How to register an early years setting with Ofsted

Starting an early years setting is a significant and rewarding venture, providing essential services to children and families. In the UK, registering with Ofsted is a mandatory step to ensure the quality and safety of childcare services.

In this blog, Anna delves into and will guide you through the process, highlighting key facts, definitions, best practices, and legislative requirements to help you achieve compliance and excellence in early years education.

Key facts and statistics

As of 2023, over 23,000 nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders are registered with Ofsted in the UK.
Ofsted inspections ensure that approximately 1.5 million children receive high-quality early education and care.
In 2022, 95% of early years providers were rated as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, showcasing the sector's commitment to quality.

Key definitions

Ofsted

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects services that care for children and young people, ensuring high standards of education, training, and care.

Registration with Ofsted is a legal requirement for most childcare providers in the UK, ensuring they meet the necessary standards to operate safely and effectively.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The EYFS sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to five years old. All early years providers must follow the EYFS framework to ensure consistency and quality.

Recommended best practice for implementation

Understanding the legal framework

The Childcare Act 2006 and the associated regulations, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, set out the requirements for early years providers. Compliance with these regulations is essential for registration and ongoing operation.

Preparing for registration

Assess your eligibility - Ensure that you meet the basic requirements to register with Ofsted. This includes being over 18, having the right to work in the UK, and meeting the suitability criteria regarding health, character, and qualifications.
Training and qualifications - All staff members must have relevant qualifications and training, including safeguarding, paediatric first aid, and EYFS knowledge. The Mandatory Training Group offers comprehensive training programmes to help meet these requirements.

Click here to enrol in our childcare and early years online training courses and prepare for registration.

The registration process

Step 1 - Application

Submit an online application through the Ofsted portal. You will need to provide detailed information about your setting, including the type of care you offer, your qualifications, and your premises.

Step 2 - DBS checks

All individuals working in the setting must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children.

Step 3 - Pre-registration visit

Ofsted will conduct a pre-registration visit to assess your setting's readiness. They will check the premises, review your policies and procedures, and ensure that you meet the EYFS standards.

Step 4: Registration decision

Following the visit, Ofsted will decide on your registration. If successful, you will receive a registration certificate, allowing you to legally operate your early years setting.

Click here to sign up for ComplyPlus™ and streamline your Ofsted registration requirements for easy registration compliance.

Post-registration requirements

Ongoing compliance

Maintaining compliance with Ofsted's standards is crucial. Regular training, updating policies, and preparing for inspections are essential practices. ComplyPlus™ can streamline your compliance management, ensuring you stay updated with the latest regulations.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Investing in CPD for your staff is vital for maintaining high standards and improving the quality of care. The Mandatory Training Group provides CPD courses tailored to early years practitioners, helping you stay ahead in the sector.

Recommendations

Maintain up-to-date records - Keeping comprehensive records of training, DBS checks, and policies is essential for demonstrating compliance during inspections. ComplyPlus™ offers a robust document repository to manage all your compliance documents efficiently.
Regularly review policies and procedures - Ensure that your policies and procedures are up-to-date and reflect the latest legislative changes. Regular reviews and updates are necessary to maintain compliance and improve service quality.
Engage with professional networks - Joining professional networks and organisations can provide valuable support and resources. These networks offer opportunities for sharing best practices, accessing training, and staying informed about sector developments.

Conclusion

Registering an early years setting with Ofsted is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and safety of childcare services in the UK. By understanding the legal framework, preparing thoroughly, and maintaining ongoing compliance, you can provide high-quality early education and care.

Click here to invest in continuous professional development and leverage ComplyPlus™ to manage your compliance efficiently.

About the author

Anna Nova Galeon

Anna, our wordsmith extraordinaire, plays a pivotal role in quality assurance. She collaborates seamlessly with subject matter experts and marketers to meet stringent quality standards. Her linguistic precision and meticulous attention to detail elevate our content, ensuring prominence, clarity, and alignment with global quality benchmarks.