12.—(1) A registered early years provider who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with the requirements of regulation 7(1), 8(1), 8(2) or 10(2) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(2) Proceedings under this regulation may only be taken—
(a)by the Chief Inspector, and
(b)after the Chief Inspector has allowed a period not exceeding one month, beginning with the date the Chief Inspector notified the registered early years provider of the decision to take proceedings, for the registered early years provider to make representations.