How to register with Ofsted: Find answers

You may be able to find an answer to your question from our list of frequently asked questions.

Registering a childcare service

This include services like nurseries, childminders, nannies and childminder agencies (CMA).

Do I need to register my childcare service with Ofsted?

Most childcare providers who look after children under the age of 8 must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency. Read our guidance on registration exemptions to find out:  

  • when you must register 
  • when you cannot register 
  • when you do not have to register but can choose to. 
How do I register as a childminder or nanny?

To find out when and how to register as a childminder or nanny, read the guidance on how to become a childminder or nanny in England.

How do I register a childcare service (such as a nursery)?

Most childcare services that provide daycare for children need to register with Ofsted. 

To find out what type of childcare needs to register and how to apply, read the guidance on applying to register your nursery or other daycare organisation.

How do I register a childminder agency?

You must register with Ofsted if you want to set up a childminder agency.  

To find out who needs to register and how to apply, read the guidance on how to register as a childminder agency in England. 

Do I need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to work in childcare?

Most people who work in childcare will need a DBS check. You need to make sure your DBS check is up to date and appropriate for the type of work you are going to do. 

If you are employed in a childcare service on non-domestic premises, your employer is responsible for completing your DBS check. If you work for yourself, for example as a childminder, you are responsible for making sure you have a valid DBS check. 

To find out what checks childcare workers need and how to get a DBS check, read our guidance on DBS checks for childminders and childcare workers. 

I am starting as a director or committee member in a childcare service. Do I need to register with Ofsted?

You must apply to Ofsted if you want to take up a governance position in a childcare organisation (for example in a nursery), or if you start living or working in a home where childcare takes place. 

To find out more about who needs to apply to Ofsted and how to apply, read our Apply to join a nursery or other daycare organisation guidance. 

There are additional checks required for those who live and/or work in a domestic setting where childcare takes place (what we call childcare on domestic premises). Find out what roles need to apply to Ofsted. 

I am disqualified but want to work in childcare. What do I need to do?

Some people are disqualified from registering on the Early Years Register or the general Childcare Register. These people can, in some circumstances, apply to Ofsted to waive their disqualification. 

To find out how to apply to waive disqualification, read the guidance on applying to waive disqualification for early years and childcare provision. 

Registering a children's social care service

This includes services like children’s homes, supported accommodation services, independent fostering agencies and residential family centres.

How do I apply to register a children's social care service?

If you want to set up a children's social care service, you will need to register with Ofsted. 

Find out how to register by reading the guidance on registering as a children’s social care provider or manager. 

Some social care services must also appoint a registered manager. Read our guidance on the role of managers to find out what you need to do. 

If you want to set up a supported accommodation service, read our guidance on registering a supported accommodation service. 

If you're thinking of opening a social care service that will provide specialist care for children, you can ask for advice on what arrangements you need to have in place before you apply using our complex needs pre-application advice form. 

Do I need a DBS check to work in children's social care?

Employers are responsible for making sure employees have the right DBS checks for their roles.  

To make sure your employees have the right checks, read the guidance for children's social care providers and managers or use the ‘Find out which DBS check is right for your employee’ service  

Before applying for registration, registered managers and responsible or nominated individuals must have obtained a DBS certificate. For more information on what DBS certificates are required, read our registration guide for children’s social care services.

I am starting a management or governance role in children's social care. Do I need to apply to Ofsted?

Ofsted needs to know about everyone with a governance or management role in a registered children’s social care service to make sure they are suitable to be around children. 

You need to tell us about everyone: 

  • as part of a new application to register a social care service with Ofsted 
  • if you are joining a registered service as the new registered manager or a member of the business partnership 

Read our guidance to find out if you need to apply. 

If you're joining a supported accommodation service, read our guidance on connecting to a supported accommodation service.

I am disqualified but want to work in a children's home. What do I need to do?

If you are disqualified and want to work at a children's home, your potential employer must apply to Ofsted for written consent to employ you.  

They should email sc.admin@ofsted.gov.uk to ask for a disqualification/consent waiver form. 

If you are disqualified and want to manage, carry on, or have a financial interest in a children’s home, you must apply to Ofsted for written consent. You must do this before submitting any registration application. 

For more information, read our social care enforcement policy. 

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

If you can't find what you're looking for, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you have registered with Ofsted or are using for your application, including your unique reference number (URN) if you have one.

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