What is day care?
Day care is care provided at any time (day or night) for children under eight on premises other than domestic premises for more than a total of two hours a day.
Day care providers need to be registered with Ofsted.
Providers must normally register on the Ofsted Early Years Register if they want to care for children from birth to five.
They must register on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register if they want to care for children from five to seven.
Does everyone who looks after children need to be on the register?
No. Day care provided at the following establishments does not normally need to be registered with Ofsted if the care provided is an integral part of the establishment’s activities:
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a residential children’s home
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a care home
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a hospital (where the children are looked after as patients)
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a residential family centre
However, you may need to register if the childcare in connection with any of these establishments is not a part of the establishment’s activities.
Also, if you provide care for less than 14 days in any year, you do not need to register. However, you should notify Ofsted in writing at least 14 days before you start providing care. Ofsted has information factsheets to help you determine whether your provision needs to be registered.
How do I find out more?
If you are looking to set up within the Dudley borough you can contact the childcare strategy team for further information and support via our online form or telephone on 01384 818121.
Dudley's Family Information Service (FIS) can give you information about childcare provision in your area.
Helpful hints:
Some of the questions you should ask yourself before contacting your local authority are:
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do I enjoy looking after children?
- have I identified premises?
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are my premises suitable?
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what age of children do I wish to look after?
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can I offer play activities, meals, snacks and drinks, sleeping and resting facilities, toilet and nappy changing facilities?
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can I offer children a happy and stimulating environment, with sufficient toys, furniture and equipment to meet their needs?
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can I provide opportunities for children to develop and learn?
You should also decide what type of day care you want to provide and the registration requirements.
