When you apply to register with Ofsted as a childcare provider, you will need to pay an application fee. You’ll then need to pay an annual registration fee once we approve your application.
In this blog, I’ll explain the main things you need to know about fees.
The fee depends on the register(s) you are on
The cost of the fee depends on what type of childcare you are applying to register as and which register(s) you want to join. We set out all the fees and costs in our registration guidance.
If you are a childcare on domestic premises or childcare on non-domestic premises provider, you may be eligible to pay a reduced fee. This depends on how often you work.
Once you’re registered with us, you can add additional premises to your application. There is an extra fee for this.
There are different ways to pay
To remain registered with Ofsted, you must pay a registration fee each year.
You will need to do this on the anniversary of your registration or when your additional premises were approved. Paying your annual fee is a requirement for registration.
You can pay your annual fee:
- online
- via telephone on 0300 123 3152
- via BACS transfer
- by direct debit
Direct debit helps make sure you don’t miss a payment
Setting up a direct debit is easy and will help you to make sure you won’t miss a payment. To set up a direct debit, you’ll need:
- your Ofsted unique reference number (URN)
- the name and address of your setting
- the name and address of your authorised signatory or signatories
- the signatory’s bank or building society name, account number and sort code
We have more information on how to pay your Ofsted annual registration fee by direct debit.
We will collect the direct debit for your annual registration fee on the anniversary of your registration date each year.
Missing your annual fee means you are no longer registered
It is essential to pay your fee on time. If you do not pay your fee, we will take steps to cancel your registration.
If we do cancel your registration, you will no longer be able to care for children. Our early years and childcare enforcement policy gives more detail about the cancellation process.
You'll get your invoice by post and email
We will send you your annual fee invoice via post and email.
We'll remind you to pay your fee
We will email you once your invoice is overdue by 7 days. After the 7 days we’ll send you more reminders by text and email.
If you still haven’t paid your invoice 30 days after it’s due, we will issue you with a notice of decision to cancel your registration.
Your invoice has more information on how to pay and how to contact us.
Paying your fees on time means you can stay registered without any complications and keep caring for babies and children. If you have questions, please reach out to us.
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