Ofsted Childcare Register

As part of the Voluntary section of the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR), nannies can now register in order that their employers can benefit from any government or company childcare benefits, such as child tax credits/working tax credits and childcare vouchers.

Applying to the Ofsted Childcare Register

The nanny must apply as a "Home Childcarer" (it is important that they apply as this and not as a Childcare Provider on Domestic Premises). The process can take a long while, in some cases up to 12 weeks. Therefore it is advisable to get the nanny to apply straight away to avoid lengthy delays during which you may not be able to redeem any childcare vouchers. During the registration period it may be feasible to claim backdated vouchers - however the parent would need to contact the voucher scheme company or their own HR department to seek additional information to see if they can back-date any vouchers.

The nanny must hold onto the certificate of registration as it is a condition of registration that the nanny shows parents his/her certificate on request. If it gets lost or damaged a replacement must be applied for at a cost of £5.

Is there a charge for applying?

All applicants pay a non-refundable application fee. The application fee (as at Nov 2008) is £103 and does include the cost of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. Each year an annual fee will also be charged to remain on the register, which is set by Government. The annual fee (as at Nov 2008) is £103.

Who pays for all of the fees?

The nanny in the first instance is responsible as the applicant for paying the fees. However, we would recommend that as the employer gets the tax benefit, that the employer pays all or part of those costs.

The costs are as follows:

• Application fee - £103 (includes the CRB and verification service operated by the post office). Please note a nanny does not require an additional CRB if he/she has had one completed in the last 3 years by Ofsted
• Public Liability Insurance - ranges between £70 - £90
• 12 hour Paediatric First Aid - approx £120 (unless the nanny already holds a valid certificate in the last 3 years)
• ICP Course – approx £220 (if the nanny requires childcare training)

Both the nanny and the employer must discuss and agree as to who pays the costs, and we would recommend that a clause in the employment contract covers the agreement on costs. It is also advisable to have a clause in the employment contract as follows:

"The nanny position has been offered on the condition that the Employee will register with the OCR, and that her application is submitted within 2 weeks of the job commencing, and that a successful registration is obtained. Failure to comply with this clause will result in the contract being terminated without notice. In addition if the Employee leaves the employment of the Employer within 6 months of registration with the OCR, then the Employer may recover any costs of the registration from the Employee by deduction from her final salary."

How to apply

Before the nanny applies I recommend that she has an up to date First Aid Certificate (i.e. received in the last 3 yrs and must cover paediatric first aid), or has taken an up to date First Aid Course. If that is the case, then the nanny must apply to register on the OCR (it is the voluntary section of the Childcare Register) and this can be done online by applying for a Government Gateway Account, but our experience with this site is that it is hopeless therefore we would recommend that the nanny telephones Ofsted direct on 0845 640 4040 and request that they post a form to her.

The nanny must then fill in the form (don't forget that the nanny is applying as a Home Childcarer), which must be done in writing in black ink. The form is not easy, so make sure she follows all the Guidance Notes provided – the nanny may have to answer sections that at first sight may not seem relevant, but they will need to be completed. If she has any doubts, she should contact Ofsted. The form must then be sent to Ofsted. They will then write and let you know that the application has been received and the letter will include details on:

• How to obtain an enhanced CRB disclosure through Ofsted (unless the nanny already holds a disclosure carried out by Ofsted within the past 3 years)
• How the nanny has to go to her local post office to arrange a check of the nanny's identity for the CRB form and any other information that Ofsted say they require
• How to pay the non-refundable application fee
• How to provide any further information Ofsted request to deem the nanny suitable to provide childcare

Ofsted will then assess the nanny's suitability by considering the information on the application form and CRB disclosure, and if they are satisfied they will register the nanny. Please note that if the nanny has lived abroad in the past three years they should tell Ofsted of the countries they have lived in on the application form, and this could delay the registration.

Once the nanny has been granted registration a certificate is issued. This is proof that the nanny is registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register and must show the certificate to parents on request. As mentioned if the nanny loses the certificate they must apply for a replacement.

Can the nanny be refused registration?

Yes, the nanny can be refused if he/she has already been disqualified, is unsuitable, fails to pay the fee or does not agree to the requirements of the register or lives with someone who is disqualified.

Can the nanny withdraw from the process?

A nanny can withdraw their application at any time during the registration process up to the granting or refusing of registration but the application fee is not refundable.

Will the nanny get inspected?

Once registered, Ofsted may inspect the nanny at any time. Ofsted will always seek permission from parents to enter the premises.

Where can the nanny gain a
qualification and first aid training?

Tinies Childcare offers the appropriate qualifications to nannies to support their application for approval and registration.

Where can the nanny gain insurance?

Nannies can choose between two policies: a) £3,000,000 limit of indemnity for an annual fee of £70, b) £5,000,000 limit of indemnity for an annual fee of £90. Both policies offer the same great benefits and ensure that both the nanny and children are protected.

Please contact Nannyinsure on 0845 226 7329
or visit www.nannyinsure.co.uk