Guidance and costs to consider

Guidance and resources

Useful GOV.UK web pages about becoming a childminder:

• Step by step guide to registering as a childminder    
• Early years and childcare registration handbook
• Registration requirements when registering with Ofsted to look after children
• Becoming a childminder and running your business

The National Childminder Association has created a helpful downloadable guide to becoming a registered childminder (PDF document)

Cost Considerations

If you're considering becoming a childminder it's important to be aware of the potential costs involved. 

The list below is intended as a guide, not a complete list. There may be other additional expenses depending on your individual circumstances and the nature of childminding business..

• Pre registration course
• Ofsted initial registration
• Early years register
• Compulsory childcare register (If you look after children between 5 and 7 years)
• Car insurance for business use
• Food safety level 2 training
• Paediatric first aid training - 12hrs (renew every 3 years)
• First aid equipment
• Enhanced DBS check for childminder and any person living in the household over 16 year of age, plus annual renewal
• GP health check
• Public liability insurance
• Membership to childcare organisations (optional)
• Home safety equipment
• Adaptions to home and garden
• Advertising
• Training
• Resources

Read the guide to childminding and training fees on the GOV.UK website.