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Early Years Training List Sept 2026-Aug 2027

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Parents: Ofsted information

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Inspecting registered childcare providers: information for parents

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How Ofsted regulates childcare and what parents should do if they have concerns about their provider.

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EY inspection toolkit and operating guide

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Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from 10 November 2025.

Find guidance for early years inspections in England:

early years inspection toolkit - what inspectors and early years providers use to discuss the quality of provision on inspection

early years inspection operating guide - a step-by-step guide for inspectors on how to inspect a registered early years setting

information about early years inspections - for staff and leaders, parents and carers and the wider public

Education inspection framework

The education inspection framework explains why we inspect registered early years settings and other educational provision, including the legal requirements.

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Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information

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Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from 10 November 2025.

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Pre registration briefing - childminder provider

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Become a childcare provider: pre-registration briefing

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This is a presentation of the pre-registration briefing for those wishing to become childcare providers.

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Pre-registration briefing

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Become a childminder: pre-registration briefing

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This is a presentation of the pre-registration briefing for childminders.

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Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from 10 November 2025.

Find guidance for early years inspections in England:

early years inspection toolkit - what inspectors and early years providers use to discuss the quality of provision on inspection

early years inspection operating guide - a step-by-step guide for inspectors on how to inspect a registered early years setting

information about early years inspections - for staff and leaders, parents and carers and the wider public

Education inspection framework

The education inspection framework explains why we inspect registered early years settings and other educational provision, including the legal requirements.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Early years inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from 10 November 2025.

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Guidance for anyone wanting to register and operate as a childminder agency.

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Information for childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises wishing to register with a childminder agency.

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Provider Contract 2024 re Early Education and Childcare (EEC)

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In the last few months, the Practice Advice service has had an increase in the number of enquiries regarding registering as Childcare on Domestic premises.Some childminders have told me that they now have long waiting lists, and their local authority early years officer has suggested childcare on domestic premises could be a solution.

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Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years

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Welcome to PACEY - the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years. We represent childminders, early years workers and nannies in England and Wales.

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Health declaration forms for childminders and people who work in childcare or children's social care.

Applies to England

Introduction

You will need to complete a health declaration form before you register with Ofsted to look after or care for children.

Please complete a form if:

you're applying to register as a childminder on the Early Years Register

you're registering as the manager of childcare on domestic premises

you're applying to register as a social care establishment, agency or manager

Ofsted has asked you to complete it because we need more information (for example, if you live with a childminder or if you own a nursery)

Find out more about how to register childcare or children's social care.

Social care applications
From 1 April 2024 a health declaration, signed by your GP, is no longer required for children's social care applicants. If you are a social care applicant, you must declare your current health using the children's social care health form. You do not need to send the form to your GP as part of your application to be registered as or connected to a children's social care provider.

If you need any help completing the form, please telephone us on 0300 123 1231 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

Completing the health declaration form

All early years applicants must complete this form.

1. Fill in section A, the relevant part of section B and the declaration.

2. Contact your GP to fill in section C. GPs may charge a fee for doing this.

3. Either scan or photograph the document and send with your unique reference number (URN) to enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

Completing the children's social care health form

All children's social care applicant's must complete this form.

1. Fill in section A, section B and the statement of self-declaration.

2. Send the form to enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Your information

You can find information on how Ofsted handles personal information in our personal information charter.

This information remains valid for 6 months from the date of your GP's signature (health declaration form) and/or your signature (health self-declaration form). Please send this to Ofsted without delay.

It is an offence to make a statement that you know is false or misleading as part of a registration application. Please answer this form truthfully. We will not necessarily refuse your registration based on current or previous health problems.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Childcare and children's social care health declaration forms

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Health declaration forms for childminders and people who work in childcare or children's social care.

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You may be able to get money to help with the cost of setting up as a childminder.

Childminder start-up grants provide eligible new childminders with a one-off payment. You do not have to pay the grant back.

Eligibility

You can apply for a start-up grant if you registered as a new childminder after 15 March 2023. You must:

work as a childminder in England

have completed your Ofsted or childminder agency (CMA) registration before applying

This grant is for new childminders only - these are individuals who are either registering as a childminder for the first time, or those individuals who have previously registered as a childminder but de-registered for at least 12 months before their current registration.

Nannies and nurseries are not eligible for a grant.

Childminders without domestic premises are eligible to apply for the grant.

If you are not registered as a childminder, you can find out more about becoming a childminder.

Registered with Ofsted

If you're registered with Ofsted, you must be listed as a childminder on either the:

early years register

general childcare register

Registered with a childminder agency

If you're registered with a childminder agency, you must:

hold a current registration to get your first payment

have started childminding your first child within 6 months of your registration date to get your second payment

What you'll get

You'll get different amounts of money depending on which register you joined. The amounts reflect the different costs of registering.

If you registered with:

Ofsted, you'll get £600

a childminder agency, you'll get 2 payments totalling £1,200:

£600 when you register

£600 when you start childminding your first child

You can only receive one childminder start-up grant.

When to apply

New childminders who wish to apply for the grant will need to finalise their Ofsted or CMA registration by 31 March 2025. New childminders must apply for the grant within 2 months of confirmation of their childminder registration date.

We recognise that in some circumstances childminder registration may be delayed due to registration checks (for example, GP health checks) taking longer than expected.

For this reason, an applicant who submits their registration to Ofsted or a CMA by 3 January 2025 will still be eligible to apply for the grant if completion of their registration is delayed beyond 31 March 2025 for reasons relating to the completion of registration checks. In these cases, we will require Ofsted or your CMA to confirm that your registration with them has been delayed for these reasons.

