Information for Childcarers

What the scheme does

1. It verifies that the individual has a suitable childcare qualification.
2. It verifies that the applicant has undergone appropriate first aid training within 3 years prior to the date of application.
3. It carries out an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check including a POCA (Protection of Children’s Act) list check. The Childcare Approval Body will then assess whether the CRB disclosure or entries on the POCA list contain information which would make the applicant unsuitable to work with children.
4. The scheme is voluntary and applies only to childcare provided in England.

What the scheme doesn’t do

1. It doesn’t verify whether the childcarer is eligible to work in the UK.
2. It doesn’t clarify the age group that they are suited to work with.
3. It doesn’t guarantee that parents using an approved childcarer are entitled to financial support either via working tax credit or employer supported childcare.
4. It doesn’t remove the parents’ responsibility to make sure that childcarers are individually suitable to look after their children.

How do I find out more?

The helpline 0845 7678 111 (calls are charged at the local rate or higher from a mobile or public phone) and website www.surestart.gov.uk/childcareapproval.

How long will approval be valid?

Approval will be valid for one year and as the scheme is self financing a fee of £96 will be payable which will include the cost of the CRB check plus VAT.

Can employers check whether a carer has been approved?

An employer can check if their carer is approved by the helpline initially and later via an interactive website. They will need the name and unique number shown on the approval letter plus the CRB application identifier number. This information is known only to the carer and Approval Body. In most cases an employer will wish to confirm that their carer is currently approved before offering employment and /or applying for financial support.

The only information that will be given is whether the carer is approved or not.