Childminding requires a considerable time commitment. You will not only work directly with children during your hours of operation but will need to set aside time to complete paperwork, accounts information and training.
Before you register, consider the following:
- check if you need planning permission and agreement from your landlord to run a childminding business from your home
- the hours you’ll work (weekdays, evenings, weekends)
- whether you’ll offer school drop-offs and pickups, and from which schools
- how childminding will affect your home and family life
- if you have any specialist knowledge that appeals to families, such as working with children with special educational needs and disabilities, or speaking languages other than English
- start-up costs for Ofsted registration, insurance, training, resources
- how long registration takes – it can take up to 12 weeks to complete the Ofsted process
Support with finances
HMRC’s online guide if you are self employed
Use the self-employed ready reckoner to budget for your Self Assessment tax bill
HMRC’s online customer forum to get help from experts
More information
You can watch a video about registering and working as a childminder. It give you insight into childminding and the Ofsted registration process involved with becoming a childminder.
View the Ofsted guidance.