Unlike a childminder, who runs their own childcare business at their own home, a nanny does not necessarily need to be Ofsted registered to practise their profession. As a nanny, you can choose to be Ofsted registered on the ‘Voluntary Register.’
At this point, you’re probably wondering what the benefits of registering are if it’s not mandatory? Well, the major advantage is that parents with an Ofsted registered nanny are able to claim tax relief on their childcare costs, through schemes such as childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare. It is often at the employer’s request that a nanny will register with Ofsted, and as such, it is often expected that the employer will pay registration costs.
What’s in it for you then? While voluntary, registering with Ofsted is very advantageous for nannies, by helping you harness and develop your childcare skills through further training. Being Ofsted registered not only reassures future employers that you have completed essential checks and childcare training but also makes it much easier to find future employment. Ofsted registered nannies are in much higher demand, speeding up the process of finding a family.
Which Ofsted register should I apply for?
Ofsted holds 2 registers. To apply as an Ofsted registered nanny, you will need to select the ‘Childcare Register’ and the subcategory ‘Voluntary Register.’ As a nanny, you are able to be registered to look after one or two families at one time.
Nannies cannot register on the Early Years Or Compulsory Childcare register with a ‘nanny status.’ If you want to register on the Early Years or Compulsory Childcare register, you will need to do so as a childminder, and in doing this you would need to comply with the regulations and provide the documents for childminder registration.
What documents do I need to register?
To be on the Voluntary Childcare Register, the following documents will need to be provided:
- Paediatric First-Aid course
- Enhanced DBS (criminal record) check
- Public Liability Insurance which will cover you for incidents that are in connection with your business activities.
- Training in Common Core Skills or Early Years Statutory Framework. Please note that training in Common Core Skills is not itself a qualification, but a minimum requirement for Ofsted that focuses on effective communication with children. This training is obligatory if you do not have at least a level 2 qualification in childcare.
Download a checklist here to keep yourself on track!
How much will this cost me?
There is no fixed cost to become an Ofsted registered nanny on the Voluntary Register. Factors such as your chosen training provider, first-aid provider, and your insurance provider will affect your incurred costs. Some of the requirements, such as insurance, a DBS check, and First Aid, you may already have. Equally, it is worth noting that your employer may well fund parts of your registration, so it could be worth discussing costs with them.
As a general figure, Ofsted registration will cost between £300-£600 and includes:
- Joining the Childcare Register only: £103 (paid annually)
- Paediatric First-Aid course: £70-£100 (valid for three years)
- Enhanced DBS (criminal record) check: £40. You can opt in to pay an optional £13 for an annual DBS renewal. You must sign-up to this service within one month of receiving your registration. (Paid annually)
- Public Liability Insurance: £25-£100 (paid annually)
- Training in Common Core Skills or EYFS training: £60-£200 (paid once)
How long will it take to receive my Ofsted registration?
Generally, Ofsted registration takes up to 12 weeks, which is why it is preferable to start getting your documents together and complete your training ahead of time.
Ready to go?
Once you’re a registered nanny and are looking for children to look after, check out Yoopies! Yoopies allows you to advertise your nannying services, as well as browse hundreds of families looking for childcare. Your registration number will appear on your profile, boosting your attractiveness as a trusted childcare provider!