Note: applicants who begin their registration with Ofsted or a CMA after 3 January 2025 will still be eligible to apply for the grant as long as they finalise registration prior to 31 March 2025.

If you are a CMA-registered childminder, you must have started childminding your first child within 6 months of your registration date to get your second payment. If your registration is delayed beyond 31 March 2025 you must have started childminding by 30 September 2025 as this is the final date that second payments can be made.

How to apply

You'll need:

your contact details

your National Insurance number

details of your registered work address (if different from your home address)

proof of your registered work address, such as a utility bill or a letter from HMRC

to know your local authority area

your childminder registration number and registration date

details of the bank account you want the grant paying into

a copy of a bank statement showing your current address

Most childminders will find out if they can receive a grant within 2 weeks of submitting their application.

Help with your application

If you need help with your application, contact the Ecorys support team at childmindergrants@ecorys.com.

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Eligible new childminders can apply for a start-up grant to recover the cost of registering as a childminder.

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Becoming a childminder and running your business

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Becoming a childminder and running your business

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Find out how to register with Ofsted as a childminder, and what you will need to tell us about.

This guidance is for Ofsted-registered childminders or those applying to register with Ofsted. For guidance on registering with a childminder agency, or what you need to do if you are already with an agency, contact the agency directly.

Start working as a childminder

If you want to look after other people's children in your home or someone else's home, you must register either with Ofsted or a childminder agency.

Running a childminder business

As an Ofsted-registered childminder, you must report to Ofsted any significant events affecting your childcare within 14 days.

Requirements

If you are registered on the Early Years register, you must meet the early years foundation stage framework standards. If you are registered on the Childcare Register you must meet either or both of the voluntary or compulsory Childcare Register requirements, depending on your registration.

If you are registered on both registers, you will need to meet each set of requirements.

Inspections

Changes to your childminder business

If you are registered with Ofsted, you must tell Ofsted within 14 days about new people aged 16 or over who:

live in the home where you look after children

work in the home where you look after children

This includes children who turn 16.

You must also tell Ofsted within 14 days about anyone aged 16 or over who leaves the home where you look after children.

Making payments to Ofsted

If you are registered with Ofsted you will need to pay an annual registration fee.

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Becoming a childminder and running your business

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Find out how to register with Ofsted as a childminder, and what you will need to tell us about.

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EYFS Statutory framework for childminders

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EYFS Statutory framework for childminders

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Register as a childminder without domestic premises

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Application guidance for childminders who provide care solely from somewhere other than a home.

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EYFS Statutory framework for group and school based providers

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EYFS Statutory framework for group and school based providers

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If you want to be paid to look after children under 8, you might need to register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.

You can get a fine if you do not register when you need to.

You must register as a childminder if all of the following apply:

the children are under the age of 8

you look after them for more than 2 hours a day

you look after them in your own home

you get paid to look after them - including payment in kind

You can register with Ofsted online. To register with a childminder agency, contact them directly.

You do not need to register if you're:

a nanny

a tutor

a babysitter and if you look after the children between 6pm and 2am

a family friend and if you look after the children less than 3 hours a day

You can still choose to register if you're a nanny or in other situations. This helps the child's parents qualify for free childcare.

Check which register to join if you're not sure.

Who cannot register

You cannot register if you:

are under 18

are related to all of the children you look after

do not have the legal right to work in the UK

are barred from working with children

have been disqualified

have been refused registration in the past or had your registration cancelled - unless it was because you did not pay your annual fee

are childminding in a home where a disqualified person lives or works

If you've been disqualified, you may be able to apply to waive your disqualification

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How to register as a childminder or nanny: the Ofsted Childcare Register, the Early Years Register, who can register, how to apply.

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Information for childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises wishing to register with a childminder agency.

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Introduction

There are 2 types of domestic childcare registrations:

childminder (up to and including 3 people providing care)

childcare on domestic (4 or more people providing care)

Childminders can work alone or with other childminders and assistants. A separate childcare on domestic premises registration is required when the number of people providing care exceeds 3.

'Domestic premises' is somewhere used wholly or mainly as a private home. The premises includes any area and any vehicle where childcare is provided.

You must register as childcare on domestic premises provision when the number of people providing care exceeds 3 unless you are exempt from registration. You can either register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.

For information on what happens once you have submitted your Ofsted application form, see: Childcare: Application review.

People providing or assisting with childcare

People providing, or assisting with providing, childcare on the premises could include:

Ofsted-registered childminders

agency-registered childminders

childminding assistants

apprentices

students

volunteers

You will still need to be registered to provide childcare on domestic premises if the total number of people providing or assisting with childcare is 4 or more, even if those assisting are not included in the ratios.

Household members, assistants and visitors

We must complete suitability checks on all people aged 16 years and older who live or work on the premises. This includes:

anyone who lives on the premises where the childcare is provided (family or other household members)

anyone who works on the premises where the childcare is provided during childcare hours, such as a cleaner or childminder's assistant

You need to notify us of people that fit the above criteria and they must apply to join your registration.

People providing health care

Section 18 of the Childcare Act 2006 defines 'childcare'. It excludes any form of health care for a child. If a medical professional attends the provision to provide health care only, they cannot be counted as somebody providing or assisting with childcare. The medical professional must not assist with or provide childcare, even for less than 2 hours a day. The provider must set out very clear expectations and role requirements to ensure that childcare is not provided by healthcare professionals.

Requirements

Childcare on domestic is defined as a group setting. You will need to follow all requirements for nurseries and other daycare rather than childminding, for example the ratio and staff qualification requirements.

If you also operate as a childminder, you will need to follow all requirements for childminders or childcare on domestic premises depending on which provision you are operating as at the time.

