Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They are an independent and impartial service who reporting directly to Parliament. Ofsted inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages and published the results on their website. Anyone caring for children from birth to 5 for more than 2 hours must register on the Early Years register. The Childcare register has two parts, a compulsory part for any organisation working with children aged 8 and under and a Voluntary part for applicants caring for children aged 8 or over. Registration means they are making a declaration that they will met the requirements relating to people, premises and provision which provides reassurance for parents and a commitment to high quality childcare. Please see below the Ofsted guide to registration which discusses timescales and requirements:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childminders-and-childcare-providers-register-with-ofsted