirements and responsibilities for different types of childcare business at Your childcare business: legal structure.
What you should do
If you live or work on premises where children are looked after
If the provider is registered as a childminder, they will need to use the Childminders: report new people in the setting service.
If they are registered as a group-based childcare provider, they will need to use the Report changes to registered people in your nursery or other group-based childcare provision service.
Each person will need an enhanced DBS check with barred lists.
If you are part of another type of childcare provider
If you are joining a group-based childcare provision in a relevant role, you must apply to register with Ofsted.
Each person will need an enhanced DBS check with barred lists.
After you send us your information
Ofsted will carry out suitability checks and contact you directly for more information.
Childminder assistant for a registered childminder
If you will be caring for children as a childminder’s assistant, you cannot start work until you have had your suitability confirmed by Ofsted.
Childcare worker for a childcare on domestic premises provider
If you will be caring for children as a childcare worker for a childcare on domestic premises provider, you cannot be left unsupervised with children or be counted in the staff-to-child ratio until you have had your suitability confirmed by Ofsted.
Tell Ofsted about changes
Only nominated individuals can report changes to registered people. If you are your organisation’s nominated individual, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk to tell us about changes.
Use the email address associated with your Ofsted registration (this is the address that you receive emails from us on).
In your email, include the following:
- the words ‘report association changes’ in the subject line
- your organisation’s unique reference number (URN)
- the change to the registered person(s) including:
- their name and date of birth
- if they are joining or leaving your organisation
- their role in your organisation
- any other changes involving them
- date the change(s) take effect
What happens next
You will receive an email confirmation that we have received your request for changes.
We will let you know if we need any further information.
Contact Ofsted
If you have any questions, you can get in touch with us at:
enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
Contact form
Telephone: 0300 123 1231