Provider update
How to complete the termly childcare provider update form.
Ofsted provides information on registered childcare to the Family Information Service (FIS). Once we receive this information, we will make you a basic record on our secure database when you start or open your provision.
You will then be able to:
- update your information
- advertise your vacancies
- provide information on costs and opening times
Once we set up this basic record you will receive a welcome email and a login to access the Online Provider Portal (OPP). This can be done by completing a provider update form on the OPP.
Updating your information
The FIS has a statutory duty to hold the information of all Ofsted registered early years and childcare provision. This information is featured on our FIS website, where families can search for childcare. We receive thousands of visitors to our search for childcare page each month.
The FIS also create bespoke childcare lists for parents or carers as part of our Extra Help to Find Childcare service. This service is a statutory duty under the Childcare Act 2006. We use the information you provide us to populate these lists.
You should complete a provider update at least once per term. This ensures parents or carers can access the most up to date information on your provision. It also helps your prospective customers know your current vacancies and what your provision can offer.
Provider requirements
Completing the form is mandatory for all providers. If you offer the Early Years Funded Entitlements (EYFE) and do not complete a provider update form termly, your ability to offer EYFE may be removed.
The following types of providers should complete a provider update form, at least once per term:
- childminders
- day nurseries
- pre-schools
- after school clubs
- breakfast clubs
- holiday schemes
If you operate more than one childcare provision, such as a breakfast club and a holiday scheme, you will need to complete a separate provider update form for each one.
Some providers may choose not to be listed on our public website - we refer to this as the public list. Even if you are not on the public list, you still need to complete a provider update at least once per term.
Chargeable extras
If you offer Early Years Free Entitlement (EYFE), you must publish details of any optional extras that parents may pay for.
These may include:
- meals
- snacks
- outings
- activities that go beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework
If you have a website, publish details of your chargeable extras and include the web address on page 5 of your provider update form.
If you do not have a website, or you cannot publish this information online, complete the costs section in the My Details area of the Online Provider Portal. We will then display this information on the Family Information Service (FIS) directory.
Childminders and settings that care for 10 or fewer children at one time do not have to publish information about chargeable extras. If you choose to provide this information, you can publish it on your website or complete the costs section in My Details.
For each chargeable extra, you must provide:
- a description of the item or service
- the cost
Optional extras must not be a condition of accessing a funded place. Parents must be able to provide their own food or consumables, or you must waive the cost where appropriate.
Guidance on completing costs information on the Online Provider Portal
Providing information on costs video
4 mins
Processing time
You can update your details at any time of year. We process provider update forms within 21 working days. We will email you once the changes have been made to your record.
Once the changes have been made to your record, the update will appear on the FIS website, if you have chosen to advertise.