Planning permission

You should check with your local planning department whether you need planning permission to operate as childcare on domestic premises. The requirements for registration do not replace the other legal responsibilities that you must still meet.

Dual registration

You must make sure that the number of people assisting with your provision aligns with your registration type:

childminder (up to, and including 3 people providing care)

childcare on domestic (4 or more people providing care)

If you want to work part of your time as a childminder and part as childcare on domestic premises, you need to register separately as both provider types and pay 2 separate annual fees. You will need to meet the relevant requirements and clearly distinguish to parents and inspectors, if asked, what provision you are offering. You will also have separate inspections. The law does not permit you to act as a childminder and childcarer on domestic premises on the same premises at the same time.

Providing childcare on domestic premises without being registered will result in you providing unregistered childcare, which is an offence.

If the number of people providing, or assisting with, the childcare on domestic provision occasionally falls below 4, the provision can continue to operate. However, it must continue to meet, and will be inspected against, the group requirements. If the number of people frequently or usually falls below 4, they may prefer to operate under a childminder registration. This would avoid having to meet the group requirements all the time.

Agency-registered providers and Ofsted

A registered childminder who also wants to register to provide childcare on domestic premises must hold both registrations, either with a childminder agency or with Ofsted.

For further information, see: agency-registered childminders and Ofsted.

Publishing your registration details

Once registered, we automatically publish the following information on Ofsted's find an inspection report website and in our official statistics:

URN

date of registration

register type (for example, the Early Years Register)

the care type (for example, childminder or home childcarer)

conditions of registration

available inspection reports

We will also publish your setting name and address, unless you ask us not to. If you change your mind about that, we can remove your details from the website later. To submit a request for us to remove this information, you will need to contact us from your registered email address and quote the URN for each setting affected.

Inspections

If you have joined the Early Years Register, we will inspect your provision. If you have joined the Childcare Register only, we may carry out a compliance inspection.

We will usually contact you before your childcare on domestic premises inspection. The inspector will ask about how you are operating. For further information, see: notification of inspection (for group provision).

We will carry out a 'no children on roll or present on the day' inspection if you are not operating.

If you are operating as a childminder, we will decide whether to do a 'no children on roll or present on the day' inspection or inspect your childminding provision instead.

If we start to inspect you as a childminder and find that you are operating as childcare on domestic premises, we cannot continue your inspection. This is because you are operating unregistered provision. Instead, we may take enforcement action. Operating while unregistered may also invalidate your public liability insurance.

You can read more about inspections below:

Telling Ofsted about changes

You must keep your details up to date with Ofsted. You must tell us about any changes in advance, where possible, but at least within 14 days of them happening. You also need to tell us about any serious incidents.

Contact us from your registered email address, quoting your URN to report changes to:

new people living or working on your premises

where you are working

your contact details

your childcare hours

Moving or operating from additional domestic premises

If you are a childcare on domestic premises provider and you intend to move your setting or operate from additional premises, you must apply to register your new premises. This is because the premises for each daycare setting must be approved by Ofsted.

Approval to move or operate from additional settings does not require a full registration. Therefore, seeking approval does not usually take as long to complete as a full registration would. If we approve your application, you will get a new registration certificate.

Your new setting must be approved by Ofsted before it can legally begin operating. If you start operating it without approval, you will be providing unregistered childcare. This is an offence. You must have premises in order to remain registered, so you should continue working on your existing premises, where possible, until we grant approval for the new premises.

You will need to pay an approval and annual fee for each setting where childcare is provided.

If there are any new people living or working on the premises who are aged 16 or over, they must submit an application to join a nursery or other daycare organisation.

Operating from non-domestic premises (the 50% rule)

You can apply to spend up to 50% of your time running childcare from non-domestic premises. Non-domestic premises include places like nurseries, church halls, parts of a school or classrooms. You need to follow the same requirements as your original registration.

You can find more information here: apply for approval to work on non-domestic premises using the EYA form.

Changes to the legal entity of your business once registered

If the legal entity that is registered with Ofsted changes, you will need to make a new application for registration and pay an application fee for each setting affected by the change. This is because any existing registrations are attached to the previous individual or organisation. For example, this will apply if you registered as a sole trader and decide to trade as a company or if the company that registered with Ofsted becomes a charitable incorporated organisation.

The new legal entity must be granted registration by Ofsted before it begins operating. If you start operating it without approval, you will be providing unregistered childcare. This is an offence.

Changing the name or registered office address of your business

When you change your business name or your registered head office address (not the childcare premises), the registered provider remains the same. We do not need a new application. The nominated individual should notify us of the change.

Resigning your registration

To resign your registration, contact us from your registered email address quoting the URN for each setting affected, or tell the inspector during a visit.

We will keep the published history of a childcare setting on our reports website for 5 years after the setting is listed as closed. This includes:

your previous inspection reports (if you are only registered on the Childcare Register, previous inspection outcome letters remain online for 12 months after publication)

details of any previous conditions of registration

any information we have previously published about complaints or compliance action taken against you (this will remain online for 5 years after publication)

We do this so that people can view this information in case:

you decide to register to provide childcare again after a short period

you decide to start providing childcare at a different address

someone else decides to register to provide childcare from the same address

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Guidance for applicants and registered providers of childcare on domestic premises.

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All about Government help with childcare costs, including 15 to 30 hours free childcare, Tax-Free Childcare, tax credits, Universal Credit, vouchers and support while you study

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Guidance for childminders, nannies, nurseries and people providing other childcare on when/if you need to register with Ofsted, the process, fees and requirements.

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Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted

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Guidance for childminders, nannies, nurseries and people providing other childcare on when/if you need to register with Ofsted, the process, fees and requirements.

