Childcare Ofsted Compliance Checklist

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 (childminders GBP 35; childcare on domestic or non-domestic premises GBP 220, reduced to GBP 35 for limited part-time provision; Childcare Register only GBP 103 for childminders and nannies or GBP 114 for childcare on premises)
Ofsted notified of any changes (manager, premises, contact details)
Appropriate insurance (such as public liability) valid and certificate displayed — a statutory EYFS requirement with no minimum amount specified
Employer's liability insurance valid and certificate displayed (if employing staff)
Registered as food business with local authority (if providing food)

Written safeguarding policy reviewed in last 12 months and signed by all staff
Designated safeguarding lead (DSL) trained to Level 3, refreshed in line with local safeguarding partnership requirements (every 2 years is the norm)
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

All staff have valid Enhanced DBS with children's barred list check
Staff suitability records 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: 1:5, 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)

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 frequently — the EYFS requires frequent checks; 10-minute intervals are good practice, not a statutory interval (if applicable)

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