Register as a nanny

A nanny looks after children in the home of one of the families they work for. You do not have to register with Ofsted to do this, but you can choose to.

Why register

Nannies join the voluntary part of Ofsted's Childcare Register, whatever the age of the children. You cannot join the Early Years Register as a nanny.

Who can register

You cannot register if you are under 18, are related to all the children you look after, do not have the right to work in the UK, are barred from working with children, or have been disqualified.

What you need before you apply

• first aid training
• childcare training, which your local council can advise on
• public liability insurance
• an enhanced DBS check with barred lists, for home-based workers if you live in the home where you work
• a certificate of good character from an embassy if you have lived abroad in the past 5 years

Ofsted rejects applications that are missing the right documents. Processing usually takes up to 10 weeks, and you pay the registration fee every year.

What you must do once registered

Ofsted can inspect you to check that you:

• keep children safe from harm and know how to act on concerns about abuse or neglect
• hold an appropriate first aid qualification and public liability insurance
• have a level 2 qualification relevant to the childcare, or training in the common core skills
• make sure everyone who helps you provide childcare has an enhanced DBS check with barred lists
• never use corporal punishment, smoke, drink or take drugs while looking after children
• give parents information about Ofsted's role and a copy of your registration certificate if they ask
• tell Ofsted about any serious incident within 14 days, and about changes to your name, address, working hours or the number of children you look after