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Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted - The Ofsted registers - Guidance - GOV.UK

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There are 2 Ofsted registers: the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register. Find out which to join and how to change registers.

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Information for childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises wishing to register with a childminder agency.

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Birth To 5 Matters – Guidance by the sector, for the sector

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Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

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Resources to help keep children healthy and well from preconception to adulthood.

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Example menus and useful guidance for early years settings to help meet the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements for food and drink.

Documents

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@phe.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@phe.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This series of example menus and associated guidance has been developed to support early years settings (such as nurseries and childminders) to offer food and drink in line with current government dietary recommendations for infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years.

The documents include example menus and useful information for early years settings to help show how they can meet the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirement to provide 'healthy, balanced and nutritious' meals for children.

Accompanying infographics are available from Action for Children.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Example menus for early years settings in England

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Example menus and useful guidance for early years settings to help meet the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements for food and drink.

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You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

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Find out how to register with Ofsted as a childminder, and what you will need to tell us about.

This guidance is for Ofsted-registered childminders or those applying to register with Ofsted. For guidance on registering with a childminder agency, or what you need to do if you are already with an agency, contact the agency directly.

Start working as a childminder

If you want to look after other people's children in your home or someone else's home, you must register either with Ofsted or a childminder agency.

Running a childminder business

As an Ofsted-registered childminder, you must report to Ofsted any significant events affecting your childcare within 14 days.

Requirements

If you are registered on the Early Years register, you must meet the early years foundation stage framework standards. If you are registered on the Childcare Register you must meet either or both of the voluntary or compulsory Childcare Register requirements, depending on your registration.

If you are registered on both registers, you will need to meet each set of requirements.

Inspections

Changes to your childminder business

If you are registered with Ofsted, you must tell Ofsted within 14 days about new people aged 16 or over who:

live in the home where you look after children

work in the home where you look after children

This includes children who turn 16.

You must also tell Ofsted within 14 days about anyone aged 16 or over who leaves the home where you look after children.

Making payments to Ofsted

If you are registered with Ofsted you will need to pay an annual registration fee.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Becoming a childminder and running your business

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how to register with Ofsted as a childminder, and what you will need to tell us about.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

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These documents raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) and provide advice on preventative measures.

The Home Office co-ordinates efforts across government and offers outreach support to local areas. You can find out more about FGM through the e-learning package, Recognising and preventing FGM.

The Home Office's FGM unit:

provides outreach support to local areas to support them in developing their local response to tackling FGM and to raise awareness of the unit

identifies and highlights examples of effective practice across local areas and professional groups both through the delivery of our outreach programme and an FGM resource pack

promotes available FGM resources including the multi-agency guidelines, e-learning, communications products (e.g. leaflets and statement) and resource pack which are all available to download from GOV.UK

works with the police, Border Force, the Crown Prosecution Service and the College of Policing to improve the identification and prosecution of offenders

has an overview of all government work to tackle FGM and works closely with the voluntary and community sector, survivors and professionals to develop cross-cutting policies and processes

If you are interested in receiving any outreach support or have any other queries, please email the FGM unit at fgmenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

Please note the unit does not handle individual cases.

If you know someone at risk - contact the NSPCC anonymously if you're worried that someone is at risk of FGM or is a victim of FGM.

FGM Helpline

Contact the police if you think that a girl or young woman is in immediate danger of FGM. You should also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if she's already been taken abroad.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

telephone: 020 7008 1500

from overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500

find out about call charges.

You can also contact the nearest British embassy if you're already abroad.

Get a protection order

You can apply to get a protection order from the court if:

you're a victim of FGM

you or someone you know is in danger of FGM

Download and fill in an application form (FGM001). Read the guidance to find out which courts you can apply to.

Documents

FGM resources

Find posters, leaflets and other campaign material

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These documents raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) and provide advice on preventative measures.

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It's not known why some babies die suddenly and for no apparent reason from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death.

Experts do know placing a baby to sleep on their back reduces the risk, and exposing a baby to cigarette smoke or allowing them to overheat increases the risk.

It's also known there's an association between sleeping with your baby on a sofa or chair and SIDS.

Follow the advice on this page to reduce the risks as much as possible.

How to reduce the risk of SIDS

To reduce the risk of SIDS:

place your baby on their back to sleep, in the same room as you, for the first 6 months

keep your baby's head uncovered - their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders

if wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, do not cover their head with the sling material or with a muslin

place your baby in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket

do not let your baby get too hot or cold

never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair

do not smoke when you're pregnant or around your baby after they're born, and do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

Place your baby on their back to sleep

Place your baby on their back to sleep from the very beginning for both day and night sleeps. This will reduce the risk of cot death.

Do not put your baby to sleep on their side or tummy.

Once your baby is old enough to roll over, there's no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping.

Do not let your baby's head become covered

Babies whose heads are covered with bedding are at an increased risk of SIDS.

To prevent your baby wriggling down under the covers, place them in the "feet to foot" position. This means their feet are at the end of the crib, cot or Moses basket.

To put your baby in the feet to foot position:

tuck the covers in securely under your baby's arms so they cannot slip over their head - use 1 or more layers of lightweight blankets

use a baby mattress that's firm, flat, well-fitting, clean and waterproof on the outside - cover the mattress with a single sheet

do not use duvets, quilts, baby nests, wedges, bedding rolls or pillows

If you use a sling or carrier, make sure you use it safely.
The Lullaby Trust has more information and advice about swaddling your baby and using slings

Do not let your baby get too hot or too cold

Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, or because the room is too hot.

When you check your baby, make sure they're not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding. Do not worry if their hands or feet feel cool - this is normal.

