SureStart Logo
Childcare Approval SchemeChildcare Approval Scheme Home Frequently Asked Questions Links Childcare Approval SchemeChildcare Approval Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can find out more information on the voluntary part of the General Childcare Register?

A. The Department for Children, Schools and Families and Ofsted have produced a joint information leaflet entitled "Look after children for a living or as a volunteer?" which can be obtained from DCSF publications by calling 0845 60 222 60 and quoting ref: 00997-2007BKT-EN or by looking at the dedicated Voluntary Registration page on the OFSTED website.

Q. What do childcare providers need to do to become registered on the vGCR?

A. The application process is straightforward. Applications can be made online at www.ofsted.gov.uk; by calling 08456 404040 or by post. Applicants will be asked to confirm that they meet all of the registration requirements. They will also need to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Once this is complete and the applicant has paid the fee, Ofsted will make a decision and the applicant, where suitable, will be registered.

Q. Can you provide more information on the requirements to register on the voluntary part of the General Childcare Register?

A. Details on the full registration requirements are available from Ofsted’s website (by clicking on the link to voluntary registration.) Particular requirements that childcare providers should be aware of are:

  • The care must be provided for at least 2 hours a day; or joined up to the beginning or end of the school day; or be part of an arrangement whereby care is provided for a continuous period of at least two hours (for example, part of extended schools activities or childcare).
  • All staff with unsupervised access to children must undergo a check with the Criminal Records Bureau.
  • Staff, premises, equipment and care provision must be suitable and safe.
  • At least one staff member who is caring for children must have an appropriate first aid certificate, and one member of staff must have successfully completed training in the common core skills* or from September 2008, that they have a qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to the childcare.
  • The registered provider must have public liability insurance.

As described in the document "Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children’s Workforce" ISBN 1-84478-375-8, available at www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/deliveringservices/commoncore

Q. Do I have the right Qualifications and First Aid training eligible for registration on the vGCR?

A. You will wish to note that there are certain requirements, which you will need to meet in order to be registered on the VCR. Further information about the registration requirements can be found on the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. You should ensure that you meet all the requirements if you wish to be registered.

Q. What about people caring for children they are related to? Will the parents of the children be able to claim the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit?

A. Childcare will not be qualifying care for the Working Tax Credit childcare element or through tax and NICs savings on employer supported childcare or childcare vouchers if that care is provided by:

  • A relative of a child caring for that child in the child´s home even if the relative is registered or approved.
  • A childcarer approved under the scheme who is caring for a child away from the child's home who is only caring for related children.

For more advice on the Working Tax Credit please contact Her Majesty´s Revenue and Customs Helpline on 0845 300 3900. www.hmrc.gov.uk

Q. Do I need to be registered on the voluntary part of the General Childcare Register if I am paid in childcare vouchers?

A. For information about tax and National Insurance visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare

Q. Will being approved automatically mean that my employer can get financial help?

A. No, they will also have to satisfy Her Majesty´s Revenue and Customs eligibility conditions. See guidance at www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare for information on tax and National Insurance Contribution breaks on employer-supported childcare or call the Tax credits helpline on 0845 300 3900 for advice on tax credits and qualifying care.

Q. I have a query in connection with my Childcare Vouchers, who do I speak to?

A. Please contact your Voucher provider for all queries.