A Guide to Registering a Birth

Having a baby is a joyous occasion but there are a number of formalities that have to be carried out to ensure your child is legally registered. Pineneedle have worked with the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on other useful guides and we have now produced a Guide to Registering a Birth. The guide provides clear advice on how to register a birth along with helpful details of nurseries, classes, first aid courses, photography, childcare, keepsakes and other relevant services that will help new parents.

A Guide to Registering a Birth

L O N D O N

FINE CASTING & BESPOKE HAND ENGRAVED JEWELLERY

Telephone 020 8769 4757 Mobile 07977 477 518 enquiries@philippaherbert.co.uk www.philippaherbert.co.uk @philippa_herbert

2 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. You must register the birth within 42 calendar days (six weeks) in the district in which it occurred. You need to book an appointment online to register at Kensington and Chelsea Register Office. Please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registerabirth . If you have any specific questions about registering a birth, please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars for full information. If you have any specific requirements, including access requirements, please contact the Register Office at registrars@rbkc.gov.uk. If you live in another district, you can attend your local register office to make a legal declaration. This is a slower process and certificates will not be available on the same day.

Who can register? If the parents are married to each other or are in a civil partnership with each other , either one can register on their own. If the parents are not married or are not civil partners with each other , both parents must attend together. If the parent who is registering the birth does not speak English , they must bring someone who is able to translate for them.

It is not necessary to bring the baby to the appointment with you.

A Guide to Registering a Birth 3

4 A Guide to Registering a Birth

You will need to provide the following information: • place and date of the baby’s birth • full name and sex of the baby • parents’ full names and address/ addresses • place and date of birth for both parents • date of the parents’ marriage or civil partnership (if applicable) • parents’ occupations • mother’s maiden name (if applicable). Please bring the following documents with you:

• proof of marital status, if relevant (e.g. a marriage or civil partnership certificate) • proof of address (e.g. utility bill or Council Tax bill). Birth certificate The birth certificate contains both the baby’s and the parents’ details. Birth certificates cost £11 and you can purchase as many as you need. Payment is made when you book your appointment. You can purchase further copies at any time through our website www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars .

You can purchase further copies at any time from the Register Office.

• a proof of identity for each parent (e.g. passport, birth certificate,

deed poll, driving licence) • paperwork issued by the

Please note that legislative changes can increase the cost of certificates at any time.

hospital proving that the birth has occurred (e.g. any hospital discharge papers). You do not need to bring the following documents with you, but it is helpful if you are able to provide:

A Guide to Registering a Birth 5

SINCE 2010 – AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER

RELAXED AND NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

Get in touch to discuss a newborn portrait session:

07949 764 022 louise@louiserosephotography.com www.louiserosephotography.com Instagram: @louiserosephotography

Kensington Ballet School Fully Qualied & Registered RAD Teachers

Fun • Creative • Structured Children from 15 months Web: kensingtonballet.com Email: dance@kensingtonballet.com Ofce: 07957 650042

6 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Registering a birth – Frequently Asked Questions How do I register a birth? You must register the birth within 42 calendar days in the district in which it occurred. You need to book an appointment online to register a birth at Kensington and Chelsea Register Office www.rbkc.gov.uk/registerabirth .

What should I do if I am running late for my appointment? It is not necessary to call us if you are running late for your appointment. Please arrive promptly. We may not be able to accommodate you on the same day if you miss the start time of your appointment. If you are unable to make it to your appointment on time, you can reschedule using the link in your online booking confirmation email. What is shown on the birth certificate? The birth certificate has the baby’s name, date and place of birth. It also contains parents’ details, including their names, place of birth, occupation and address. Birth certificates can be purchased at the appointment if you have not already done so online.

We do not offer a walk-in service; appointments are compulsory.

I cannot find any documents. Can we still register a birth? It is extremely helpful if you are able to bring a proof of identity and the paperwork issued by the hospital with you, but you can still register if you are not able to bring these documents.

Can I reschedule my appointment? You can reschedule your

appointment using the link in your online booking confirmation email.

A Guide to Registering a Birth 7

I want to change my child’s name on their birth certificate. It is not always possible to change a child’s name on their birth certificate. A child’s forenames (but not surname) can be changed within one year after registration only. Please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars for further information. A child’s surname (but not forenames) can only be changed if the birth is re-registered or the father’s name is added to a birth certificate. In all other circumstances a child’s name can be changed by deed poll . This will legally change their name, but does not change the name on their birth certificate. How can I correct an error on the birth certificate? A birth certificate is an important legal document. The registrar will ask you to carefully check the

information before you sign the register as it is not always possible to amend the information. Incorrect information can sometimes be corrected, but new information cannot be added if your circumstances change. If you have found an error on a birth certificate, you can find information on how to amend a legal document by visiting www.gov.uk/correct-birth-registration . How do I add a father or second female parent to a birth certificate? If the father or second female parent is not named on the original birth certificate, they can be added at any time. You will need to complete an application form and then book an appointment for re-registration.

