Childcare providers are organisations that look after children. Most childcare providers must register with the relevant regulatory body (ie Ofsted in England, the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in Wales, or the Care Inspectorate in Scotland). Some childcare providers do not need to register. For example, in England, those providing sports coaching or providing care to children for less than 2 hours per day.
Regardless of whether they’re registered, organisations that work as childcare providers should meet their general safeguarding obligations (as above) and, in particular, should:
follow safeguarding guidance issued by Ofsted or similar, where appropriate
make sure they hold all necessary registrations (eg CIW, Ofsted, or Care Inspectorate registration)
ensure that all staff members are safe to have working with children (eg by conducting DBS checks)
uphold the ‘Prevent’ duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism (eg by providing training on recognising the signs of radicalisation)
Ask a lawyer if your organisation needs help with its childcare provision and safeguarding compliance.