Guide

Register Holiday Clubs and Out-of-School Care

Ofsted registration requirements for holiday clubs, breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, and wraparound care. Covers when registration is required, exemptions, and compliance obligations.

UK-wide

Holiday clubs, breakfast clubs, and after-school clubs for children aged 5-7 must register with Ofsted on the Compulsory Childcare Register. Provision for children aged 8+ can register on the Voluntary Childcare Register.

However, there are important exemptions - particularly for school-run clubs - so it's essential to check whether registration applies to your provision before you start operating.

Registration requirements and exemptions

Why register voluntarily for 8+ provision?

Even if you only care for children aged 8 and over (where registration is voluntary), there are benefits to registering:

  • Tax-Free Childcare: Parents can only claim Tax-Free Childcare (up to £2,000 per child per year) if your club is Ofsted-registered
  • Quality assurance: Ofsted registration demonstrates your club meets national standards
  • Competitive advantage: Registered clubs may be more attractive to parents
  • Employer vouchers: Some employer childcare voucher schemes require Ofsted registration

Registration costs £103 application fee plus £80 per year - the benefits often outweigh these costs.

Common registration questions

What if we only operate during school holidays?

You must register if you operate for more than 14 days in total per year. A two-week summer camp only (14 days or fewer) is exempt, but if you run multiple holiday camps throughout the year totalling more than 14 days (e.g., Easter, summer, October half-term), you must register.

What if we're a sports coaching company running an after-school club?

If your club provides wholly sport-focused coaching with no general childcare element, you may be exempt. However, if you provide general supervision, snacks, and play time alongside sport coaching, you must register. Contact Ofsted if unsure.

Can schools run breakfast and after-school clubs without registering?

Yes, if the school directly employs staff, manages the provision, operates on school premises, and serves only the school's registered pupils, the club is exempt. However, if a private company runs the club (even on school premises), it must register.

What about wraparound care at nurseries?

If you're already registered on the Early Years Register for under-5s provision, you may need to also register on the Compulsory Childcare Register if you care for 5-7 year olds (e.g., before/after school for school-age siblings). The additional registration costs £35.

Staff and safety requirements

Out-of-school clubs have the same core safety requirements as other childcare provision:

  • DBS checks: Enhanced DBS checks for all staff in regular contact with children
  • Paediatric First Aid: At least one person on site must have a valid 12-hour certificate
  • Safeguarding training: All staff must complete safeguarding training
  • Insurance: Public Liability (£5-10 million) and Employer's Liability if employing staff (£5 million minimum)
  • Qualifications: At least half of staff should hold Level 2 childcare qualifications; manager should hold Level 3

Staff ratios for 5-7 year olds are 1:8 minimum. For children aged 8+, there are no set ratios - use risk assessment to determine appropriate supervision levels.

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