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Use this service if you want to apply to join the compulsory or voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.
You must apply to register with Ofsted if you are the registered person, a registered individual or the nominated individual of a daycare.
Call HMRC if you need help applying for Tax-Free Childcare, applying for free childcare if you're working or using your online childcare account
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.
Tax and reporting rules for employers providing childcare, creche
Explanation of terms used in Ofsted's official and national statistical releases.
Requirements you must meet if you are an Ofsted-registered daycare provider on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
Find out if you must apply to join the compulsory part of the Childcare Register instead of one of the other types of childcare provider.
Childcare arrangements for all ages and early years provision for children who are 5 years of age or younger.
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Check if you can get compensation if you’ve been unable to access Tax-Free Childcare or free childcare for working parents due to technical issues.
How and when to apply for childcare places and schools.
Guidance for applicants on what to expect from Ofsted during the childcare application review process.
Requirements you must meet if you are a childminder registered with Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
Hundreds of thousands of families set to benefit as working parents of 9-month-olds can now apply for government-funded childcare for first time.
First published during the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government
Find out if you can apply to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
Introduction to Ofsted's role in registering childcare and the legal basis for our work.
Guidance on checks we will carry out on anyone associated with Ofsted-registered childcare.
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