(1) The Chief Inspector must maintain two registers.
(2) The first register (“the early years register”) is to be a register of —
(a) all persons ... registered as early years childminders or other early years providers by the Chief Inspector for the purposes of Chapter 2 (which provides for the compulsory registration of persons providing early years provision) , and
(b) all persons registered as early years childminder agencies under Chapter 2A (which provides for the compulsory registration of persons with whom early years childminders and certain other early years providers may register for the purposes of Chapter 2).
(3) The second register (“the general childcare register”) is to be divided into two Parts.
(4) The first Part (“Part A”) is to be a register of —
(a) all persons ... registered as later years childminders or other later years providers by the Chief Inspector for the purposes of Chapter 3 (which provides for the compulsory registration of persons providing later years provision for children under the age of eight) , and
(b) all persons registered as later years childminder agencies under Chapter 3A (which provides for the compulsory registration of persons with whom later years childminders and certain other later years providers may register for the purposes of Chapter 3).
(5) The second Part (“Part B”) is to be a register of all persons who are registered as childminders or other childcare providers by the Chief Inspector for the purposes of Chapter 4 (which provides for the voluntary registration of persons providing early years provision or later years provision in respect of which they are not required to be registered under Chapter 2 or 3).
(6) In this section—
(a) a reference to persons registered as early years childminders is to be read as a reference to persons registered as early years childminders with domestic premises and to persons registered as early years childminders without domestic premises collectively;
(b) a reference to persons registered as later years childminders is to be read as a reference to persons registered as later years childminders with domestic premises and to persons registered as later years childminders without domestic premises collectively;
(c) a reference to persons registered as childminders by the Chief Inspector for the purposes of Chapter 4 is to be read as a reference to persons so registered as childminders with domestic premises and to persons so registered as childminders without domestic premises collectively.
33 Requirement to register: early years childminders with domestic premises
(1) A person may not provide early years childminding in England , where some or all of the childminding is provided on domestic premises, unless he is registered as an early years childminder—.
(a) in the early years register, or
(b) with an early years childminder with domestic premises agency.
(2) The Secretary of State may by order provide that, in circumstances specified in the order, subsection (1) does not apply in relation to early years childminding.
(3) The circumstances specified in an order under subsection (2) may relate to one or more of the following matters (among others)—
(a) the person providing the early years childminding;
(b) the child or children for whom it is provided;
(c) the nature of the early years childminding;
(d) the premises on which it is provided;
(e) the times during which it is provided;
(f) the arrangements under which it is provided.
(4) If it appears to the Chief Inspector that a person has provided early years childminding in contravention of subsection (1), he may serve a notice (“an enforcement notice”) on the person.
(5) An enforcement notice may be served on a person—
(a) by delivering it to him, or
(b) by sending it by post.
(6) An enforcement notice has effect until it is revoked by the Chief Inspector.
(7) A person commits an offence if, at any time when an enforcement notice has effect in relation to him and without reasonable excuse, he provides early years childminding in contravention of subsection (1).
(8) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
34 Requirement to register: other early years providers
(1) A person may not provide early years provision on non-domestic premises in England unless—
(a) the person is registered in the early years register as an early years provider other than a childminder (whether or not the provision is or includes early years childminding), or
(b) the provision is early years childminding, none of which is provided on domestic premises, and the person is registered as an early years childminder without domestic premises—
(i) in the early years register, or
(ii) with an early years childminder agency.
(1ZA) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to early years provision in respect of which the person providing it is required to be registered under section 33(1) or under subsection (1A).
(1A) A person may not provide early years provision ... in England which would be early years childminding but for section 96(5) , and some or all of which is provided on domestic premises, unless the person is registered as an early years provider other than a childminder—
(a) in the early years register ..., or
(b) with an early years childminder agency ....
(2) Subsections (1) and (1A) do not apply in relation to early years provision for a child or children who has (or have) attained the age of two if—
(a) the provision is made at any of the following institutions as part of the institution's activities—
(i) a maintained school,
(ii) a school approved under section 342 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) (approval of non-maintained special schools), or
(iii) an independent educational institution,
(b) the provision is made by the proprietor of the institution or a person employed to work at the institution, and
(c) where the provision is made at a school (including a school that is an independent educational institution)—
(i) the child is a registered pupil at the school, or
(ii) if the provision is made for more than one child, at least one of the children is a registered pupil at the school.
(3) The Secretary of State may by order provide that, in circumstances specified in the order, subsections (1) and (1A) do not apply in relation to early years provision.
(4) The circumstances specified in an order under subsection (3) may relate to one or more of the following matters (among others)—
(a) the person providing the early years provision;
(b) the child or children for whom it is provided;
(c) the nature of the early years provision;
(d) the premises on which it is provided;
(e) the times during which it is provided;
(f) the arrangements under which it is provided.
(5) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he provides early years provision in contravention of subsection (1) or (1A).
(6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
35 Applications for registration: early years childminders with domestic premises
(1) A person who proposes to provide early years childminding in respect of which he is required by section 33(1) to be registered may make an application — .
(a) to the Chief Inspector for registration in the early years register as an early years childminder with domestic premises, or
(b) to an early years childminder agency for registration with that agency as an early years childminder with domestic premises.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must—
(a) give any prescribed information about prescribed matters,
(b) give any other information which the Chief Inspector or (as the case may be) the early years childminder agency reasonably requires the applicant to give, and
(c) if it is an application to the Chief Inspector, be accompanied by any prescribed fee.
