How to Register an After-School Club in the UK?

Determining whether your out-of-school club requires Ofsted registration is essential for compliance with UK childcare regulations. While there are specific exemptions, most clubs offering general childcare services must be registered. However, if your club is directly managed by a school—meaning the staff are employed by the school governors—and at least one student from that school attends the club, it typically falls under the school’s existing Ofsted registration, eliminating the need for separate registration.

Compulsory Registration

The regulation and inspection of childcare provisions are governed by the Childcare Act 2006. If your club provides care for children from birth until the 31st of August following their fifth birthday for more than two hours daily, you are legally required to register with Ofsted on the Early Years Register. This entails adherence to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, under which inspections will be conducted. Practically, this means that clubs accepting children in their reception year or younger must be on the Early Years Register.

For those caring for children from the 1st of September after their fifth birthday (typically Year 1) up to the age of eight for more than two hours per day, registration on the Compulsory part of the Childcare Register is mandatory.

Exemptions to Compulsory Registration

Certain settings are exempt from compulsory registration. For instance, if your club operates as a holiday program running for 14 days or fewer within a calendar year, if children attend for less than two hours daily, or if the club focuses on specific activities like karate, piano, or chess, registration may not be required. Ofsted provides a comprehensive list of such exemptions, see here for more info.

Voluntary Registration

If your club caters to children aged eight to 18, you have the option to register with the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register. This register is designed for providers who offer care for children not covered by compulsory registration, either for two or more hours in a day or for periods less than two hours when this includes care immediately before or after the school day.

Registration Process

Once you’ve decided to establish an out-of-school club, it’s crucial to submit your registration application promptly, as the process can take up to six months for the Early Years Register. In 2023, Ofsted indicated that the registration process should not exceed 12 weeks, regardless of the register; however, it’s advisable to allow extra time. The process may be quicker if you’re only joining the Childcare Register, but this isn’t guaranteed.

Ofsted now exclusively accepts applications for the Early Years or Childcare Registers through the GOV.UK website. To apply, you’ll need a Government Gateway account; if you don’t have one, you should register for it first. Before submitting your online application, ensure you possess an Enhanced DBS Disclosure certificate with a barred list check. If necessary for your role, you should also complete the Health Declaration Form. Ofsted will need to verify your DBS certificate, so if you lack a recent DBS check and aren’t enrolled in the DBS Update Service, you’ll need to apply for a new DBS check via Ofsted.

Pre-Registration Visit and Post-Registration Inspections

After your registration visit, Ofsted will inspect all new out-of-school providers on the Early Years Register within 30 months of opening and subsequently at least once every six years. It’s important to note that Ofsted typically does not conduct pre-registration visits or post-registration inspections for clubs solely on the Childcare Register. Instead, approximately 10% of such settings are inspected randomly each year.

Registration in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Ofsted registration applies exclusively to settings in England. If your club is based in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you’ll need to register with the appropriate regulatory authority:

     •       Wales: Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW). For more information, contact the nearest CSSIW regional office, call 0300 7900 126 or apply online here.

     •       Scotland: The Care Inspectorate (SCSWIS). Reach out to your nearest regional office, call 0345 600 9527 for details or apply online.

     •       Northern Ireland: The Health and Social Care Trusts. Contact your local HSC Trust for more information.

For assistance and information on standards and the regulatory framework for out-of-school clubs and play settings in these regions, you can consult organisations such as Play Wales, the Scottish Out of School Care Network, and Playboard NI.

Understanding the requirements and processes for registering your out-of-school club ensures compliance with regulations and promotes a safe, structured environment for the children in your care.

More Resources

We want to keep you up to date with all the ways Cheqdin can help you provide excellent services to children and childcare providers. Check out the following resources.

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