Policy & Regulation

A plain-English guide to the framework behind out of school childcare Regulations, funding, and government programmes — what you need to know, whether you’re a parent, provider, or school.
Ofsted Guidance

Understanding the landscape

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From Ofsted registration to government funding, here’s a plain-English guide to the policy framework that shapes out of school childcare — and the support available to families.
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Registration

Ofsted Registration

Ofsted Registration

Most out of school clubs must register with Ofsted. Which register depends on the ages of children you care for:
  • The Early Years Register covers children from birth to the end of Reception year. Settings on this register must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

  • The Compulsory Childcare Register covers children from the start of Year 1 until they turn 8.

  • The Voluntary Childcare Register is for providers caring for children aged 8 and over, or for settings that don’t meet the requirements of the other registers.

  • Some settings are exempt — but without registration, parents can’t access government help with costs, and there are no legal safeguards around safe care.

Ofsted
Funding for Families

Help With Childcare Costs

 Families can access government support to help with the cost of registered childcare – more parents are eligible to claim than actually do, so check your eligibility not he Childcare Choices website 

  • Tax-Free Childcare — For every £8 a parent pays in, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children).

  • Universal Credit Childcare — Working families on Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs.

  • Childcare Vouchers — Now closed to new applicants, but some parents still use existing schemes through their employer.

  • To qualify, childcare must be with an Ofsted-registered provider.
Childcare Choices Website
Safeguarding Guide

National Wraparound Childcare Programme

The National Wraparound Childcare Programme Launched in 2024, this government programme aims to ensure all parents of primary school children can access wraparound childcare — from 8am to 6pm, term time — by 2026. Local authorities are leading delivery, working with schools and providers to fill gaps in provision. Some areas are funding new places directly; others are supporting existing providers to expand. OOSA works closely with the Department for Education and local authorities to support the rollout — and to make sure the voice of providers is heard in how the programme is shaped.
NWCP Guidance
Where OOSA Fits

Our Role in Shaping Policy

No other organisation in the sector has this level of access to government.

We hold seats on the DfE’s Primary Aged Childcare Steering Group and the Permanent Secretary’s Stakeholder Group. Our CEO Rebekah is a DfE Expert Advisor, and we engage quarterly with Ofsted through their National Consultative Forum.

When policy changes, we’re often in the room. And when it needs to change, we push for it — informed by what our members tell us.

For Parents

Understanding what's regulated, what's not, and how to access help with childcare costs. Link to Parents Page

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For Providers

Registration requirements, the different Ofsted registers, and what's expected of you. Join Us Button

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For Schools

Your role in the National Wraparound Childcare Programme and what it means for your community. Join Us Button

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