(3) The Chief Inspector must grant an application under subsection (1) (a) if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75, and
(b) it appears to the Chief Inspector that any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this subsection (“the prescribed requirements for registration”) are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(4) The Chief Inspector must refuse any application under subsection (1) (a) which subsection (3) does not require him to grant.
(4A) An early years childminder agency may grant an application under subsection (1)(b) only if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75,
(b) it appears to the agency that the prescribed requirements for registration are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied, and
(c) it appears to the agency that any other reasonable requirements it has imposed are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(5) The prescribed requirements for registration may include requirements relating to—
(a) the applicant;
(aa) prohibiting the applicant from being registered in the early years register as an early years childminder with domestic premises if the applicant is registered with a childminder agency;
(ab) prohibiting the applicant from being registered with an early years childminder agency as an early years childminder with domestic premises if the applicant is registered—
(i) with another childminder agency;
(ii) in the early years register or the general childcare register;
(b) the premises on which the early years childminding is to be provided;
(c) the arrangements for early years childminding on those premises;
(d) any person who may be caring for children on those premises;
(e) any other person who may be on those premises.
36 Applications for registration: other early years providers
(1) A person who proposes to provide ... early years provision in respect of which he is required by section 34(1) to be registered may make an application —
(a) in any case, to the Chief Inspector for registration as an early years provider other than a childminder, or
(b) if the early years provision is early years childminding—
(i) to the Chief Inspector for registration as an early years childminder without domestic premises, or
(ii) to an early years childminder agency for registration with that agency as an early years childminder without domestic premises,
(whether or not an application is also made under paragraph (a)).
(1A) A person who proposes to provide ... early years provision in respect of which the person is required by section 34(1A) to be registered may make an application—
(a) to the Chief Inspector for registration as an early years provider ..., or
(b) to an early years childminder agency for registration with that agency as an early years provider ....
(2) An application under subsection (1) or (1A) must—
(a) give any prescribed information about prescribed matters,
(b) give any other information which the Chief Inspector or (as the case may be) the early years childminder agency reasonably requires the applicant to give, and
(c) if it is an application to the Chief Inspector, be accompanied by any prescribed fee.
(3) The Chief Inspector must grant an application under subsection (1)(a) or (b)(i) or (1A)(a) if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75, and
(b) it appears to the Chief Inspector that any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this subsection (“the prescribed requirements for registration”) are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(4) The Chief Inspector must refuse any application under subsection (1)(a) or (b)(i) or (1A)(a) which subsection (3) does not require him to grant.
(4A) An early years childminder agency may grant an application under subsection (1)(b)(ii) or (1A)(b) only if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75,
(b) it appears to the agency that the prescribed requirements for registration are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied, and
(c) it appears to the agency that any other reasonable requirements it has imposed are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(5) The prescribed requirements for registration may include requirements relating to—
(a) the applicant;
(aa) prohibiting the applicant from being registered in the early years register as an early years provider other than a childminder if the applicant is registered with a childminder agency;
(ab) prohibiting the applicant from being registered with an early years childminder agency as an early years provider other than a childminder if the applicant is registered—
(i) with another childminder agency;
(ii) in the early years register or the general childcare register;
(ac) prohibiting the applicant from being registered in the early years register as an early years childminder without domestic premises if the applicant is registered with a childminder agency;
(ad) prohibiting the applicant from being registered with an early years childminder agency as an early years childminder without domestic premises if the applicant is registered—
(i) with another childminder agency;
(ii) in the early years register or the general childcare register;
(b) the premises on which the early years provision is to be provided;
(c) the arrangements for early years provision on those premises;
(d) any person who may be caring for children on those premises;
(e) any other person who may be on those premises.
(1) If an application under section 35(1) (a) is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in the early years register as an early years childminder with domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he is so registered.
(2) If an application under section 36(1)(a) or (1A)(a) is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in the early years register as an early years provider other than a childminder (even if, in the case of an application under section 36(1)(a), the early years provision is or includes early years childminding) ..., and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he is so registered.
(2A) If an application under section 36(1)(b)(i) is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in the early years register as an early years childminder without domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that the applicant is so registered.
(3) A certificate of registration given to the applicant in pursuance of subsection (1) , (2) or (2A) must contain prescribed information about prescribed matters.
(4) If there is a change of circumstances which requires the amendment of a certificate of registration, the Chief Inspector must give the registered early years provider an amended certificate.
(5) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied that a certificate of registration has been lost or destroyed, the Chief Inspector must give the registered early years provider a copy, on payment by the provider of any prescribed fee.
37A Early years childminder agencies: registers and certificates
(1) If an application under section 35(1)(b) is granted, the early years childminder agency must—
(a) register the applicant in the register maintained by the agency as an early years childminder with domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he or she is so registered.
(1A) If an application under section 36(1)(b)(ii) is granted, the early years childminder agency must—
(a) register the applicant in the register maintained by the agency as an early years childminder without domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that the applicant is so registered.
(2) If an application under section 36(1A)(b) is granted, the early years childminder agency must—
(a) register the applicant in the register maintained by the agency as an early years provider other than a childminder ..., and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he or she is so registered.
(3) A certificate of registration given to the applicant in pursuance of subsection (1) , (1A) or (2) must contain prescribed information about prescribed matters.
(4) If there is a change of circumstances which requires the amendment of a certificate of registration, the early years childminder agency must give the registered early years provider an amended certificate.
(1) The Chief Inspector may impose such conditions as he thinks fit on the registration of an early years provider in the early years register .
