Looking after children from birth to 31 August after their fifth birthday
Type of register
Early Years Register
Qualifications
You must meet the qualifications requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (GOV.UK).
The manager must hold must hold a minimum of a level 3 in a relevant qualification, and 50% of the rest of the staff should hold a minimum of a level 2 relevant qualification
Managers appointed on or after 1 January 2024 must have already achieved a suitable level 2 qualification in maths or must do so within two years of starting in the position. Managers are responsible for ensuring staff have the right level of maths knowledge to effectively deliver the EYFS curriculum.
At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings.
A practitioner must be designated to take lead responsibility for safeguarding children in every setting. The lead practitioner must attend a child protection training course that enables them to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect.
Staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene.
Looking after children from 1 September after their fifth birthday up to their eighth birthday
Type of register
Compulsory part of the Childcare Register
Qualifications
There are no specific qualification requirements. You are still required to demonstrate how your staff have suitable training to complete their role.
At least one person must have an appropriate first aid certificate and must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings.
A practitioner must be designated to take lead responsibility for safeguarding children in every setting. The lead practitioner must attend a child protection training course that enables them to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect.
Staff involved in preparing and handling food should receive training in food hygiene.
For further information:
After-school clubs, community activities and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers - GOV.UK
Daycare providers on the compulsory Childcare Register: Ofsted requirements - GOV.UK
Looking after children aged 8 and over
Type of register
Voluntary part of the Childcare Register
Qualifications
At least one person caring for the children on the premises must have:
- an appropriate first-aid qualification
- training in the Common Core of Skills or at least a level 2 childcare qualification
At least one person must have an appropriate first aid certificate and must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings.
A practitioner must be designated to take lead responsibility for safeguarding children in every setting. The lead practitioner must attend a child protection training course that enables them to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect.
Staff involved in preparing and handling food should receive training in food hygiene.
For further information:
After-school clubs, community activities and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers - GOV.UK
Daycare providers on the compulsory Childcare Register: Ofsted requirements - GOV.UK
Further information
Become a childcare provider: pre-registration briefing - GOV.UK
Add another setting to your nursery or other daycare organisation (EYS) - GOV.UK
Daycare roles that must register with Ofsted - GOV.UK
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Committee-run childcare – what you need to know - Ofsted: early years (GOV.UK)
Getting the right DBS when registering with Ofsted - Ofsted: early years (GOV.UK)
Calling all early years applicants - Ofsted: early years (GOV.UK)