ofsted childcare register information
The Ofsted Register was introduced in April 2007 and replaces the Childcare Approval Scheme. It is entirely voluntary, however if families wish to claim working tax credits and childcare vouchers registration is compulsory. Families with a combined income below £59,000 are entitled to Working Tax Credit for childcare in their own home. Families, whose combined income is above this, may also benefit by using Childcare Vouchers supplied by their Employer. Your Employer will need to sign up to the Childcare Voucher Scheme, who will either supply the vouchers to you directly or to your Employer. These vouchers can be then used to pay your childcarer, who can then redeem their value, usually by Direct Debit into their bank account.
Childcare vouchers are often offered as a salary sacrifice, and could save you £2,000 per year.
registration criteria:
- the childcarer must be aged 18 years or over
- have either a recognised childcare qualification or have attended a valid induction course
- hold a first aid certificate which is less than three years old, suitable for the care of babies and young children and which covers dealing with emergencies, resuscitation, shock, choking and anaphylactic shock
- have public liability insurance
- have a new enhanced CRB check. This is done as part of the registration process. Only a CRB done through Ofsted is valid
- the cost of approval is £100 which includes the CRB check and the certificate is valid for 12 months
Further information is available upon request from the Agency, or visit:
Ofsted Registration is done entirely on line:
www.ofsted.gov.uk or for further information call 08456 404040
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