(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised at the time when the Chief Inspector registers the person in pursuance of section 37 or at any subsequent time.
(3) The Chief Inspector may at any time vary or remove any condition imposed under subsection (1).
(4) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to impose conditions for the purpose of giving effect to an order under subsection (1)(a) of section 39 or regulations under subsection (1)(b) of that section.
(5) An early years provider registered in the early years register commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to comply with any condition imposed under subsection (1).
(6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(1) For the purpose of promoting the well-being of young children for whom early years provision is provided by early years providers to whom section 40 applies, the Secretary of State must—
(a) by order specify in accordance with section 41 such requirements as he considers appropriate relating to learning by, and the development of, such children (“learning and development requirements”), and
(b) by regulations specify in accordance with section 43 such requirements as he considers appropriate governing the activities of early years providers to whom section 40 applies (“welfare requirements”).
(2) The learning and development requirements and the welfare requirements are together to be known as “the Early Years Foundation Stage”.
(1) This section applies to—
(a) early years providers providing early years provision in respect of which they are registered under this Chapter, and
(b) early years providers providing early years provision in respect of which, but for section 34(2) (exemption for provision for children aged 2 or over at certain schools), they would be required to be registered under this Chapter.
(2) An early years provider to whom this section applies—
(a) must secure that the early years provision meets the learning and development requirements, and
(b) must comply with the welfare requirements.
(1) The learning and development requirements must cover the areas of learning and development specified in subsection (3).
(2) The learning and development requirements may specify in relation to each of the areas of learning and development—
(a) the knowledge, skills and understanding which young children of different abilities and maturities are expected to have before the 1st September next following the day on which they attain the age of five (“early learning goals”);
(b) the matters, skills and processes which are required to be taught to young children of different abilities and maturities (“educational programmes”), and
(c) the arrangements which are required for assessing children for the specified purposes (“assessment arrangements”).
(3) The areas of learning and development are as follows—
(a) personal, social and emotional development,
(b) communication, language and literacy,
(c) problem solving, reasoning and numeracy,
(d) knowledge and understanding of the world,
(e) physical development, and
(f) creative development.
(4) The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (3).
(4A) In subsection (2)(c) “ the specified purposes ” means—
(a) the purpose of ascertaining what children have achieved in relation to the early learning goals, and
(b) such other purposes as the Secretary of State may by order specify.
(5) A learning and development order may not require—
(a) the allocation of any particular period or periods of time to the teaching of any educational programme or any matter, skill or process forming part of it, or
(b) the making in the timetables of any early years provider of provision of any particular kind for the periods to be allocated to such teaching.
(6) In this section “a learning and development order” means an order under section 39(1)(a).
42 Further provisions about assessment arrangements
(A1) Before making a learning and development order specifying assessment arrangements the Secretary of State—
(a) must consult the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, and
(b) may consult such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(1) A learning and development order specifying assessment arrangements may confer or impose on any of the persons mentioned in subsection (2) such functions as appear to the Secretary of State to be required.
(2) Those persons are—
(a) an early years provider,
(b) the governing body or head teacher of a maintained school in England, ...
(c) an English local authority.
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(e) any other person with whom the Secretary of State has made arrangements in connection with the development, implementation or monitoring of assessment arrangements.
(3) A learning and development order may specify such assessment arrangements as may for the time being be made by a person specified in the order.
(3A) A learning and development order which includes provision made by virtue of subsection (3) must provide that before making or revising the assessment arrangements the person specified in the order—
(a) must consult the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, and
(b) may consult such other persons as that person considers appropriate.
(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5) The duties that may be imposed on a person mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (c) by virtue of subsection (1) include, in relation to persons exercising any function in connection with the moderation or monitoring of assessment arrangements, the duty to permit them—
(a) to enter premises on which the early years provision is provided,
(b) to observe implementation of the arrangements, ...
(c) to inspect, and take copies of, documents and other articles.
(6) A learning and development order specifying assessment arrangements may authorise a person specified in the order to make delegated supplementary provisions in relation to such matters as may be specified in the order.
(6A) In this section “ delegated supplementary provisions ” means such provisions (other than provisions conferring or imposing functions on persons mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (c)) as appear to the authorised person to be expedient for giving full effect to, or otherwise supplementing, the provisions made by the order.
(6AA) A learning and development order which authorises a person to make delegated supplementary provisions must provide that before making, amending or revoking any such provisions the person so authorised—
(a) must consult the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, and
(b) may consult such other persons as that person considers appropriate.
(6B) A learning and development order authorising the making of delegated supplementary provisions may provide that such provisions may be made only with the approval of the Secretary of State.
(6C) Any delegated supplementary provisions, on being published as specified in the order under which they are made, are to have effect for the purposes of this Chapter as if made by the order.
(7) In this section “a learning and development order” means an order under section 39(1)(a).
(1) The matters that may be dealt with by welfare regulations include—
(a) the welfare of the children concerned;
(b) the arrangements for safeguarding the children concerned;
(c) suitability of persons to care for, or be in regular contact with, the children concerned;
(d) qualifications and training;
(e) the suitability of premises and equipment;
(f) the manner in which the early years provision is organised;
(g) procedures for dealing with complaints;
(h) the keeping of records;
(i) the provision of information.
(2) Before making welfare regulations, the Secretary of State must consult the Chief Inspector and any other persons he considers appropriate.