It's easier to adjust for the temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets. Remember, a folded blanket counts as 2 blankets. Lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags are a good choice, too.

Babies do not need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable - about 16 to 20C is ideal.

If it's very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.

Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish do not need extra clothes.

Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.

Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so make sure their heads cannot be covered by bedclothes, slings or carriers while they're asleep.

Remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm car, bus or train, even if it means waking your baby.

Be safe if you share a bed with your baby

If you share a bed with your baby (co-sleeping), you should:

make sure they sleep on a firm, flat mattress lying on their back

not have any pillows or duvets near them

not have other children or pets in the bed at the same time

It's important not to share a bed with your baby if they had a low birthweight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb) or if you or your partner:

smoke (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed)

have had 2 or more units of alcohol

have taken recreational drugs

have taken medicine that causes drowsiness

Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair

It's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, but sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair is linked to a higher risk of SIDS.

It's safest to put your baby back in their cot before you go to sleep.

Do not let anyone smoke near your baby

Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before and after birth are at an increased risk of SIDS. Do not let anyone smoke in the house, including visitors.

Ask anyone who needs to smoke to go outside. Do not take your baby into smoky places.

If you smoke, sharing a bed with your baby increases the risk of cot death.

Get help and support if you want to quit smoking

Feeding, dummies and SIDS

Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of SIDS.

It's possible using a dummy at the start of a sleep also reduces the risk of SIDS. But the evidence is not strong and not all experts agree that dummies should be promoted.

If you do use a dummy, do not start until breastfeeding is well established. This is usually when your baby is around 1 month old.

Stop giving them the dummy when they're between 6 and 12 months old.

Get medical help quickly if your baby is unwell

Babies often have minor illnesses that you do not need to worry about.

Give your baby plenty of fluids to drink and do not let them get too hot. If your baby sleeps a lot, wake them up regularly for a drink.

It can be difficult to judge whether an illness is more serious and needs urgent medical attention.

See spotting the signs of serious illness for guidance on when to get help.

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Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, is rare. Find out how you can reduce the risk even further.

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The Data Protection Act 2018 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.

The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK's implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called 'data protection principles'. They must make sure the information is:

used fairly, lawfully and transparently

used for specified, explicit purposes

used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary

accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date

kept for no longer than is necessary

handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as:

race

ethnic background

political opinions

religious beliefs

trade union membership

genetics

biometrics (where used for identification)

health

sex life or orientation

There are separate safeguards for personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

Your rights

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to find out what information the government and other organisations store about you. These include the right to:

be informed about how your data is being used

access personal data

have incorrect data updated

have data erased

stop or restrict the processing of your data

data portability (allowing you to get and reuse your data for different services)

object to how your data is processed in certain circumstances

You also have rights when an organisation is using your personal data for:

automated decision-making processes (without human involvement)

profiling, for example to predict your behaviour or interests

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The Data Protection Act (DPA) controls how personal information can be used and your rights to ask for information about yourself

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Does this section apply to us?

This section applies if:

you are a UK-based business or organisation; and

the UK GDPR currently applies to your processing of personal data.

What should we do?

Now the UK has EU adequacy decisions, you can use our guidance to assess the impact of legal changes in a few key areas:

Does the GDPR still apply?

Yes. The GDPR is retained in domestic law as the UK GDPR, but the UK has the independence to keep the framework under review. The 'UK GDPR' sits alongside an amended version of the DPA 2018.

The key principles, rights and obligations remain the same. However, there are implications for the rules on transfers of personal data between the UK and the EEA.

The UK GDPR also applies to controllers and processors based outside the UK if their processing activities relate to:

offering goods or services to individuals in the UK; or

monitoring the behaviour of individuals taking place in the UK.

There are also implications for UK controllers who have an establishment in the EEA, have customers in the EEA, or monitor individuals in the EEA. The EU GDPR still applies to this processing, but the way you interact with European data protection authorities has changed.

This guidance covers the key issues you need to consider regarding cross-border processing.

Otherwise, you should continue to follow our existing guidance on your general data protection obligations.

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This guidance explains data protection at the end of the transition period for leaving the EU in more detail. Read it if you have detailed questions not answered in our other resources, or if you need a deeper understanding of data protection law and how it will change if we do not have adequacy at the end of the transition period.

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This guidance came into force on 1 September 2023.

Introduction

The education inspection framework ('the framework') sets out how Ofsted inspects maintained schools, academies, non-association independent schools, further education and skills provision and registered early years settings in England.

The framework has been devised by His Majesty's Chief Inspector for use from September 2019. It sets out the principles that apply to inspection, and the main judgements that inspectors make when carrying out inspections of maintained schools, academies, non-association independent schools, further education and skills providers and registered early years settings in England (for a full list, see 'provision inspected under the framework').

The framework applies to the inspection of different education, skills and early years settings to ensure comparability when learners move from one setting to another. It supports consistency across the inspection of different remits.

Note that we use the term 'learners' throughout for brevity; this should be read as all those attending education, skills and registered early years settings.

The framework reflects relevant legislation for each type of setting. These inspections are carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005 (as amended); the Education and Inspections Act 2006; section 109 of the Education and Skills Act 2008; The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014; and the Childcare Act 2006. All inspections carried out using the framework will meet relevant legislative requirements.

The framework is accompanied by an inspection handbook for each of the 4 remits:

These handbooks set out how inspectors will make each of the inspection judgements. They reflect the needs and expectations of different phases and the differences between various age groups. Inspectors will inspect types of provision for which they have appropriate expertise and training.

