Everything You Need to Know About Ofsted

Ofsted registration is not a legal requirement for nannies in the UK. However, if you want to use the Tax-Free Childcare scheme to pay for your nanny, they must be voluntarily registered with Ofsted. This registration shows they have met specific standards, including an enhanced DBS check and a paediatric first aid certificate.

When you start employing a nanny, you’ll soon hear the term "Ofsted" (the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills). It’s the government body that inspects and regulates childcare, schools, and other learning services in England. For nurseries and childminders, Ofsted registration is a legal must.

But what about nannies? The rules are different, and understanding them is crucial for you as an employer, especially if you plan on using government schemes to help with childcare costs.

Is Ofsted Registration Mandatory for Nannies?

No. In almost all cases, registration for a nanny is completely voluntary.

Ofsted has a specific register for this, called the Voluntary Childcare Register (VOCR). A nanny is not required to be on it to work legally in your home.

The only time this changes is if a person cares for children from more than two families at the same time in a domestic setting. At that point, Ofsted re-classifies them as a childminder, and registration becomes compulsory. But for a standard nanny working for one family (or in a nanny share), it remains optional.

The Main Benefit: Tax-Free Childcare

So, if it’s not a legal requirement, why bother? The answer is simple: money.

The only way you can use the UK government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme to pay your nanny is if they are registered with Ofsted.

Under this scheme, the government will add £2 for every £8 you pay into a special childcare account, up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 if your child is disabled). For families with one or two children, this can mean a saving of thousands of pounds a year.

Without your nanny's Ofsted registration number, you cannot use this scheme.

Other Benefits for Employers

Beyond the financial-sized carrot, an Ofsted-registered nanny also gives you peace of mind. To be accepted onto the register, a nanny must prove they have:

• An enhanced DBS check (a criminal record check).

• A valid paediatric first aid certificate.

• A childcare qualification or relevant training (such as the Common Core Skills).

• Valid public liability insurance.

This acts as a pre-vetted checklist of key safety and professional standards.

What Are the Requirements for a Nanny to Register?

For a nanny to join the Voluntary Childcare Register, they must apply to Ofsted themselves (you cannot do it for them).

They will need to provide:

1. An Enhanced DBS Check: This must be an 'enhanced' check that includes the 'barred lists'. The nanny must also subscribe to the DBS Update Service (for an annual fee) to keep the check valid.‍
2. A Paediatric First Aid Certificate: This must be a course that is compliant with Ofsted's requirements.‍
3. A Relevant Qualification: This can be a minimum Level 2 childcare qualification or, more commonly, a "Common Core Skills and Knowledge" training certificate.‍
4. Public Liability Insurance: They must have this in place.‍
5. A 'Suitability' Check: This includes a declaration that they (and anyone over 16 in their own home) are not disqualified from working with children.

The application is submitted online via the GOV.UK website and can take up to 12 weeks to be processed.

Who Pays for Ofsted Registration?

The nanny has to pay the registration fee to Ofsted, which is £103 per year (as of 2025/26).

They also have to pay for their own DBS check, first aid course, and insurance.

However, because the primary benefit (Tax-Free Childcare) goes to you, the employer, it is very common and often expected for the employer to cover these costs. You can either pay for them upfront or reimburse your nanny. Many families choose to add this as a clause in the employment contract.

A Note on Payroll and Tax-Free Childcare

Remember, using the Tax-Free Childcare scheme is simply a method of payment. It does not change your legal duties as an employer.

You must still be registered with HMRC as an employer, run a compliant payroll (PAYE), pay Employer's National Insurance, and provide your nanny with legal payslips.

The process works like this:

1. You run your nanny's monthly payroll and calculate the total gross salary and tax.
2. You pay the nanny's net salary (take-home pay) from your Tax-Free Childcare account.
3. You pay the tax and National Insurance due to HMRC from your regular bank account.

It sounds complicated, but our payroll service takes care of all the calculations for you. We'll provide a clear breakdown of exactly what to pay to your nanny and what to pay to HMRC, so you can use your childcare account and remain fully compliant. Fully digital, no paperwork, no stress.

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