{"id":1284,"date":"2024-08-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/articles\/how-to-become-a-childminder\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T13:44:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T13:44:26","slug":"how-to-become-a-childminder","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-a-childminder\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a childminder: a 10-step guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for a profession where you can help people get the best possible start in life, becoming a childminder might be the right choice for you. Childminders welcome children into their home and offer them a safe space to learn and grow. If you\u2019re interested in a career like this, read our 10-step guide to learn how to become a childminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow these 10 steps to becoming a childminder and you could have your business up and running in no time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#what\">What is a childminder?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#types\">What are the different types of childminders?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#qualifications\">What qualifications do I need to be a childminder?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#accreditation\">Accreditation: how to become a registered childminder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#earn\">How much do childminders earn?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#cost\">How much does it cost to become a childminder?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#legal\">Legal requirements: running a childminding business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#register\">Becoming a childminder: registering as self-employed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#market\">How to market your business and find clients<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#insurance\">What childminder insurance do I need?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Demand for childminders on the rise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing to start a childminding business could be a good idea as it appears that there\u2019s been a rise in the number of childminders in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data from Simply Business shows that the number of childminders taking out an insurance policy increased by 65 per cent between 2021 and 2022 and by 11 per cent between 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This could be down to a range of government changes to free childcare hours for working parents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">from April 2024, working parents have been able to claim 15 hours of free childcare for two-year olds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">from September 2024, working parents can claim 15 hours of free childcare for children aged nine months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">from September 2025, working parents can claim 30 hours of free childcare for all children aged under five<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-start-a-childminding-business\">How to start a childminding business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Working with children often has a series of legal requirements you need to meet before you can enter the trade. To help make things easier for you, we\u2019ve identified the 10 first steps you need to focus on before you can become a registered childminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\">1. What is a childminder?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like a teacher or nursery nurse, a childminder is a type of early years provider responsible for caring for and educating young children. What makes a childminder different is that they usually work out of their own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be considered a childminder, you generally have to care for children for more than two hours a day within your own home. This time is spent in a variety of ways, but your day-to-day duties may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">creating learning activities to support children\u2019s development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">planning and setting up play activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">changing nappies and bottle feeding babies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">preparing and serving healthy meals to older children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">taking children to and from school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">making sure each child\u2019s physical and emotional needs are met<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Childminders are also responsible for administrative tasks such as completing <a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-risk-assessment-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"884\" >risk assessments<\/a> and organising and maintaining client records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\">2. What are the different types of childminders?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Childminders can usually be split into two main categories \u2013 though you can work as both simultaneously. Early Years Childminders care for children from birth up until the 31 August following their fifth birthday \u2013 by which point the child is usually attending school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later Years Childminders look after children aged five and older. These childminders will often provide care before or after school if a parent is working \u2013 but are still responsible for each child\u2019s learning and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"courses\">3. <strong>Childminder courses \u2013 what qualifications do I need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While there are no specific childminder qualifications you need to gain in order to set up your own business, there are certain standards of care that you need to meet. This is called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/early-years-foundation-stage\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">early years foundation stage (EYFS)<\/a> and your career as a childminder will depend on your knowledge of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studying a childcare course that covers EYFS is a good way to make sure you excel in your role \u2013 as well as provide the best possible care for the children in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the role, you\u2019ll also usually be required to have completed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a first aid course for children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">child protection training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a food safety course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These may be included as part of your childminding course, or you may study them separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"accreditation\">4. Accreditation: how to become a registered childminder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important parts of starting a childminding business is registering with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/providing-childcare-services-in-england\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Ofsted<\/a>. By doing this, Ofsted will regularly inspect your business and assess you on safeguarding, welfare, and learning and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you register as a childminder on the Early Years Register (for children 0-5), your business will be inspected at least every six years. If you\u2019re only on the Childcare Register (for children five and above), you can be inspected at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the inspection, you&#8217;ll receive one of the following grades:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">grade 1: outstanding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">grade 2: good<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">grade 3: requires improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">grade 4: inadequate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-registered-childminder\">How long does it take to become a registered childminder?