(3) Welfare regulations may provide—
(a) that a person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any requirement of the regulations is guilty of an offence, and
(b) that a person guilty of the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(4) In this section “welfare regulations” means regulations under section 39(1)(b).
44 Instruments specifying learning and development or welfare requirements
(1) A relevant instrument may, instead of containing the provisions to be made, refer to provisions in a document published by a person, and in the manner, specified in the instrument and direct that those provisions are to have effect or, as the case may be, are to have effect as specified in the instrument.
(2) The power to make a relevant instrument may be exercised so as to confer powers or impose duties on the Chief Inspector or early years childminder agencies in the exercise of ... functions under this Part.
(3) In particular, that power may be exercised so as to require or authorise the Chief Inspector or early years childminder agencies, in exercising those functions, to have regard to factors, standards and other matters prescribed by or referred to in the instrument.
(4) If a relevant instrument requires any person (other than the Chief Inspector) to have regard to or meet factors, standards and other matters prescribed by or referred to in the instrument, the instrument may also provide for any allegation that the person has failed to do so to be taken into account—
(a) by the Chief Inspector in the exercise of his functions under this Part,
(aa) by early years childminder agencies in the exercise of functions under this Part, or
(b) in any proceedings under this Part.
(5) In this section “a relevant instrument” means an order under subsection (1)(a) of section 39 or regulations under subsection (1)(b) of that section.
(1) This section applies where the Secretary of State proposes to make an order under section 39(1)(a) specifying early learning goals or educational programmes.
(2) The Secretary of State must give notice of the proposal—
(a) to such bodies representing the interests of early years providers as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, and
(b) to any other persons with whom consultation appears to the Secretary of State to be desirable,
and must give them a reasonable opportunity of submitting evidence and representations as to the issues arising.
(3) When the Secretary of State has considered any evidence and representations submitted to him in pursuance of subsection (2), he must publish in such manner as, in his opinion, is likely to bring them to the notice of persons having a special interest in early years provision—
(a) a draft of the proposed order and any associated document, and
(b) a summary of the views expressed during the consultation.
(4) The Secretary of State must allow a period of not less than one month beginning with the publication of the draft of the proposed order for the submission of any further evidence and representations as to the issues arising.
(5) When the period so allowed has expired, the Secretary of State may make the order, with or without modifications.
(1) Regulations may enable the Secretary of State, in prescribed circumstances, to direct in respect of a particular early years provider or a particular description of early years providers, that to such extent as may be prescribed the learning and development requirements—
(a) do not apply, or
(b) apply with such modifications as may be specified in the direction.
(1A) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision about the conditions which may be imposed by the Secretary of State on making a direction.
(1B) If required by the Secretary of State to do so a person designated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection must keep under review the effect of a direction given under regulations made under subsection (1).
(1C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1D) A designation under subsection (1B) may make different provision for different purposes.
(2) Regulations may enable an early years provider, in prescribed circumstances, to determine in respect of a particular young child that to such extent as may be prescribed the learning and development requirements—
(a) do not apply, or
(b) apply with such modifications as may be specified in the determination.
(1) In section 157 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) (independent school standards) after subsection (1) insert—
(1A) In relation to England, the standards do not apply to early years provision for pupils who have not attained the age of three (separate requirements as to such provision being imposed by or under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006).
(2) For subsection (2) of that section substitute—
(2) In this Chapter “independent school standards” means—
(a) the standards for the time being prescribed under this section, and
(b) in relation to early years provision in England for pupils who have attained the age of three, the Early Years Foundation Stage.
(3) In section 171 of that Act (interpretation of Chapter 1 of Part 10), after the definition of “Chief Inspector” insert—
“early years provision”, in relation to England, has the meaning given by section 96(2) of the Childcare Act 2006;
.
Schedule 1 (which contains amendments relating to the preceding provisions of this Chapter, including amendments excluding or modifying the application to early years provision of provisions of Part 6 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32)) has effect.
(1) This section applies to early years provision in respect of which the early years provider is registered in the early years register .
(2) The Chief Inspector—
(a) must at such intervals as may be prescribed inspect early years provision to which this section applies,
(b) must inspect early years provision to which this section applies at any time when the Secretary of State requires the Chief Inspector to secure its inspection, and
(c) may inspect early years provision to which this section applies at any other time when the Chief Inspector considers that it would be appropriate for it to be inspected.
(3) Regulations may provide that in prescribed circumstances the Chief Inspector is not required to inspect early years provision at an interval prescribed for the purposes of subsection (2)(a).
(4) Regulations may provide that the Chief Inspector is not required by subsection (2)(a) to inspect early years provision at an independent educational institution or an alternative provision Academy that is not an independent school if the early years provision is inspected in prescribed circumstances by a body approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection.
(5) A requirement made by the Secretary of State as mentioned in subsection (2)(b) may be imposed in relation to early years provision at particular premises or a class of premises.
(5A) The Chief Inspector may charge a prescribed fee for conducting an inspection of early years provision where—
(a) the inspection is conducted at the request of a registered person who provides that early years provision, and
(b) the Chief Inspector is required by the Secretary of State under subsection (2)(b) to conduct that inspection.
(6) Regulations may make provision requiring the registered person to notify prescribed persons of the fact that early years provision is to be inspected under this section.
(7) If the Chief Inspector so elects in the case of an inspection falling within paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (2), that inspection is to be treated as if it were an inspection falling within paragraph (a) of that subsection.
