Guide

Childcare Ofsted Compliance Checklist

Comprehensive compliance checklist for Ofsted-registered childcare providers covering registration, safeguarding, staffing, premises, records, and insurance.

Education & Training UK-wide

Use this checklist to verify your childcare setting meets all key Ofsted requirements. Review at least quarterly and before any expected inspection.

Registration and legal

  • Ofsted registration certificate displayed and current
  • Annual registration fee paid (GBP 35 per register)
  • Ofsted notified of any changes (manager, premises, contact details)
  • Public liability insurance valid and certificate displayed (minimum GBP 5 million)
  • Employer's liability insurance valid and certificate displayed (if employing staff)
  • Registered as food business with local authority (if providing food)

Safeguarding

  • Written safeguarding policy reviewed in last 12 months and signed by all staff
  • Designated safeguarding lead (DSL) trained to Level 3, refreshed within last 2 years
  • Deputy DSL identified and trained
  • All staff completed safeguarding training (at induction and annual refresh)
  • All staff completed Prevent duty training
  • Mobile phone and camera policy in place and followed
  • Visitor sign-in procedure enforced (visitors never left alone with children)
  • LADO contact details readily available
  • Whistleblowing policy in place

Staffing

  • All staff have valid Enhanced DBS with children's barred list check
  • Single central record up to date (DBS dates, qualifications, references, right to work)
  • All staff signed disqualification declaration
  • Staff-to-child ratios met at all times (under 2: 1:3, age 2: 1:4, age 3-5: 1:8)
  • At least one person with valid 12-hour Paediatric First Aid on premises at all times
  • At least half of staff hold Level 2+ childcare qualification
  • Manager holds Level 3 with 2 years experience
  • SENCO identified (group settings)
  • Regular staff supervision recorded (every 6-8 weeks)

Premises and safety

  • Daily premises safety check completed and recorded
  • Fire risk assessment current and reviewed annually
  • Fire drill conducted and recorded this term
  • Fire alarm and smoke detectors tested weekly
  • All fire exits clear and accessible
  • Written risk assessments for premises, activities, and outings
  • Space requirements met (3.5m² per under-2, 2.5m² per age 2, 2.3m² per age 3-5)
  • Outdoor space accessible or daily outdoor activities planned
  • Sleeping children checked every 10 minutes (if applicable)

Records and policies

  • Daily attendance registers with arrival and departure times
  • Accident and incident records maintained
  • Medication records with parental consent
  • Safeguarding concern records stored securely
  • Complaints log maintained (retain 3 years)
  • Written complaints procedure shared with parents
  • Privacy notice issued to all parents
  • ICO data protection fee paid (if required)
  • Food safety records (if providing food): HACCP, temperatures, allergen information
  • All required policies written and accessible to staff and parents

Learning and development

  • EYFS curriculum covers all 7 areas of learning
  • 2-year progress check completed for eligible children
  • Ongoing observation and assessment system in place
  • Individual learning plans for children with SEND
  • British values promoted in age-appropriate ways