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve sent your application to Ofsted, it usually takes around 12 weeks for them to come back to you with a decision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it can vary depending on the time of year you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"earn\">5. How much do childminders earn?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s hard to estimate an exact childminding salary as how much you earn as a childminder will depend on a variety of factors. As a self-employed childminder, you\u2019ll be able to decide what you charge for your services. However, this will depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">how many children you have in your care (this is known as a childminder ratio)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">how many hours you work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">if you work alone or employ assistants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your daily expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cost\">6. How much does it cost to become a childminder?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most childminding businesses are based out of a childminder\u2019s home, meaning you won\u2019t have to think about renting a space as part of your expenses. Although if you\u2019re renting your home, it\u2019s important to check you\u2019re able to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/running-a-business-from-home\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1506\" >run a business out of your residence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most expenses when starting up a childminding business will be making sure everything is up to code. This will include making sure you have a fully stocked first aid kit and that your equipment meets any health and safety standards \u2013 including food preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, you\u2019ll also have a strong passion for helping children develop. If you want to give the children in your care the best possible experience then you\u2019ll need to make sure you have a range of activities, toys, and learning opportunities available at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal\">7. Legal requirements: running a childminding business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When people trust you to care for their children, it\u2019s important that you show them you\u2019re responsible. Not only will your business be regularly inspected by Ofsted to show the care you\u2019re providing is up to standard, but you\u2019ll also need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Failing to receive a DBS certificate will prevent you from working with children or vulnerable people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll likely need more than one DBS check when starting a childminding business. If you employ any other members of staff as childminders or assistants, they\u2019ll need to apply for their own DBS check. Additionally, if you run your business out of your home, any adults (or children over the age of 16) who live in your home will also need their own DBS check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DBS certificates typically take six weeks to complete, so it\u2019s important to plan accordingly before you start caring for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"register\">8. Becoming a childminder: registering as self-employed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as joining the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register, you\u2019ll also need to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\" >register as self-employed<\/a>. If you\u2019re working for yourself out of your own home, you\u2019ll typically need to register as a sole trader. This involves telling HMRC that you\u2019re self-employed and will be paying taxes through Self Assessment and paying Class 2 and 4 National Insurance contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A small number of childminders working for a childminding agency may still be self-employed whilst working through their agency. If this is true for you, you may have to pay tax through both <a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/paying-paye-tax-guide-for-employers\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1493\" >PAYE<\/a> and Self Assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"market\">9. How to market your business and find clients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most childminders find their clients through word of mouth and will often be chosen based on location. Many childminders are responsible for taking children to and from school, so parents and guardians will look for responsible childminders living close to their child\u2019s school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining a good relationship with both local schools and current clients is a great way to make sure people recommend you to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another great way to attract new clients is through digital marketing. By developing a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/advantages-of-social-media-advertising\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1121\" >strong social media presence<\/a>, you can give potential clients a real taste of what goes on in your business. This can include the activities your children enjoy, the food you prepare, the health and safety measures you have in place, as well as testimonials from existing clients. However, it\u2019s important to respect your clients\u2019 wishes for privacy when it comes to sharing photos of children in your care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another option is joining a childminding agency. These agencies have their own requirements for assessing and inspecting childminders in their network, so make sure to check with your agency for the specific details. Ofsted will then inspect these agencies as a whole \u2013 usually visiting and assessing a small selection of their childminders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"insurance\">10. What childminder insurance do I need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re working with children, there are a number of risks that should be considered. Getting set up with a good insurance policy before you invite clients into your home is key to protecting you, your staff, and your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public liability insurance is a great option for childminders. If a member of the public (child or adult) gets injured, this can help protect your business. If you employ any staff in your business, you&#8217;ll also need employer\u2019s liability insurance to protect your staff. And if you&#8217;re the only employee, personal accident insurance can help protect yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply Business offers tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/childminder-insurance\/\">insurance for childminders<\/a>, letting you combine all the covers you need into a single policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have you started your own childminding business? Let us know the most rewarding part in the comments.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-guides-for-running-a-small-business\">More guides for running a small business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\" >How to start your own business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-home-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1015\" >Starting a business from home \u2013 a guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1281\" >A guide to health and safety for small businesses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-is-public-liability-insurance\/\">What is public liability insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-ready-to-set-up-your-cover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photo: fizkes\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Interested in becoming a childminder? Learn all you need to know about starting your own childminding business and becoming self-employed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[110,339],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1284","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","category-starting-out"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to become a childminder \u2013 a 10-step guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to become a childminder? 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