(1) After conducting an inspection under section 49, the Chief Inspector must make a report in writing on—
(a) the contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of the children for whom it is provided,
(b) the quality and standards of the early years provision,
(c) how far the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it is provided, and
(d) the quality of leadership and management in connection with the early years provision.
(2) The Chief Inspector—
(a) may send a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and must do so without delay if the Secretary of State requests a copy,
(b) must ensure that a copy of the report is sent without delay to the registered person, 23
(c) must ensure that copies of the report, or such parts of it as he considers appropriate, are sent to such other persons as may be prescribed, and
(d) may arrange for the report (or parts of it) to be further published in any manner he considers appropriate.
(3) Regulations may make provision—
(a) requiring the registered person to make a copy of any report sent to him under subsection (2)(b) available for inspection by prescribed persons;
(b) requiring the registered person, except in prescribed cases, to provide a copy of the report to prescribed persons;
(c) authorising the registered person in prescribed cases to charge a fee for providing a copy of the report.
(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In this Chapter—
“assessment arrangements” is to be read in accordance with section 41(2)(c);
“early learning goals” is to be read in accordance with section 41(2)(a);
“educational programmes” is to be read in accordance with section 41(2)(b);
“learning and development requirements” means requirements specified by order under section 39(1)(a);
“welfare requirements” means requirements specified by regulations under section 39(1)(b).
(1) A person may make an application to the Chief Inspector for registration as an early years childminder agency.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must—
(a) give any prescribed information about prescribed matters,
(b) give any other information which the Chief Inspector reasonably requires the applicant to give, and
(c) be accompanied by any prescribed fee.
(3) The Chief Inspector must grant an application under subsection (1) if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 76A, and
(b) it appears to the Chief Inspector that any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this subsection (“the prescribed requirements for registration”) are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(4) The Chief Inspector must refuse any application under subsection (1) which subsection (3) does not require the Chief Inspector to grant.
(5) The prescribed requirements for registration may include requirements relating to—
(a) the applicant;
(b) any persons employed by the applicant;
(c) management and control of the applicant (where the applicant is not an individual);
(d) the provision to the Chief Inspector of information about early years providers registered with the applicant;
(e) the applicant's arrangements for registering early years providers;
(f) the applicant's arrangements in relation to training and monitoring early years providers and providing such persons with information, advice and assistance;
(g) the applicant's arrangements for ensuring that early years provision is of a sufficient standard.
(1) If an application under section 51A is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in the early years register as an early years childminder agency, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that the applicant is so registered.
(2) A certificate of registration given to the applicant in pursuance of subsection (1) must contain prescribed information about prescribed matters.
(3) If there is a change of circumstances which requires the amendment of a certificate of registration, the Chief Inspector must give the early years childminder agency an amended certificate.
(4) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied that a certificate of registration has been lost or destroyed, the Chief Inspector must give the early years childminder agency a copy, on payment by the agency of any prescribed fee.
(1) The Chief Inspector may impose such conditions as the Chief Inspector thinks fit on the registration of an early years childminder agency under this Chapter.
(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised at the time when the Chief Inspector registers the person in pursuance of section 51B or at any subsequent time.
(3) The Chief Inspector may at any time vary or remove any condition imposed under subsection (1).
(4) An early years childminder agency commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the agency fails to comply with any condition imposed under subsection (1).
(5) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (4) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
51D Inspections of early years childminder agencies
(1) The Chief Inspector—
(a) must inspect an early years childminder agency at any time when the Secretary of State requires the Chief Inspector to secure its inspection, and
(b) may inspect an early years childminder agency at any other time when the Chief Inspector considers that it would be appropriate for it to be inspected.
(2) For the purposes of an inspection under this section, the Chief Inspector may inspect early years provision provided by early years providers who are registered with the early years childminder agency for the purposes of Chapter 2.
(3) The Chief Inspector may charge a prescribed fee for conducting an inspection of an early years childminder agency where—
(a) the inspection is conducted at the request of the agency, and
(b) the Chief Inspector is required by the Secretary of State under subsection (1)(a) to conduct that inspection.
(4) Regulations may make provision requiring an early years childminder agency to notify prescribed persons of the fact that it is to be inspected under this section.
(1) After conducting an inspection under section 51D, the Chief Inspector must make a report in writing on—
(a) the quality and standards of the services offered by the early years childminder agency to early years providers registered with it,
(b) the quality of leadership and management in the early years childminder agency, and
(c) the effectiveness of the arrangements of the early years childminder agency for assuring itself of the quality of the care and education provided by the early years providers registered with it.
(2) The Chief Inspector—
(a) may send a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and must do so without delay if the Secretary of State requests a copy,
(b) must ensure that a copy of the report is sent without delay to the early years childminder agency,
(c) must ensure that copies of the report, or such parts of it as the Chief Inspector considers appropriate, are sent to such other persons as may be prescribed, and
(d) may arrange for the report (or parts of it) to be further published in any manner the Chief Inspector considers appropriate.
(3) Regulations may make provision—
(a) requiring the early years childminder agency to make a copy of any report sent to it under subsection (2)(b) available for inspection by prescribed persons;
(b) requiring the agency, except in prescribed cases, to provide a copy of the report to prescribed persons;
(c) authorising the agency in prescribed cases to charge a fee for providing a copy of the report.
(1) A person who without reasonable excuse falsely represents that the person is an early years childminder agency commits an offence.
(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
52 Requirement to register: later years childminders for children under eight with domestic premises
(1) A person may not provide later years childminding in England for a child who has not attained the age of eight , where some or all of the childminding is provided on domestic premises, unless he is registered as a later years childminder with domestic premises —
(a) in Part A of the general childcare register, or
(b) with a later years childminder agency.
