Ofsted releases guidance on childcare register

As of September, all childcare providers who look after children aged from birth to five will have to register on the database.

Exceptions include: crèches which care for children for less than two hours a day; crèches attached to sports or shopping centres where parents are not far away; and providers who offer limited activities, such as sports or arts clubs.

Childminders who work with more than three people will no longer be able to operate as childminders but will be classed as a childcare provider and have to register.

Schools will only have to register if they care for children under three or there is a separate nursery attached.