Are you planning to register a children’s social care service, or register as an early years or childcare provider? We’d love to hear from you!
Ofsted is running user research sessions to explore how we can improve the application process.
If you're thinking of registering any of the services listed below, your feedback will be appreciated.
Who we want to hear from
We want to hear from people interested in providing children’s social care services such as an:
- adoption support agency
- children's home
- independent fostering agency
- residential family centre
- supported accommodation
- voluntary adoption agency
- voluntary holiday scheme
We’re also interested in hearing from people interested in providing childcare on non-domestic premises such as a:
- nursery
- before or after school club
- holiday club
Or childcare on domestic premises where you work with 4 or more adults inside someone’s home.
So far, we’ve spoken to providers who are already familiar with registration. Now we want to hear from people who are new to the process.
If you’re thinking about applying to register, or you’ve started an application but didn’t finish it, your feedback is really valuable. It will help us understand any challenges and make sure the application process works for everyone.
We’d like to hear from as many people as possible, and we’re especially keen to hear from you if:
- you have access needs – for example, if you use assistive technology
- you rarely use online services or often feel less confident with technology
What taking part involves
Taking part means joining an informal, 60-minute online session from your laptop, desktop, mobile or tablet. During the session, we will talk to you about your experiences and you’ll try out a prototype version of the application process. We’ll ask you to share your screen and talk us through your experience as you go.
You’ll be the only participant in the session, but members of our team may observe to help us learn as much as possible.
This is a test version for research purposes, so you won’t be completing a real application. You don’t need to prepare anything. Everything you share will be confidential and anonymised and won’t affect any future interactions or applications with Ofsted.
Why your feedback matters
By sharing your experience, you’ll help us spot what works well and what needs improving. This can mean fewer frustrations, clearer guidance and a smoother process for future applicants. Your voice can make a real difference.
Register your interest
Research sessions will happen over the next few weeks and months. If you’re interested, please complete this short form.
Your feedback will help us make the registration process clearer and easier for future applicants.
If you have any questions, please email User.Research@ofsted.gov.uk