I thought I'd posted about this before but I can't find the thread :blush:

On two seperate occasions I phoned Ofsted (and spoke to two different poeple) both of them told me that all childminders must have an NVQ3 in Childcare by 2010 (or have at least started the course by 2010) to be able to continue minding.

Someone then pointed out to me that on the Ofsted website it states that the requirement for childminders to have a level 3 qualification by 2010 is for those childminders who work with three other childminders when providing childcare. This is set out in the guidance 'Childcare on Domestic and Non Domestic Premises', which is on the Ofsted website along with all the other guidance of the new childcare registers inc Early Years register.


So, I emailed Ofsted asking them to confirm whether or not I needed and NVQ3 by 2010 and this was their reply



In regards to the enquiry on qualifications, the qualification is only required for Childcare on Domestic Premises, not for Childminders.



I'm even more confused now so if anyone can help I'd really appreciate it?

My understanding was that it depended on the register you were on...

This is part of what I've been researching.

There is definitely a lot of confusion and Ofsted do not seem to know what their own documents say.

This is taken from -

Requirements for the Childcare Register: childminders and home childcarers -

Childminders and home childcarers must have successfully completed a:
 qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare, or
 training in the core skills as set out in the document ‘common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce’.

Voluntary part of the Childcare Register only

Sorry don't know what other information to give you... it's a real grey area just now. :(

Thanks Sarah. You're right, it is a grey area and it's very confusing. I'm on all three registers :rolleyes: