Qualifying for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register
Find out if you can apply to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
Applies to England
You must read this with the guide Apply to join the Childcare Register (CR1).
When you can register
There are several situations, if you do not have to apply as a different type of childcare provider, where you can apply to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
Children who are 8 years old or more
You can apply to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register if:
- you are only going to look after children who are at least 8 years old
- you do not fall within one of the different types of childcare provider
Children under 8 years old
You can also apply if you look after children at a creche for children under 8 years old either:
- for 14 days or less each year
- for 4 hours or less each day and the children’s parents will stay in the immediate area
Children at least 3 years old
You might also be able to apply if you offer specific types of childcare to children aged 3 and over. These can include if you tutor, coach or run a club with 1 or 2 of the following activities:
- school study support or homework support
- sports
- performing arts
- arts and crafts
- religious, cultural or language studies
The activity needs to be the main focus of what you offer, such as drama club, choir practice, netball or swimming.
There should be specific tuition or coaching to help children improve their skills, rather than just offering childcare for working parents.
When you cannot register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register
You cannot look after children under 5 for more than 4 hours in any one day.
When you cannot register at all
There are some situations when you cannot register at all.
Different types of childcare provider
If you meet the requirements of one of the following childcare providers, you must apply as that type of provider instead:
- a nanny – where you look after 1 or 2 families’ children in their family home
- a childminder – where you, with up to 2 other adults, look after children in your home or someone else’s home
- 4 or more adults work together at the same time to provide childcare in someone’s home – this is known as ‘childcare on domestic’
- a nursery or other daycare – where you look after children on commercial premises rather than someone’s home
Compulsory part of the Childcare Register
You might also have to join the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, if you meet the criteria.
If you are also registering for the compulsory part, you can also apply for the voluntary part on the same application to join the Childcare Register.