Principles of inspection and regulation

We are required to carry out our work in ways that encourage the services we inspect and regulate to improve, to be user-focused and to be efficient and effective in their use of resources, as set out in the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

Inspection provides independent, external evaluation and identifies what needs to improve in order for provision to be good or better. It is based on gathering a range of evidence that is evaluated against an inspection framework and takes full account of our policies and relevant legislation in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Inspection provides important information to parents, carers, learners and employers about the quality of education, training and care. These groups should be able to make informed choices based on the information published in inspection reports.

The framework sets out the judgements that apply to all education, skills and early years provision. These are underpinned by consistent, researched criteria for reaching those judgements. Inspectors will take comparable approaches to gathering evidence in different settings, although there may be some variation, for example depending on the age of learners and the type of provision. Inspectors will comply with relevant guidance and codes of conduct, such as the Home Office guidance 'Powers of entry: code of practice', but they will always try to be curious.

Inspection provides assurance to the public and to government that minimum standards of education, skills and childcare are being met; that - where relevant - public money is being spent well; and that arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

A force for improvement

Ofsted exists to be a force for improvement through intelligent, responsible and focused inspection and regulation. This is our guiding principle. The primary purpose of inspection under this framework is to bring about improvement in education provision. For more information, see 'Ofsted strategy 2022-27'.

Through the use of evidence, research and inspector training, we ensure that our judgements are as valid and reliable as they can be. These judgements focus on key strengths, from which other providers can learn intelligently, and areas of weakness, from which the provider should seek to improve. Our inspections act as a trigger to others to take action.

Helping to protect learners

Inspectors will always take into account how well learners are helped and protected so that they are kept safe. Although inspectors will not provide a separate grade for this important aspect of a provider's work, they will always make a written judgement under 'leadership and management' about whether the arrangements for safeguarding learners are effective.

The approach inspectors should take to inspecting safeguarding in the settings covered by the framework is outlined in our handbooks.

Inspectors are also required to be familiar with the statutory guidance about safeguarding. They should take relevant statuory guidance for their remit into account when inspecting. This includes:

The Equality Act 2010

The framework is intended to be a force for improvement for all learners. The framework and remit-specific criteria are clear that the expectation is that all learners will receive a high-quality, ambitious education.

Inspectors will assess the extent to which the provider complies with the relevant legal duties as set out in the Equality Act 2010 including, where relevant, the Public Sector Equality Duty and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Conduct during Ofsted inspections

Ofsted's code of conduct outlines our expectations for the conduct of our inspectors and our expectations of providers during inspection.

Inspectors will uphold the highest professional standards in their work. They will treat everyone they meet during inspections fairly and with respect and sensitivity.

Providers should approach their inspection with integrity and be open, transparent and honest. This includes providing evidence - or access to evidence - that will enable the inspectors to report honestly, fairly and reliably. It means not withholding or concealing evidence or providing false, misleading, inaccurate or incomplete information.

Provision inspected under the education inspection framework

The framework applies to inspections of:

maintained schools and academies under section 5 (which includes all sponsor-led academies, academy converter schools, academy special schools, free schools, special free schools, maintained nursery schools and alternative provision academies; university technical colleges and studio schools, 16 to 19 academies and 16 to 19 studio schools are also inspected under this framework)

non-maintained special schools (as approved by the Secretary of State under section 342 of the Education Act 1996)

pupil referral units

non-association independent schools, as defined in the Education Act 1996 (this definition brings into the scope of inspection a number of very small independent schools, many of which have dual registration as an independent children's home and provide exclusively for vulnerable looked after young people who may also be disabled or have a special educational need)

further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and independent specialist colleges

independent learning providers

community learning and skills providers

employers funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to train their own employees

higher education institutions providing further education

providers of learning in the judicial services

National Careers Service - careers advice and guidance

registered early years settings

The grading scale used for inspection judgements

We will use a 4-point grading scale in all inspections to make the principal judgements:

Judgements made by inspectors

The framework ensures that inspectors make a coherent set of judgements across the different education, skills and early years settings. The remit handbooks set out the methods inspectors use to gather evidence and the main criteria they use to make judgements. In most instances, these methods and criteria are common across the different remits, but there will inevitably be some variation.

Overall effectiveness

Inspectors will use all the available evidence to evaluate what it is like to be a learner in the provision. In making the judgements about a provider's overall effectiveness, inspectors will consider whether the standard of education, training or care is good or outstanding. If it is not at least good, inspectors will consider whether it requires improvement or is inadequate.

Key judgements

Inspectors will also make graded judgements on the following areas using the 4-point scale:

What inspectors will consider when making judgements

Inspectors will use the following criteria to make each of the graded judgements. These criteria are common for all the types of provision covered by the framework. Inspection remit handbooks explain how these criteria are applied in each context. We will continue to take account of the relevant issues that providers may be facing as a result of COVID-19. Where appropriate, we have integrated some of the stand-alone COVID-19 paragraphs into the main sections of our inspection handbooks. We will keep our handbooks and methodology under review as circumstances change and we continue to emerge from the pandemic.

Note that we use the term 'teachers' throughout for brevity; this should be read as including early years practitioners, lecturers, trainers and assessors.

