The registration visit

Ofsted will then contact you to arrange a registration visit to check:

  • your identity and qualifications - including first aid qualifications
  • your house and garden are safe for children
  • that you are familiar with the Early years foundation stage statutory framework for childminders EYFS statutory framework for childminders and know how to put it into practice
  • your level of English

You will not usually get a registration visit if you're only looking after children aged over 5.

Preparing for your registration visit:

At your registration visit, you must demonstrate to the inspector how you will meet the requirements set out in the EYFS statutory framework for childminders This is really the key: you need to make sure when you submit your application that you are able to do this and are ready to start caring for children.

  • Resources - have you got suitable resources to use?
  • Safeguarding - do you know how to safeguard children? Further information on safeguarding courses in Shropshire can be found at: Early Years and Schools Safeguarding Training and Consultancies | Shropshire Learning Gateway
  • Premises - are the premises clean, hygienic, secure and suitable?
  • Qualifications - have you got the right qualifications? 
  • Development - who will support children's learning and development?
  • Requirements - do you meet all the EYFS requirements?

Further information can be found at: Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted - The registration visit - Guidance - GOV.UK

At the registration visit:

The registration visit has 3 parts:

  • We have a tour of your home, including the garden and any outbuildings. We do this because we register the whole premises and not just the rooms that you are planning to use for childminding.
  • We will review documentation to check your identity, qualifications, documents relating to a vehicle (if applicable) and any written policies and procedures you have.
  • We will listen to you about how you will meet the EYFS requirements. We will ask questions and pose scenarios or have discussions with you to check your suitability. For example, we will ask questions about safeguarding or risk assessments and may give you a scenario to see what you would do in that situation.

You will need to be able to demonstrate to the inspector at the visit that you have read the requirements and know how you will meet them. If you are not able to demonstrate to the inspector that you fully understand and can deliver the requirements of the EYFS, we will not be able to register you. 

Remember, this is your registration visit and your chance to show us that you are suitable to be a childminder - we want to hear all your ideas so please make sure you are prepared.

Usually, we make the registration decision at the visit, so everything needs to be ready to go when we leave.

Certificate of registration:

You will get a certificate of registration if your application is approved. You will need this to start work as a childminder.

Ofsted will publish your unique reference number (URN) and the date of your Registration Visit online. Ofsted will also publish your name and address - unless you tell them not to.

If your application is refused

Further information can be found at: Become a childminder or nanny (England): After you apply - GOV.UK