Qualifications and training

Most out of school clubs will need to be registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register or Compulsory Childcare Register, or both, depending on the ages of the children. Your club may also be registered on the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register if you're not legally required to register otherwise. The statutory requirements for qualifications are slightly different depending on which register your club is on:

  • Early Years Register - if the youngest children are of reception age or above

There are no specific qualification requirements for staff. You are still required to demonstrate how your staff have suitable training to complete their role. 

  • Early Years Register - if any child younger than reception age attend

You must meet the relevant qualifications as set out in the EYFS for children under school age.

  • Childcare Register, Compulsory part

There are no specific qualification requirements for staff. You are still required to demonstrate how your staff have suitable training to complete their role. 

  • Childcare Register, Voluntary part

You must have at least one person qualified to Level 2 in a subject related to the service you provide (for example sports based provision should have a L2 sports coaching qualification) or training in the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge. 

Note that these qualification requirements apply to all Ofsted-registered out of school clubs, including clubs run directly by schools. Being run by a school does not exempt a club from these requirements. 

There are specific training requirements relating to first aid, food safety and safeguarding for each register.

To find out more on both qualification and training requirements, download our handy factsheet, or get a copy of our Quick Reference Guides to the EYFS and Childcare register requirements, please log in.

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