Ongoing applications: Find answers

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

Childcare and childminder agency (CMA) applications 

I have applied to register as a childcare provider. What’s happening with my application?

We check all applications thoroughly and this takes time. We will contact you once this process is complete. Please only contact us if you need to tell us about a change to your application. 

If we have not received all the information we need to process your application, we will send you an email every 2 weeks until we have received it. If you do not hear from us, this means we have everything we need and are processing your application. We will contact you when we have finished to let you know the outcome of your application. 

Read the Childcare: application review guidance to find out about how long it takes to process your application and when you can expect to hear from us. 

How do I change my application?

If you need to change something on your application, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you have used on your application. Include: 

  • your application reference number or your unique reference number if you have one 
  • your full name 
  • the name and address of the childcare setting listed on your application 
How do I withdraw my application?

You can ask to withdraw your application at any time, unless we have taken steps to refuse your application. 

Email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you have used to apply. Put 'Withdraw' in the email subject line. Include your name and application reference number or unique reference number. 

If you withdraw after the application fee has been paid, your fee will not be refunded. 

I have had a problem with paying my application fee

If you cannot make a payment for your application, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you used on your application.  

Include your application reference number or unique reference number, your full name and the name and address of the childcare setting listed on your application. 

Read the full list of application fees on Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted. 

Children's social care applications 

How do I change my children's social care application?

If you need to change something on your application, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you have used on your application. Put 'Social Care' in the email subject line. If you have applied to register a supported accommodation service, email sc.suppacc@ofsted.gov.uk instead. 

Include: 

  • your application reference number or your unique reference number if you have one 
  • your full name 
  • the name and address of the social care premises listed on your application 
How do I withdraw my children's social care application?

You can ask to withdraw your application at any time, unless we have taken steps to refuse your application. 

Email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you have used to apply. Put 'Social Care' in the email subject line. If you have applied to register a supported accommodation service, email sc.suppacc@ofsted.gov.uk instead. 

Put 'Withdraw' in the email subject line and tell us your name and application reference number or unique reference number. 

If you withdraw after the application fee has been paid, your fee will not be refunded. 

I have had a problem paying my social care application fee

If you cannot make a payment for your application, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from the email address you used on your application.  

If you have applied to register a supported accommodation service, email sc.suppacc@ofsted.gov.uk instead. 

Put 'Social Care' in the email subject line. Include your application reference number or unique reference number, your full name and the name and address of the social care premises listed on your application. 

Read the full list of application fees on Registration fees for children’s social care services. 

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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