My colleague in the children's centre advises childcare providers. She informs me that in September when the Early Years Foundation Stage is introduced there will be changes to the registration process.

In particular, out of school clubs will have the option to be placed on one, two or all three registers. The Early Years Register will be compulsory if the club includes children under five years of age. The Childcare Register has a compulsory register for clubs including children aged between 5-8 and a voluntary register if includes children over 8.

My colleague was advised by a worker from another Local Authority that HMRC will only accept settings as "registered" for WTC childcare element if the provider has joined the voluntary register.

HMRC have not been able to give us any official guidance on this and we need to be certain as it has cost implications for providers who have to pay for registration and need to be advised in time to register if neccessary to enable working parents to claim help from HMRC with childcare costs.

Has anyone seen anything on this or could you point me in the right direction?

Thank you.