The Benefits of Ofsted Registration Explained
We’ve recently been thinking about those FAQs we get from nannies and families who are understandably baffled by the different types of childcare, qualifications and accreditations out there. (We recently blogged on the difference between nannies and childminders and we will be doing a few more of these so keep a look-out.)
One question that often comes up when nannies are looking at training or families are looking to hire a nanny, is Ofsted registration – whether to do it or whether your nanny should have it?
So we thought maybe we could use this rainy week to write about the process and its benefits for nannies and families.
Do nannies need to register?
Not every nanny is Ofsted registered and (unlike childminders) nannies aren’t legally required to sign-up. Some choose to join the voluntary register because a family has asked them to, or if it’s a job requirement. Or if they also work as a childminder looking after children in their home. But any nanny can become Ofsted registered if they have the right paperwork, whether they’re a live in, live out, full time or part-time.
What does it actually mean? (Is it just more annoying paperwork?)
If you’re in the process of becoming a nanny or hiring one, there can be quite a few hoops to jump through. There’s a lot of filling out forms and trying to understand information on the Government website. (OMG. The Government website. Noooooooooooooooooo!)
We can appreciate the idea of volunteering to do yet more paperwork may not be too appealing. Especially since it involves Ofsted – an organisation that’s often associated with stressful inspections and assessments. But it’s actually not as scary as it sounds and brings with it lots of benefits to nannies and families, so it’s definitely worth considering signing-up.
And if you’re a Happy Nest nanny or client we are always here to help, so if you get stuck please just give us a call.
Why bother?
Well for a start it shows a nanny is serious about what they do. They need to have completed several other checks before they can register (see below) so it demonstrates a certain level of commitment and qualification.
A nanny who chooses to register and get official recognition when it’s not a requirement is very attractive to potential employers in itself. But perhaps most importantly for a lot of families, being Ofsted registered means they can pay their nanny with Childcare Vouchers or their Tax Free Childcare account. This is a big help with childcare costs.
If you’re an employer, you can ask your nanny to register (as long as they’ve got all the paperwork and qualifications) but they obviously don’t have to, as it does involve some additional costs. Employers often offer to help with the cost of registration in order to make it easier for nannies to sign-up.
What do nannies need to become Ofsted registered?
Nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, pretty much all things most nannies will already have or employers would ask for as standard.
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A fully enhanced DBS check – this should be something that all childcare workers have as standard anyway.
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Be registered on the DBS update service – this means their DBS check is re-run every year. The paper copies are only valid for three years, so this is a much more reliable service.
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A valid Level 3 (12 hour) Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
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A relevant childcare qualification.
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Nanny insurance (otherwise known as public liability insurance).
What’s the process?
It’s fairly easy to be honest (even if you do have to use the Government website!). As long as nannies have all of the above paperwork and qualifications it takes about 20 mins to create a Government Gateway account and register online with Ofsted. Ofsted will then request to see proof of certain documents before they will release the certificate.
How much does it cost?
Annual registration costs £103 per year. Some nannies may need to pay additional costs if they don’t already have DBS clearance or an up-to-date Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
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DBS is £55.89 plus £13 per year to keep it on the update register.
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A first aid course costs anywhere from £50 – £150 depending on location.
DBS clearance and first aid training are things nannies will need anyway, but since the Ofsted registration is voluntary, most families offer to help with costs.
If you’re a nanny and not already registered, we’d recommend it if you’re looking for work. And don’t forget to keep up with all our latest jobs via our Facebook page.
And if you’re a client looking for a nanny please give us a call, we’d be happy to help with any other questions you have.
We hope this was helpful – and most importantly, that the sun shines on you all this weekend.
The Happy Nest Team.
