People connected 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 premises where childminding takes place
- 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 with a childminder, 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.
We can take action against a childcare provider if they do not tell us about:
- people who live or work with them (childminders)
- people living or working on premises where childminding takes place
- people who become part of their organisation.
Living or working with a childminder
Ofsted needs to check you if you’re 16 or over and you live or work in the home where the childminder will care for children. This includes if you:
- are a household member – that is, you live with a current or prospective Ofsted-registered childminder or you live on the premises where the childminding takes place
- work regularly for a current or prospective Ofsted-registered childminder during childcare hours, for example as a cleaner
- want to work as a childminder’s assistant
Household members
We need to check you even if you only live there for some 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 live elsewhere most of the time or are not there during childcare hours.
Visitors
The childminder is responsible for you while you are in the home and must ensure there is no 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 round 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)
This guidance also applies to those living or working with someone who is registered with Ofsted to provide childcare on domestic premises.
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.
| Type of organisation | Who needs to be checked |
|---|---|
| Companies set up solely or mainly to provide childcare | Everyone listed on Companies House as being legally responsible for the company |
| Companies set up for another purpose | The nominated individual who deals with Ofsted |
| Charities set up solely or mainly to provide childcare | Everyone listed on Charities Commission as being legally responsible (trustees) |
| Partnerships | All partners |
| Committee-run childcare | All new committee members |
| Organisations only on the Voluntary Childcare Register | The nominated individual who deals with Ofsted |
What you should do
If you live or work with a childminder or on premises where the childminding takes place
The childminder will need to use the Childminders: report new adults in the home 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 daycare 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.
Caring for children
We will send you a suitability letter once we have finished our checks. If you will be caring for children as part of your role, you cannot be included in the ratios, or work unsupervised, until you have this letter. This applies to:
- childminder assistants (including assistants in childcare on domestic premises)
- the nominated individual, directors, partners, and committee members
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
Last updated 27 February 2024 + show all updates
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Removed the references to the EY3 form and updated the 'Tell Ofsted about changes' section with the new process for reporting a change.
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Clarified the checks we carry out on household members and visitors.
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Update about caring for children whilst awaiting a suitability letter added.
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Updated to include links and instruction for new digital services. There has been no change in law or policy.
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Added information for people providing their details through Ofsted's new pilot childminder registration service.
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Clarified guidance on childminding assistants and suitability letters.
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First published.