Both parents will need to attend the appointment together.

8 A Guide to Registering a Birth

What do we have to do if we have married or had a civil partnership since our child was registered? Natural parents of a child are legally required to re-register the child’s birth if they marry or register a civil partnership with each other at any time. You will need to complete an application form and then book an appointment for re-registration. Only one parent needs to attend this appointment.

to the appointment. If your marriage or civil partnership did not take place in the United Kingdom, please email registrars@rbkc.gov.uk for further information. Can we be seen if we have not booked an appointment? No, you must book an appointment before you come to the register office. We may be able to arrange an emergency appointment in very exceptional circumstances. Please email registrars@rbkc.gov.uk if you feel that you have an urgent reason which means you cannot attend with a pre-booked appointment.

You will need to bring your marriage or civil partnership certificate with you

A Guide to Registering a Birth 9

10 A Guide to Registering a Birth

12 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Naming Ceremonies A Naming Ceremony is an occasion for parents, family and friends to pledge their love and commitment to a child. It is an opportunity to celebrate the birth of a new baby or to welcome an adoptive child or step-child into a new relationship and to form a bond within an extended family. A Naming Ceremony allows supporting adults, grandparents and older siblings to offer assurance and guidance through their promises to your child. You can choose poems or readings to enhance the ceremony and may present your child with a special gift to mark the occasion.

Naming Ceremonies can be arranged by any parent, from any cultural background and with any spiritual or religious beliefs. There is no age limit to a Naming Ceremony and more than one child may be named at the same time. We can perform these at any of the Approved Venues within the Royal Borough and you do not have to live in Kensington and Chelsea in order to have a naming ceremony here. Please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars or email us at registrars@rbkc.gov.uk if you would like further information.

A Guide to Registering a Birth 13

14 A Guide to Registering a Birth

L O N D O N

FINE CASTING & BESPOKE HAND ENGRAVED JEWELLERY

Telephone 020 8769 4757 Mobile 07977 477 518 enquiries@philippaherbert.co.uk www.philippaherbert.co.uk @philippa_herbert

A Guide to Registering a Birth 15

For enquiries please contact via email or our website: office@leschatonsnurseryschools.com leschatonsnurseryschools.com For children from 3 months old to 5 years old. The French Nursery School & Our Spanish Class KENSINGTON 64 Pembroke Road, London W8 6NX Tel: 0777 5566361

The French Nursery School – Les Chatons – was set up in 1996. Marie-Laurence Edmonstone was inspired by toddlers in her family learning to speak in a number of languages. It was as natural for them to hop from one language to the other. She set up nursery schools in which children can learn two languages together. With over twenty years of experience, our mission is to provide a joyful and thriving environment for pupils to develop self-esteem and confidence. We are proud to be rated Good by Ofsted: ‘’Children are happy in this home-from-home, nurturing environment. Staff greet children enthusiastically with smiles and cuddles as they arrive at nursery. Staff have clear, strong bonds with the children and their parents. This enables children to feel safe and secure. Children are well supported in developing their independence.’’

Montessori Early Years Education from ages 2 till 5 Help children grow into mindful, confident, independent individuals with a love for learning Holiday Camps and Workshops also available

SCHOOLS Iverna Gardens and Victoria Road, Kensington Tel: 0793 987 4086 www.gardensmontessori.com

16 A Guide to Registering a Birth

A Guide to Registering a Birth 17

Helen Jones Photography Why not capture those special moments with a relaxing baby-led shoot in the comfort of your own home. These are best captured during the first couple of weeks when your little one is so tiny and new. Helen works with you and your newborn to get the most amazing and treasured photos. Warm congratulations on the arrival of the tiniest member of your family! Tel: 07973 841476 Email: helen@helenjonesphotography.co.uk Web: www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk

18 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Ladbroke Square Montessori School is an independent nursery for children aged 2 to 5 yrs old, located in the heart of Notting Hill. Our highly skilled teachers provide an individual learning program for each child following the Montessori philosophy in conjunction with the EYFS. We aim to build independence, confidence, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. ‘I could not wish for a more caring and loving environment for my daughter. The staff at LSMS are like family. At the same time the children thrive and mature, learn and explore. She loves going to nursery and has a big smile when I pick her up.’

43 Ladbroke Square Wl 1 3ND 0207 229 0125 www.ladbrokesquarenursery.com

For enquiries please contact welcome@ladbrokesquarenursery.com or visit our website

A Guide to Registering a Birth 19 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars for more information. Kensington and Chelsea Register Office Chelsea Old Town Hall Kings Road London SW3 5EE Email: registrars@rbkc.gov.uk

20 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker