4Children launches new Website to help childcare Providers find out if the need to register

A new online tool will be launched on Thursday 16th April to help childcare providers to check whether they may be required to be registered on either of the two Childcare Registers. Users of the Childcare Registration Wizard online questionnaires will also be signposted to essential resources, such as Ofsted factsheets, tailored to the responses they provide.

The ‘wizard’ website has been developed by national children’s charity, 4Children, in partnership with the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It has been designed to support current childcare providers including schools, and those considering providing childcare 0–18.

Users will be taken through a brief series of statements and, based on the options they select to reflect their provision, will reach a results page giving clear information about registration requirements for that type of childcare. They will also be directed to the Ofsted website for details of how to register.

Children and Young People’s Minister Beverley Hughes said: “The Government knows that childcare providers across the country work tirelessly to look after millions of children and toddlers and we are determined to provide them with as much support as possible to aid their invaluable work. 

“In 2008 we reformed the childcare registration and inspection processes to create a simpler process for providers and to reassure parents that their child will be in safe, high quality childcare, whatever the provision. To help providers access the new registration requirements we have funded 4Children to develop an online tool which will further simplify the process and give providers clear and concise support and information.” 

Anne Longfield OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children, said: “By answering just a few simple questions, this new online tool will give childcare providers the peace of mind of knowing that they are following registration requirements, as well as easy access to how to register if they need to. Childcare is a demanding job and those who work in the profession, plus those who are considering it as a career, will no doubt welcome this free service which gives them relevant and practical information and resources.”

The website will be accessible via www.4Children.org.uk/childcareregistration.

There are two Registers, administered by Ofsted: the Early Years Register, and the General Childcare Register which has two parts, the compulsory part and the voluntary part. For more information about the Registers visit www.ofsted.gov.uk.

4Children
4Children is the national charity all about children and families. It aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities. For more information visit www.4Children.org.uk.