There are two parts to the Ofsted Childcare Register:
1) Ofsted Compulsory Childcare Register
Those who provide childcare for children under 8
years, for more than two hours at a time and for more than six
times a year have to register with
Ofsted by law.
These childcare providers have to meet national
standards and help children to meet the five outcomes in
'Every Child Matters'. These are: being happy, staying safe,
enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and
achieving economic well being.
You can search
online for childcare on this register or phone
the Suffolk Families Information Service 0845 60 800
33 and talk to one of our advisors.
2) Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register
Most childcare providers have to register with Ofsted by
law under the Compulsory Childcare Register. Childcarers who do not
have to register by law can choose to register under
the Voluntary Childcare Register. This allows eligible
parents to claim tax credits to help with the cost of
care. Types of childcarers who can register include:
- those providing care for children aged over 7, such as
out-of-school clubs and play centres;
- activity based care (sports, drama or art clubs); and
- care provided in the child's own home such as nannies, au pairs
or home based care for disabled children.
This is a new law so there are not many
childcarers on this register yet.
Phone the Suffolk Families Information Service 0845 60
800 33 to find out who is on the Ofsted Voluntary
Childcare Register.
Or find
a
list of nanny and childcare agencies on this web
page.