Register a childminding service

Last updated: 27 April 2026

Before you apply to register a care service you must make sure you have read and understood the associated guidance and legislation.  

Every registered care service must continuously meet the requirements of:

  • the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010

  • the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Registration) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/28)

  • the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Applications) Order 2011 (SSI 2011/29)

  • the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210)

  • the Health and Social Care Standards

  • any other legislation relevant to your service.

You should also read the quality framework and visit our resources and data area, which has a wide range of information aimed at supporting improvement in social care and social work by sharing intelligence and research-led practice. 

Embed documents

  • Guidance for applicants on applying to register a care service

  • Guidance for providers and applicants on aims and objectives

  • A quality framework for daycare of children, childminding and school-aged childcare

  • Self-evaluation for improvement – your guide

  • Childminders: What to expect when we inspect

  • Registering and running a childminding service: what you need to know

  • Food Standards Agency - advice about operating as a food business

  • Statement – EU Services Directive

If you have general questions about registration, please get in touch with our Contact Centre, who will be happy to help.