Childminder assistants must be cleared before they start work

Childminder assistants must not begin working at a setting until Ofsted or their childminder agency has confirmed they are suitable, Ofsted has said.

Ofsted updated its guidance on 14 September. It said the change was in line with the early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework for childminders in England, which came into force on 1 September 2026.

The framework says childminders and any assistants must be cleared as suitable through a suitability letter before they can begin working in the setting.

An assistant is anyone who helps a childminder look after children they are not related to, whether paid or not. Students, volunteers and apprentices count as assistants.

Telling Ofsted about new people

Childminders must tell Ofsted within 14 days about new people aged 16 or over who live or work in the home where children are looked after.

This includes new household members, people who turn 16, people who work regularly in the home during childcare hours, and new assistants.

The 14 days start on the day the person moves in, starts work or turns 16. Ofsted says it can take action if it is not told in time.

Childminders without domestic premises must tell Ofsted about new people aged 16 or over who help provide care on the non-domestic premises.

Checks

All new people need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred lists. Until it arrives, they cannot be left unsupervised with children.

Ofsted says childminders should not wait for the DBS certificate before telling it about a new person.

Ofsted carries out suitability checks with council social services. It sends assistants a suitability letter once its checks are finished.

Ofsted does not need to check regular visitors, such as a friend who comes round for lunch once a week, or people who only stay overnight occasionally. It also does not need to check people doing building work, or people who only work in the home outside childcare hours.