Welcome to the Childcare Approval Scheme website:
Information for nannies and parents

You may be aware that the government recently introduced the voluntary part of the new General Childcare Register (vGCR). The vGCR allows childcare that was not previously able to be registered by Ofsted - including care that is provided in the child’s home and care for children aged eight and over - to now become registered, if it meets the requirements. Following the introduction of the vGCR, the Childcare Approval Scheme (CAS) has been phased out.

The Childcare Approval Scheme no longer accepts applications.
Applications for registration on the voluntary part of the General Childcare Register should be made to Ofsted. You can contact Ofsted on 08456 404040 or at their website www.ofsted.gov.uk. Any existing CAS approvals will remain valid until they expire, i.e. one year after they were granted.

You will wish to note that there are certain requirements which you will need to meet in order to be registered on the VGCR. Further information about the registration requirements can be found on the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

You should ensure that you meet all the requirements if you wish to be registered.
In particular, to be registered, there must always be at least one person providing childcare who has successfully completed training in the core skills as set out in the document ‘Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children’s Workforce’. This document can be found on the following link:
www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/deliveringservices/commoncore

Your existing qualifications and/or training may already meet the common core requirements, however you will need to check this. You may also need additional first aid training.

Registration on the vGCR will give you, and parents of children you care for, similar benefits to the CAS, including becoming eligible childcare for the purposes of claiming the childcare element of working tax credits and employer supported childcare vouchers. The annual charge for the vGCR is currently £103 plus the cost of a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Existing approved childcarers under the Childcare Approval Scheme can check the CAS website at www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk or can email us at info@childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk