Are you aware of the changes to the OFSTED register?

What does OFSTED do?

Ofsted inspect and regulate to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.

The new Ofsted brings together the wide experience of four inspectorates to make a greater difference for every child, and for all young people and adult learners, in England. Their educational, economic and social well-being will promote our success as a country.

Ofsted registration helps to make sure children and young people are cared for in the safe environment they need. Most childcare providers are already required to register with Ofsted. Changes in the law mean that those not obliged to register can now choose to join the voluntary part of the Ofsted.

Changes to registers

As from September 2008 Ofsted will be introducing the new registers these are set out below

  • Early Years register
  • Childcare register in two parts compulsory and voluntary

Early Years Register

You must register on the Early Years Register if you care for children from birth to the 31 August following their fifth birthday, unless you are not required to register your care; this is known as ‘exempt from registration’. The Childcare (Exemption from Registration) Order 2008 sets out those who are exempt from registration.

The 31 August following a child’s fifth birthday marks the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to the end of the stage: providers on the Early Years Register and schools must deliver it.

As from September 2008 the Birth to Three Matters framework, the National Standards for Under 8’s Daycare and Childminding and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage.will come together as the Early Years Foundation Stage

Compulsory Childcare Register

These include childcare providers who:

  • Provide care for children aged eight and over (such as childminders or care provided in out-of-school clubs, holiday clubs, playschemes, play-centres and open access play provision);
  • Offer activity-based care (such as sports, drama, language or arts clubs); or
  • Provide care in the child’s own home (for example, nannies and au pairs,1 or home-based care for disabled children). Unless they look after the children of more than two families.

Voluntary Childcare Register

You can choose to register if you want to provide care that does not fall into the categories set out above. This includes:

  • Home-based care in the home of the child (nannies)
  • Activity-based settings such as sports coaching or tuition
  • Short-term care such as crèches
  • Care that is only for children aged eight to under 18.

Why register?

If you register on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register:

  • Parents will know that you have met basic standards designed to safeguard children.
  • Eligible parents will be able to get help with the costs of their childcare through Working Tax Credit and employer-supported childcare schemes.
  • Local authorities offer support and training to registered providers and pass on their details to parents who are looking for childcare.
  • Schools who use external organisations to provide an extended service are encouraged to work only with registered providers.

To register contact Ofsted on 08456 40 40 40

Information On Registers (410KB, word file)

Early Years Foundation Stage Booklet.pdf (1.10MB, pdf file)

Voluntary Register Booklet.pdf (737KB, pdf file)

(358KB,pdf file)

Some of these documents are in PDF format. To view them you may need to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How to get in touch with the Family Information Service

Telephone us

Call us on 020 8496 3000 and ask for the Family Information Service. Our staff will provide information over the phone and in writing.

We have an answer phone service when the service is closed.

Email wffis@walthamforest.gov.uk
Fax 020 8496 2313

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Waltham Forest Family Information Service
Silver Birch House
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow  E17 5SD

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