Ofsted Registration

Out of school services can be registered with OFSTED provided they are caring for children aged under eight years of age for more than two hours a day and more than 6 days a year.

• Currently some groups do not need to be registered such as those that care for children over the age of eight, if you are unsure ask the group or contact the Children’s Information Service
• Out of school services registered with OFSTED are checked to make sure the staff (called play workers) are suitable to look after children. At least half of them must be trained and there are rules on the ratio of staff to children depending on the ages of the children catered for.
• Ofsted will specify on the groups certificate of registration the number and the ages of children that they can care for and the set number of staff needed to work with the children.
• A check is also done on the premises of registered out of school services to ensure it is safe and suitable for children.
• After a group is registered, every year an inspection is carried out to make sure they continue to provide a safe and suitable service.
• If they are a registered group you should ask to see the groups registration certificate and the latest annual inspection report.
• If you are unsure discuss it with the group themselves or contact the Children’s Information Service

Ofsted also has responsibility to investigate any complaint against a registered out of school group and then to enforce any actions or decisions that are taken in light of that complaint.