Starting up

Ofsted

With few exceptions, individuals or groups wishing to deliver childcare will need to make an application to register with the Early Years Directorate of Ofsted.

Advice and guidance about the early years and childcare registers, how to find out if you need to register, and the application process, are available by clicking on the link to the ofsted website below.

Childminding applicants are advised to read the guidance on the page Information for Childminding Applicants before making an online application.

Ofsted website

The Local Authority – sources of advice for applicants

Swindon Borough Council has a statutory duty to provide advice to potential childcare providers to enable them to meet the minimum statutory requirements of the Ofsted childcare registers.

Links to sources of advice and guidance for specific types of applicant are available as follows:

Getting Started – Childminders

Preliminary information for all prospective childminders including the next steps required to become a childminder is available by clicking on the following link:

Information for childminding applicants

For potential applicants who would prefer to speak to someone, the same information is available by contacting the Family Information Service at Swindon Direct on 01793 445500.

Getting Started – Schools

Governing bodies of schools that wish to manage and deliver childcare can find further specific information at the relevant page of the schoolsonline website which can be accessed by following the link below:

Schoolsonline

Getting Started – Groups

Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) groups that wish to make an application to register can request further information from Swindon Sure Start Partnership.

Please telephone the Safeguarding and Childcare Manager on 01793 466314 or e-mail kpoulton@swindon.gov.uk or the Extended Services and Children’s Centres Adviser on 01793 466282 or e-mail ksmart@swindon.gov.uk for further details