ANYONE thinking of opening a new summer holiday playscheme or operating from new premises this year, needs to apply for registration with Ofsted now.

Ofsted has issued the message that sufficient time needs to be allowed for checks to be carried out by other organisations such as Social Services and the Criminal Records Bureau.

Playschemes which operate for less than two hours a day are not required to register.

Anyone unsure about registration requirements can call the helpline on 0845 601 4771.