Do all childcare providers in the UK have to be Ofsted registered?

No. Ofsted registration is required for most providers looking after children under eight in England, including nurseries, pre-schools and childminders. However, nannies and babysitters caring for children in the child's own home are exempt from compulsory registration. Nannies can choose to register voluntarily, which can help parents access government funding schemes like Tax-Free Childcare.

What is the difference between an Enhanced DBS and a Standard DBS?

A Standard DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. An Enhanced DBS includes all of that, plus any additional information held by local police that may be relevant. An Enhanced DBS with the Children's Barred List also checks whether the individual is legally prohibited from working with children. For anyone working in regulated childcare activity, the Enhanced level with the Barred List is the legal requirement.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for a babysitter?

Only if the babysitter or nanny is Ofsted-registered. Tax-Free Childcare can be used with Ofsted-registered providers - including nannies who have voluntarily registered with Ofsted. Standard in-home babysitting through a platform where the carer is not Ofsted-registered falls outside the scheme.

What is the EYFS and does it apply to all childcare?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework that sets standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five in England. It is mandatory for all providers on the Ofsted Early Years Register. It does not apply to babysitters or nannies who have not registered with Ofsted. A revised EYFS came into force in September 2025 with updated requirements around safeguarding, staff training and attendance monitoring.

How do I check if a childcare provider is Ofsted registered?

You can search for any provider using Ofsted's free online tool at reports.ofsted.gov.uk. It shows their registration status, the date of their most recent inspection, and the full inspection report. You can also ask any provider directly for their Ofsted unique reference number (URN).

Is in-home childcare safe if it is not Ofsted regulated?

Regulation is one layer of safety, but it is not the only one. In-home childcare is exempt from Ofsted regulation by law, and many families use it safely. What matters is the vetting process applied: whether identity has been verified, references checked, background checks run, and insurance arranged. A good app or agency will do this work upfront.

What safeguarding duties does a nursery or childminder have?

Under the EYFS, registered providers must have a written safeguarding policy, a named Designated Safeguarding Lead, and clear procedures for reporting concerns. All staff must receive safeguarding training at least every two years. Providers must also follow up on unexplained absences and hold emergency contact details for every child.