(2) The Secretary of State may by order provide that, in circumstances specified in the order, subsection (1) does not apply in relation to later years childminding.
(3) The circumstances specified in an order under subsection (2) may relate to one or more of the following matters (among others)—
(a) the person providing the later years childminding;
(b) the child or children for whom it is provided;
(c) the nature of the later years childminding;
(d) the premises on which it is provided;
(e) the times during which it is provided;
(f) the arrangements under which it is provided.
(4) If it appears to the Chief Inspector that a person has provided later years childminding in contravention of subsection (1), the Chief Inspector may serve a notice (“an enforcement notice”) on the person.
(5) An enforcement notice may be served on a person—
(a) by delivering it to him, or
(b) by sending it by post.
(6) An enforcement notice has effect until it is revoked by the Chief Inspector.
(7) A person commits an offence if, at any time when an enforcement notice has effect in relation to him and without reasonable excuse, he provides later years childminding in contravention of subsection (1).
(8) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
53 Requirement to register: other later years providers for children under eight
(1) A person may not provide, for a child who has not attained the age of eight, later years provision on non-domestic premises in England unless—
(a) the person is registered in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years provider other than a childminder (whether or not the provision is or includes later years childminding), or
(b) the provision is later years childminding, none of which is provided on domestic premises, and the person is registered as a later years childminder without domestic premises—
(i) in Part A of the general childcare register, or
(ii) with a later years childminder agency.
(1ZA) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to later years provision in respect of which the person providing it is required to be registered under section 52(1) or under subsection (1A).
(1A) A person may not provide, for a child who has not attained the age of eight, later years provision ... in England which would be later years childminding but for section 96(9) , and some or all of which is provided on domestic premises, unless the person is registered as a later years provider other than a childminder —
(a) in Part A of the general childcare register ..., or
(b) with a later years childminder agency ....
(2) Subsections (1) and (1A) do not apply in relation to later years provision for a child if—
(a) the provision is made at any of the following institutions as part of the institution's activities—
(i) a maintained school,
(ii) a school approved under section 342 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) (approval of non-maintained special schools), or
(iii) an independent educational institution or an alternative provision Academy that is not an independent school,
(b) the provision is made by the proprietor of the institution or a person employed to work at the institution, and
(c) where the provision is made at a school (including a school that is an independent educational institution)—
(i) the child is a registered pupil at the school, or
(ii) if the provision is made for more than one child, at least one of the children is a registered pupil at the school.
(3) The Secretary of State may by order provide that, in circumstances specified in the order, subsections (1) and (1A) do not apply in relation to later years provision.
(4) The circumstances specified in an order under subsection (3) may relate to one or more of the following matters (among others)—
(a) the person providing the later years provision;
(b) the child or children for whom it is provided;
(c) the nature of the later years provision;
(d) the premises on which it is provided;
(e) the times during which it is provided;
(f) the arrangements under which it is provided.
(5) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he provides later years provision in contravention of subsection (1) or (1A).
(6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
54 Applications for registration: later years childminders with domestic premises
(1) A person who proposes to provide later years childminding in respect of which he is required by section 52(1) to be registered may make an application — .
(a) to the Chief Inspector for registration in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years childminder with domestic premises, or
(b) to a later years childminder agency for registration with that agency as a later years childminder with domestic premises.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must—
(a) give any prescribed information about prescribed matters,
(b) give any other information which the Chief Inspector or (as the case may be) the later years childminder agency reasonably requires the applicant to give, and
(c) if it is an application to the Chief Inspector, be accompanied by any prescribed fee.
(3) The Chief Inspector must grant an application under subsection (1) (a) if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75, and
(b) it appears to the Chief Inspector that any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this subsection (“the prescribed requirements for registration”) are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(4) The Chief Inspector must refuse any application under subsection (1) (a) which subsection (3) does not require him to grant.
(4A) A later years childminder agency may grant an application under subsection (1)(b) only if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75,
(b) it appears to the agency that the prescribed requirements for registration are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied, and
(c) it appears to the agency that any other reasonable requirements it has imposed are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(5) The prescribed requirements for registration may include requirements relating to—
(a) the applicant;
(aa) prohibiting the applicant from being registered in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years childminder with domestic premises if the applicant is registered with a childminder agency;
(ab) prohibiting the applicant from being registered with a later years childminder agency as a later years childminder with domestic premises if the applicant is registered—
(i) with another childminder agency;
(ii) in the early years register or the general childcare register;
(b) the premises on which the later years childminding is to be provided;
(c) the arrangements for later years childminding on those premises;
(d) any person who may be caring for children on those premises;
(e) any other person who may be on those premises.
55 Applications for registration: other later years providers
(1) A person who proposes to provide ... later years provision in respect of which he is required by section 53(1) to be registered may make an application to the Chief —
(a) in any case, to the Chief Inspector for registration as a later years provider other than a childminder, or
(b) if the later years provision is later years childminding—
(i) to the Chief Inspector for registration as a later years childminder without domestic premises, or
(ii) to a later years childminder agency for registration with that agency as a later years childminder without domestic premises,
(whether or not an application is also made under paragraph (a)).
(1A) A person who proposes to provide ... later years provision in respect of which the person is required by section 53(1A) to be registered may make an application—
(a) to the Chief Inspector for registration as a later years provider ..., or
(b) to a later years childminder agency for registration with that agency as a later years provider ....
