Inspections
The following information is for guidance. Always double check rules for your club with your senior management team, organisation board of trustees or your local authority.
Do we have to register our club?
Childcare for children aged three and over that is provided by a schools governing body (providing at least one pupil of the school attends) will not be separately registered by Ofsted. The governing body will be expected to meet the requirements of registration, and the care it offers will be included within the schools regular Ofsted inspections. Eligible families using the childcare can still claim Working Tax Credit or join employer supported schemes. Schools using external organisations to deliver childcare are encouraged to choose a registered provider.
Voluntary registration
Some organisations or individuals might wish to register voluntarily with Ofsted. Get more information on voluntary registration.
Will we be inspected?
- Formal day care breakfast clubs - Yes, you will be inspected individually by your regulating body. For detailed information and guidance see below.
- Non-registered breakfast clubs - You will not have an individual inspection but your provision is likely to be subject to an inspection visit (ie as a part of your schools Ofsted inspection).
Getting it sorted
- First be clear about which banner you are setting your club up under - childcare/study support or both. This will usually be dictated by your funding source (see funding page). For more information on providing formal childcare, visit our childcare pages.
- Before you start check with the person who runs the premises (school head, community centre leader etc.) what inspection procedures they operate under and whether you will need separate registration.
- Inspections make us all nervous but are often a great way to support your evaluation processes and can flag up to others what a great job you are doing. Be confident.
Useful links
England Links
Ofsted - The Ofsted home page.
Framework for the regulation of those on the Early Years and Childcare Registers 2008 (revised in August 2010)
Wales Links
Estyn - Estyn are the Welsh Ofsted equivalent responsible for school inspections Tel: 02920 446446
CSSIW - Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales - Responsible for the regulation of child and early years care in Wales
Estyn - Guidance on the inspection of primary schools September 2010
Estyn - Guidance on the inspection of secondary schools September 2010
Scotland Links
Education Scotland - Responsible for inspecting and reporting on the quality of education in Scotland.
Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland - Responsible for regulating and inspecting care provision across Scotland for all sectors and ages from birth to old age.
Northern Ireland Links
Department of Education Northern Ireland - Responsible for inspection and regulation in Northern Ireland. Tel: 01247 279279