Quality of education

Inspectors will make a judgement on the quality of education by evaluating the extent to which:

Intent

leaders take on or construct a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities ( SEND) or high needs, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life

the provider's curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment

the provider has the same academic, technical or vocational ambitions for almost all learners. Where this is not practical - for example, for some learners with high levels of SEND - its curriculum is designed to be ambitious and to meet their needs

learners study the full curriculum. Providers ensure this by teaching a full range of subjects for as long as possible, 'specialising' only when necessary

Implementation

teachers have good knowledge of the subject(s) and courses they teach. Leaders provide effective support, including for those teaching outside their main areas of expertise

teachers present subject matter clearly, promoting appropriate discussion about the subject matter they are teaching. They check learners' understanding systematically, identify misconceptions accurately and provide clear, direct feedback. In doing so, they respond and adapt their teaching as necessary, without unnecessarily elaborate or differentiated approaches

over the course of study, teaching is designed to help learners to remember in the long term the content they have been taught and to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts

teachers and leaders use assessment well, for example to help learners embed and use knowledge fluently or to check understanding and inform teaching. Leaders understand the limitations of assessment and do not use it in a way that creates unnecessary burdens for staff or learners

teachers create an environment that allows the learner to focus on learning. The resources and materials that teachers select - in a way that does not create unnecessary workload for staff - reflect the provider's ambitious intentions for the course of study and clearly support the intent of a coherently planned curriculum, sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment

a rigorous approach to the teaching of reading develops learners' confidence and enjoyment in reading. At the early stages of learning to read, reading materials are closely matched to learners' phonics knowledge

Impact

learners develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum and, as a result, achieve well. Where relevant, this is reflected in results from national tests and examinations that meet government expectations, or in the qualifications obtained

learners are ready for the next stage of education, employment or training. Where relevant, they gain qualifications that allow them to go on to destinations that meet their interests, aspirations and the intention of their course of study. They read widely and often, with fluency and comprehension.

Behaviour and attitudes

Inspectors will make a judgement on behaviour and attitudes by evaluating the extent to which:

the provider has high expectations for learners' behaviour and conduct and applies these expectations consistently and fairly. This is reflected in learners' behaviour and conduct

learners' attitudes to their education or training are positive. They are committed to their learning, know how to study effectively and do so, are resilient to setbacks and take pride in their achievements

learners have high attendance and are punctual

relationships among learners and staff reflect a positive and respectful culture.

leaders, teachers, other staff and learners create an environment where bullying, learner-on-learner abuse or discrimination are not tolerated. If they do occur, staff deal with issues quickly and effectively, and do not allow them to spread

Personal development

Inspectors will make a judgement on the personal development of learners by evaluating the extent to which:

the curriculum extends beyond the academic, technical or vocational. It provides for learners' broader development, enabling them to develop and discover their interests and talents

the curriculum and the provider's wider work support learners to develop their character - including their resilience, confidence and independence - and help them know how to keep physically and mentally healthy

at each stage of education, the provider prepares learners for future success in their next steps

the provider prepares learners for life in modern Britain by: equipping them to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society; developing their understanding of fundamental British values; developing their understanding and appreciation of diversity; celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law

Leadership and management

Inspectors will make a judgement on the effectiveness of leadership and management by evaluating the extent to which:

leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for providing high-quality, inclusive education and training to all. This is realised through strong, shared values, policies and practice

leaders focus on improving staff's subject, pedagogical and pedagogical content knowledge to enhance the teaching of the curriculum and the appropriate use of assessment. The practice and subject knowledge of staff are built up and improve over time

leaders aim to ensure that all learners complete their programmes of study. They provide the support for staff to make this possible and do not allow gaming or off-rolling (there is no legal definition of 'off-rolling'; however, we define 'off-rolling' as the practice of removing a learner from the provider's roll without a formal, permanent exclusion or by encouraging a parent to remove their child, when the removal is primarily in the interests of the provider rather than in the best interests of the learner - off-rolling in these circumstances is a form of 'gaming')

leaders engage effectively with learners and others in their community, including - where relevant - parents, carers, employers and local services

leaders engage with their staff and are aware and take account of the main pressures on them. They are realistic and constructive in the way that they manage staff, including their workload

leaders protect their staff from bullying and harassment

those responsible for governance understand their role and carry this out effectively. They ensure that the provider has a clear vision and strategy and that resources are managed well. They hold leaders to account for the quality of education or training

those with responsibility for governance ensure that the provider fulfils its statutory duties, for example under the Equality Act 2010, and other duties, for example in relation to the 'Prevent' strategy and safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of learners

leaders have created an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils' interests first. This means they:

protect pupils from serious harm, both online and offline

are vigilant, maintaining an attitude of 'it could happen here'

are open and transparent, sharing information with others and actively seeking expert advice when required

ensure that all those who work with learners are trained well so that they understand their responsibilities and the systems and processes that the provider operates and are empowered to 'speak out' where there may be concerns

actively seek and listen to the views and experiences of learners, staff and parents, taking prompt but proportionate action to address any concerns, where needed

have appropriate child protection arrangements, which: identify learners who may need early help, and who are at risk of harm or have been harmed - this can include, but is not limited to, neglect, abuse (including by their peers), grooming, exploitation, sexual abuse and online harm; secure the help that learners need and, if required, refer in a timely way to those who have the expertise to help; and manage safe recruitment and allegations about adults who may be a risk to learners

are receptive to challenge and reflective of their own practices to ensure that safeguarding policies, systems and processes are kept under continuous review

Inspectors will always report on whether arrangements for safeguarding learners are effective.

Arrangements for different types of provision

In addition to the judgements set out in the framework, inspectors will need to make a variety of other judgements and carry out regulatory activity in different types of provision. This section sets out those additional judgements and activities.

Early years

The framework sets out how we will inspect providers on the Early Years Register. In addition to inspection, we are also responsible for the registration and regulation of these providers. You can read more about the registration and regulation of settings on the Early Years Register.

Non-association independent schools

Non-association independent schools are subject to the Independent School Standards. Inspectors will check that schools meet these standards during inspection.