(2) An application under subsection (1) or (1A) must—
(a) give any prescribed information about prescribed matters,
(b) give any other information which the Chief Inspector or (as the case may be) the later years childminder agency reasonably requires the applicant to give, and
(c) if it is an application to the Chief Inspector, be accompanied by any prescribed fee.
(3) The Chief Inspector must grant an application under subsection (1)(a) or (b)(i) or (1A)(a) if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75, and
(b) it appears to the Chief Inspector that any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this subsection (“the prescribed requirements for registration”) are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(4) The Chief Inspector must refuse any application under subsection (1)(a) or (b)(i) or (1A)(a) which subsection (3) does not require him to grant.
(4A) A later years childminder agency may grant an application under subsection (1)(b)(ii) or (1A)(b) only if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 75,
(b) it appears to the agency that the prescribed requirements for registration are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied, and
(c) it appears to the agency that any other reasonable requirements it has imposed are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(5) The prescribed requirements for registration may include requirements relating to—
(a) the applicant;
(aa) prohibiting the applicant from being registered in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years provider other than a childminder if the applicant is registered with a childminder agency;
(ab) prohibiting the applicant from being registered with a later years childminder agency as a later years provider other than a childminder if the applicant is registered—
(i) with another childminder agency;
(ii) in the early years register or the general childcare register;
(ac) prohibiting the applicant from being registered in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years childminder without domestic premises if the applicant is registered with a childminder agency;
(ad) prohibiting the applicant from being registered with a later years childminder agency as a later years childminder without domestic premises if the applicant is registered—
(i) with another childminder agency;
(ii) in the early years register or the general childcare register;
(b) the premises on which the later years provision is to be provided;
(c) the arrangements for later years provision on those premises;
(d) any person who may be caring for children on those premises;
(e) any other person who may be on those premises.
(1) If an application under section 54(1) (a) is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years childminder with domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he is so registered.
(2) If an application under section 55(1)(a) or (1A)(a) is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years provider other than a childminder (even if, in the case of an application under section 55(1)(a), the later years provision is or includes later years childminding) ..., and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he is so registered.
(2A) If an application under section 55(1)(b)(i) is granted, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the applicant in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years childminder without domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that the applicant is so registered.
(3) A certificate of registration given to the applicant in pursuance of subsection (1) , (2) or (2A) must contain prescribed information about prescribed matters.
(4) If there is a change of circumstances which requires the amendment of a certificate of registration, the Chief Inspector must give the registered later years provider an amended certificate.
(5) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied that a certificate of registration has been lost or destroyed, the Chief Inspector must give the registered later years provider a copy, on payment by the provider of any prescribed fee.
56A Later years childminder agencies: registers and certificates
(1) If an application under section 54(1)(b) is granted, the later years childminder with domestic premises agency must—
(a) register the applicant in the register maintained by the agency as a later years childminder, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he or she is so registered.
(1A) If an application under section 55(1)(b)(ii) is granted, the later years childminder agency must—
(a) register the applicant in the register maintained by the agency as a later years childminder without domestic premises, and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that the applicant is so registered.
(2) If an application under section 55(1A)(b) is granted, the later years childminder agency must—
(a) register the applicant in the register maintained by the agency as a later years provider other than a childminder ..., and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration stating that he or she is so registered.
(3) A certificate of registration given to the applicant in pursuance of subsection (1) , (1A) or (2) must contain prescribed information about prescribed matters.
(4) If there is a change of circumstances which requires the amendment of a certificate of registration, the later years childminder agency must give the registered later years provider an amended certificate.
57 Special procedure for providers registered in the early years register
(1) If a person who is registered in the early years register as an early years childminder with or without domestic premises gives notice to the Chief Inspector that he proposes to provide later years childminding in respect of which he is required to be registered under this Chapter, the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the person in Part A of the general childcare register —
(i) in the case of an early years childminder with domestic premises, as a later years childminder with domestic premises;
(ii) otherwise, as a later years childminder without domestic premises, and
(b) give the person a certificate of registration stating that he is so registered.
(2) If a person who is registered in the early years register ... as an early years provider other than a childminder gives notice to the Chief Inspector that he proposes to provide later years provision in respect of which he is required to be registered under this Chapter ..., the Chief Inspector must—
(a) register the person in Part A of the general childcare register as a later years provider other than a childminder ..., and
(b) give the person a certificate of registration stating that he is so registered.
(3) Subsections (3) to (5) of section 56 apply in relation to a certificate of registration given in pursuance of subsection (1) or (2) of this section as they apply in relation to a certificate of registration given in pursuance of subsection (1) or (2) of that section.
57A Special procedure for providers registered with early years childminder agencies
(1) Subsection (2) applies where—
(a) a person is registered with an early years childminder with or without domestic premises agency as an early years childminder, and
(b) that agency is also a later years childminder agency.
(2) If the person gives notice to the agency that he or she proposes to provide later years childminding in respect of which he or she is required to be registered under this Chapter, the agency must—
(a) register the person in the register maintained by the agency —
(i) in the case of an early years childminder with domestic premises, as a later years childminder with domestic premises;
(ii) otherwise, as a later years childminder without domestic premises, and
(b) give the person a certificate of registration stating that he or she is so registered.
(3) Subsection (4) applies where—
(a) a person is registered with an early years childminder agency ... as an early years provider other than a childminder, and
(b) that agency is also a later years childminder agency.
