Guidance and regulation

You might need to create a new Government Gateway account if you have forgotten both your user ID and password.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 7 July 2020

How to get a criminal records check if you want to look after children for a living: who needs a check, what it costs and how long it takes.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 3 December 2019

Find out what information you will need to create and use a Government Gateway account so that you can use Ofsted's services.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 7 July 2020

You must apply to Ofsted if you want to take up a governance position in a daycare organisation, or if you start living or working in a home where daycare takes place.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 14 November 2023

Eligible new childminders can apply for a start-up grant to recover the cost of registering as a childminder.

• From: Department for Education
• Updated: 5 March 2024

Statutory guidance for local authorities on the provision of early education and childcare.

• From: Department for Education
• Updated: 1 January 2024

Health declaration forms for childminders and people who work in childcare or children's social care.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 1 April 2024

Information for childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises wishing to register with a childminder agency.

• From: Department for Education
• Updated: 1 December 2023

Find out when you must apply to register if you want to set up a nursery, or other daycare organisation for children.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 31 August 2023

Guidance for childcare providers on when you must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency, when you cannot register, and when you do not have to.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 13 December 2023

Reset your password on your Government Gateway account so you can access Ofsted services.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 7 July 2020

Use this service if you want to apply to join the compulsory or voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 30 January 2020

Nannies registered with Ofsted must follow these requirements.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 7 March 2023

Set up additional security features on your Government Gateway account

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 7 July 2020

You must apply to register with Ofsted if you are the registered person, a registered individual or the nominated individual of a daycare.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 30 January 2020

Requirements you must meet if you are a childminder and registered with Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 9 August 2022

Guidance on checks we will carry out on anyone associated with Ofsted-registered childcare.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 27 February 2024

Requirements you must meet if you are an Ofsted-registered out of school club, nursery or other type of daycare on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 9 August 2022

You must tell Ofsted about the premises you want to include in your application to register a nursery or other daycare organisation.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 30 January 2020

Find out if you can apply to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

• From: Ofsted
• Updated: 30 January 2020