We give maintained schools, academies and non-association independent schools that have early years foundation stage provision a separate grade for that provision as part of school inspections carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005 (as amended by the Education Act 2011) or section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. We inspect provision for 2- and 3-year-olds in schools as part of a school inspection. This contributes to the judgement about the overall effectiveness of the school.

Schools with sixth forms

We give maintained schools, academies and non-association independent schools a separate grade for sixth-form provision as part of school inspections carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005 (as amended by the Education Act 2011) or section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. This contributes to the judgement about the overall effectiveness of the school.

Settings with residential and boarding provision

The inspection of boarding and residential provision will be carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, regarding the national minimum standards for boarding or residential provision, as appropriate.

Further details of how these boarding or residential inspections will be carried out can be found in the sections of our social care common inspection framework ( SCCIF) for: boarding schools and residential special schools and residential provision of further education colleges.

Further education and skills provision

All further education and skills providers will also have the following types of provision graded at full inspection, where appropriate: education programmes for young people; adult learning programmes; apprenticeships; and provision for learners with high needs. These contribute to the judgement about the overall effectiveness of the provider.

Further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and designated institutions

From September 2022, we will carry out enhanced full inspections to further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and designated institutions.

This enhancement will include an additional worded sub-judgement, linked to the quality of education and leadership and management key judgements, on the contribution the college is making to skills needs. The worded sub-judgement will be one of the following statements:

the college makes a limited contribution to meeting skills needs

the college makes a reasonable contribution to meeting skills needs

the college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs

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This guidance came into force on 1 September 2023. The education inspection framework ('the framework') sets out how Ofsted inspects maintained schools, academies, non-association independent schools, further education and skills provision and registered early years settings in England. The framework has been devised by His Majesty's Chief Inspector for use from September 2019.

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If you have applied to register as an organisation, the registration visit and interview will take place with the nominated individual. The inspector will check that you (as the nominated individual) fully understand the legal responsibilities of your role.

You must be accountable for meeting all the requirements. This means showing the inspector how you will make sure that the manager is running the setting properly (for example, setting suitable policies about safeguarding and recruitment).

As well as the points above, the inspector will check:

that you and your staff meet the EYFS qualification requirements for training and understand the childcare ratios

how much space you have for each child

that you understand the number and age of children you can care for (childcare ratios)

how you will organise your space to meet the children's learning, development and welfare needs

your premises' heating, ventilation, natural light and the general state of repair and cleanliness

that the children have access to outdoor play (this does not necessarily have to be on the premises), and any necessary arrangements for this

that there are enough suitable kitchen, toilet and nappy-changing facilities

that you and your staff will deliver educational programmes to help children learn and develop

The inspector will also check that you have suitable procedures for hiring staff, including:

recruitment processes

getting DBS checks

obtaining details of employment history, references and any other necessary checks, such as checks on an employee's physical and mental health

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Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted

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If you apply to join the Early Years Register, we will arrange a registration visit. This will normally take place once all your checks are complete, but could happen earlier.

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The Childcare Act 2006 says that childcare is 'any form of care for a child, including education or any other supervised activity'.

Most providers caring for children under 8 years old for more than 2 hours a day in England must register with Ofsted. If you're a childminder, you can choose to register with a childminder agency instead.

To register, you need to be 18 or over and have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

If you want to register with Ofsted, contact your local authority for information and advice. Local authorities are legally obliged to provide this support.

It is a criminal offence to provide unregistered childcare, or on unapproved premises, if you are legally required to register. Ofsted is responsible for making sure that only people who are suitable and ready to provide childcare are registered.

It is an offence to knowingly make a false or misleading statement in an application to register.

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Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted

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Introduction to Ofsted's role in registering childcare and the legal basis for our work.

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Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted - Suitability checks - Guidance - GOV.UK

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Details of the checks we carry out, including health checks and what to do if you have lived abroad in the last 5 years.

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How to become a childminder

You can get into this job by:

registering with a Childminder Agency

registering with Ofsted

Other Routes

There are introduction to childminding briefings that cover everything you need to prepare to register as a childminder. Your local council can give you information on where to find one.

The aim is to make sure that you understand completely what is involved before making a decision about whether it's the right career for you.

More Information

Registration

If you want to care for children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day, you'll need to register with one of the following:

For this, you'll usually need:

a home-based childcare course that covers the Early Years Foundation Stage framework

a paediatric first aid course

child protection training

a food safety qualification

You may have to do a basic skills test to show that you have the minimum standard of English and maths needed to support the educational development of children in your care. You'll also need to pass an assessment of your home and any equipment you will use.

Childminder agencies can provide pre-registration training to become a childminder. They also have information on registering and further training once you are a registered childminder.

Your first step is to look at Ofsted's pre-registration briefing on becoming a childminder or contact a Childminder Agency (CMA).

Career tips

It's a good idea to do some research where you live to find out if there is a demand for childminders in your local area.

You may need to budget to pay for courses, including first aid, health and safety, and safeguarding. There is a fee for registering with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency and you may need to pay for a medical check.

As you'll be self-employed, you might find it useful to learn more about your responsibilities for tax and taking out insurance. You can get advice about this from GOV.UK.

Further information

You'll find more advice on careers, courses and registration from:

You can also learn more about childcare training routes on the early years career progression map.

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Childminders care for babies, toddlers and children in their own home, supporting their learning and development.

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Find out if a person’s qualifications allow them to work in an early years setting, and if you can include them in staff:child ratios.

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Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations for managers

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Safeguarding Children and Protecting Professionals in Early Years Settings: Online Safety Considerations for Managers is a working document and we would appreciate your feedback. You can report on the guidance and your use of it by completing this survey which will close on 4th April 2019.

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The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. DBS is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office .