(4) If the person gives notice to the agency that he or she proposes to provide later years provision in respect of which he or she is required to be registered under this Chapter ..., the agency must—
(a) register the person in the register maintained by the agency as a later years provider other than a childminder ..., and
(b) give the person a certificate of registration stating that he or she is so registered.
(5) Subsections (3) and (4) of section 56A apply in relation to a certificate of registration given in pursuance of subsection (2) or (4) of this section as they apply in relation to a certificate of registration given in pursuance of subsection (1) or (2) of that section.
(1) The Chief Inspector may impose such conditions as he thinks fit on the registration of a later years provider in Part A of the general childcare register.
(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised at the time when the Chief Inspector registers the person in pursuance of section 56 or 57 or at any subsequent time.
(3) The Chief Inspector may at any time vary or remove any condition imposed under subsection (1).
(4) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to impose conditions for the purpose of giving effect to regulations under section 59.
(5) A later years provider registered in Part A of the general childcare register commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to comply with any condition imposed under subsection (1).
(6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(1) This section applies to—
(a) later years providers providing later years provision in respect of which they are registered under this Chapter, and
(b) later years providers providing later years provision in respect of which, but for section 53(2) (exemption for provision for children at certain schools), they would be required to be registered under this Chapter.
(2) The Secretary of State may, after consulting the Chief Inspector and any other person he considers appropriate, make regulations governing the activities of later years providers to whom this section applies.
(3) The regulations may deal with the following matters (among others)—
(a) the welfare of the children concerned;
(b) the arrangements for safeguarding the children concerned;
(c) suitability of persons to care for, or be in regular contact with, the children concerned;
(d) qualifications and training;
(e) the suitability of premises and equipment;
(f) the manner in which the later years provision is organised;
(g) procedures for dealing with complaints;
(h) the keeping of records;
(i) the provision of information.
(4) The power to make regulations under this section may be exercised so as confer powers or impose duties on the Chief Inspector or later years childminder agencies in the exercise of ... functions under this Part.
(5) In particular, it may be so exercised so as to require the Chief Inspector or later years childminder agencies, in exercising ... functions under this Part, to have regard to factors, standards and other matters prescribed by or referred to in the regulations.
(6) If the regulations require any person (other than the Chief Inspector) to have regard to or to meet factors, standards and other matters prescribed by or referred to in the regulations, they may also provide for any allegation that the person has failed to do so to be taken into account—
(a) by the Chief Inspector in the exercise of his functions under this Part,
(aa) by later years childminder agencies in the exercise of functions under this Part, or
(b) in any proceedings under this Part.
(7) The regulations may provide—
(a) that a person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any requirement of the regulations is guilty of an offence, and
(b) that a person guilty of the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(1) This section applies to later years provision in respect of which the provider is registered in Part A of the general childcare register.
(2) The Chief Inspector—
(a) must inspect later years provision to which this section applies at any time when the Secretary of State requires the Chief Inspector to secure its inspection, and
(b) may inspect later years provision to which this section applies at any other time when the Chief Inspector considers that it would be appropriate for it to be inspected.
(3) A requirement made by the Secretary of State as mentioned in subsection (2)(a) may be imposed in relation to later years provision at particular premises or a class of premises.
(4) Regulations may make provision requiring the registered person to notify prescribed persons of the fact that later years provision is to be inspected under this section.
(1) After conducting an inspection under section 60, the Chief Inspector may make a report in writing on such of the following matters as he considers appropriate—
(a) the contribution of the later years provision to the well-being of the children for whom it is provided,
(b) the quality and standards of the later years provision,
(c) how far the later years provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it is provided, and
(d) the quality of leadership and management in connection with the later years provision.
(2) The Chief Inspector—
(a) may send a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and must do so without delay if the Secretary of State requests a copy,
(b) must ensure that a copy of the report is sent without delay to the registered person,
(c) must ensure that copies of the report, or such parts of it as he considers appropriate, are sent to such other persons as may be prescribed, and
(d) may arrange for the report (or parts of it) to be further published in any manner he considers appropriate.
(3) Regulations may make provision—
(a) requiring the registered person to make a copy of any report sent to him under subsection (2)(b) available for inspection by prescribed persons;
(b) requiring the registered person, except in prescribed cases, to provide a copy of the report to prescribed persons;
(c) authorising the registered person in prescribed cases to charge a fee for providing a copy of the report.
(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1) A person may make an application to the Chief Inspector for registration as a later years childminder agency.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must—
(a) give any prescribed information about prescribed matters,
(b) give any other information which the Chief Inspector reasonably requires the applicant to give, and
(c) be accompanied by any prescribed fee.
(3) The Chief Inspector must grant an application under subsection (1) if—
(a) the applicant is not disqualified from registration by regulations under section 76A, and
(b) it appears to the Chief Inspector that any requirements prescribed for the purposes of this subsection (“the prescribed requirements for registration”) are satisfied and are likely to continue to be satisfied.
(4) The Chief Inspector must refuse any application under subsection (1) which subsection (3) does not require the Chief Inspector to grant.
(5) The prescribed requirements for registration may include requirements relating to—
(a) the applicant;
(b) any persons employed by the applicant;
(c) management and control of the applicant (where the applicant is not an individual);
(d) the provision to the Chief Inspector of information about later years providers registered with the applicant;
(e) the applicant's arrangements for registering later years providers;
(f) the applicant's arrangements in relation to training and monitoring later years providers, and providing such persons with information, advice and assistance;
(g) the applicant's arrangements for ensuring that later years provision is of a sufficient standard.