What is Ofsted?

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It’s an organisation that inspects services providing education, including childminders and schools in the United Kingdom. It is not compulsory for a nanny to be registered with Ofsted, however, they can choose to do so voluntarily.

What are the benefits of being an Ofsted registered nanny for the parents and for the nanny?

For parents:

Employing a nanny who is registered with Ofsted or is willing to do so may allow parents to get help with childcare costs.   

For example:

Parents may get help with their childcare costs through a Tax-Free Childcare scheme.

Or through an Employer Supported Childcare vouchers scheme. 

For further information on the right scheme for you please visit: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

For nannies:

Being an Ofsted Registered Nanny increases a nanny’s professional status and can help them get more work. 

How much does it cost? 

It costs £105 to apply to register with Ofsted and this fee needs to be paid each year to remain on the register.

Nanny Ofsted Registration is a financial saving to families and therefore we recommend that it is founded by the employer. 

Requirements and other costs:

To be able to register nannies will need to have:

An appropriate First Aid Qualification £75

A minimum level 2 childcare qualification, or training in the common core skills. We recommend this Common Core Skills and Knowledge course which meets the requirements to register with Ofsted - £75 

Personal liability insurance, covering death, injury, public liability, damage or other loss – £64 per year

An Enhanced DBS which we can help you get. It costs £70 and then an additional annual fee of £13 to be on the automatic update service. 

The nanny must apply as a 'home childcarer' and not as a childcare provider on domestic premises.

How long does the application take?

According to the government’s website, it usually takes up to 12 weeks to process the application.  

For more information or to apply please visit their website here.

We hope this article helps you with some ideas about how to build a good foundation with a new nanny for a successful working relationship. If you are looking for a nanny please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to help you!