What Licence do I need to Operate a Nursery?

By: Elizabeth Grace - Updated: 19 Jun 2019 | *Discuss

 

Q.Do I need a Requisite Licence from the DFE to operate a nursery?

A.

The Government recognises the importance of taking steps to set standards that help to assure the safety and quality of care for children in nurseries. Specific requirements vary, depending on a number of factors, including the size of the centre and the ages of the children to be enrolled.

Most childcare providers in the UK need to register with Ofsted (The Office for Standards in Education) or in Wales the CSSIW (care and social services inspector for Wales) - if they plan to care for children up to eight years of age. There are exceptions, including carers who look after children who: attend for no more than two hours at a time, are related to the caregiver, are the caregiver’s foster children, are cared for in a domestic environment (either the child’s or the caregiver’s home), are being schooled or tutored, or are being tended in a care home, children’s home, hospital, or resident family centre. Additionally, care that is offered as part of another business, such as those that offer care for children whose parents are shopping or working out at an attached sports or shopping centre are exempt from registration.

Ofsted offers two different registers, the first being The Early Years Register, which applies to centres that offer care for children from birth through 31 August after their fifth birthdays. These centres must also deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which specifies the requirements for the welfare, education, and development of young children.

The second register is The Childcare Register, which is comprised of two parts. The first part is compulsory for caregivers who will be tending children aged from 1 September after their fifth birthday up to the age of eight, unless they are included in the exclusions mentioned above. This part covers all six and seven year olds, as well as some five year olds. The second part is voluntary, and covers caregivers who choose to register, but are not required to do so, including nannies, coaches, and carers who look after older children. If you’d like to get individualised advice regarding registration for the specific type of care that you plan to provide at your nursery, you can reach the Ofsted Helpline at 08456 404040.

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