Our step-by-step roadmap guides you through every DBS check, health declaration, and Ofsted form for your household.
If you are registering as a childminder on domestic premises, Ofsted checks everyone registered at the address, not just you. This is often the #1 cause of delays in the registration process.
Anyone aged 16 or over who lives or works in your home must have an Enhanced DBS check with barred list.
It is not just your partner. You must apply for a check for all regulars.
Follow these steps exactly to avoid rejection by Ofsted.
Visit the Capita Ofsted Portal to begin the formal application.
Mistakes here void the check. Pick "Childminder", "Household Member", or "Assistant" exactly as required.
Cost is approx £48.10 per person. Fees are non-refundable, so verify all identity documents first.
CRITICAL: You MUST subscribe to the Update Service (£13/yr) within 30 days of receiving the cert.
Common hurdles and how to clear them.
If you forget to register for the Update Service within 30 days of your certificate date, you will have to pay for a brand new check. There are no exceptions to this HMRC/Ofsted rule.
You can only use a workplace DBS (Teacher/Nurse) if it is Enhanced AND already on the Update Service.
Apply on their 16th birthday. Ofsted will track this and send a reminder, but the responsibility is yours.
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KinderStart strives for accuracy. Competitor features and pricing comparisons are based on publicly available information as of May 2026. Details are subject to change by respective providers.