Why become a childminder?
Love spending time with children? Start a rewarding career that fits around your life. As a childminder, you’ll care for young children in a safe, welcoming setting—often your own home—while running your own small business.
You can:
- Choose your hours
- Shape your environment
- Build lasting relationships with families in your community
What Do You Need?
You don’t need a mansion—or even to own your home—to get started.
Whether you’re in a cosy flat or have access to a local venue, childminding can work for you. Many childminders choose to care for children in community halls or collaborate with nearby schools. And as your business grows, you can even bring on an assistant to help you expand and thrive.
No formal qualifications? No problem.
What really matters is who you are.
Are you:
· naturally caring,
· calm under pressure
· and committed to providing exceptional childcare here in East Sussex?
Childminding could be the perfect fit.
If that sounds like you, let’s explore how to turn your strengths into a rewarding career
Childminding can be very rewarding when you work closely with a child and their family. It’s the ultimate in job satisfaction when you can make a major difference in a child’s life.
How much can you earn?
Some families receive government help to pay for childcare, and you’ll be paid directly for funded places. Current rates (subject to yearly updates) are:
- Under-2s: £11.15 per hour
- 2-year-olds: £8.20 per hour
- 3- and 4-year-olds: £5.42 per hour
For privately funded places, you set your own fees. You can care for up to six children under 8 years old at once. Just keep these limits in mind:
- No more than three under age 5
- Only one child under age 1
- Your own children are included in this count
It gave me an income and allowed me to be at home with my own children when they were young.
Grants
See if you are eligible and how to apply for grants for childminders.
Is it hard to set up?
Start by completing essential training and checks to ensure you’re well-prepared. Then register with Ofsted or a childminder agency
We know starting a business can feel overwhelming, which is why we offer hands-on support at every stage, including:
- Dedicated phone and email guidance
- Step-by-step help with registration
- Ongoing support through your first inspection and beyond
Have questions? Get in touch with the East Sussex Childcare Support Team:
Email: Childcare Support Team
Telephone: 01323 463026
What does a childminder do?
Childminding is never one-size-fits-all—every day brings something new.
You might:
· organise exciting day trips,
· lead creative play at home,
· or run activities from a local hall or school setting.
As your business grows, you can even bring on an assistant to help expand your care.
You’ll be nurturing children aged 0 to 8, offering a safe, playful, and inspiring environment where they can learn and grow. No formal qualifications are required to begin. We’ll support you every step of the way—from training to inspections by Ofsted, ensuring you're confident and ready to shine.
A Day in the Life of a Childminder
Want to know what it’s really like? Read the inspiring story of a childminder who turned this flexible job into a rewarding business.
Why do parents choose childminders rather than nurseries?
For many parents, childminders offer the best of both worlds:
- professional childcare
- a warm, family-style environment
Childminders provide greater flexibility to suit changing schedules and unexpected events. Ideal care for families juggling busy lives.
Children benefit from:
- smaller group sizes,
- personalised attention
- a consistent caregiver who gets to know them deeply.
It’s not just childcare—it’s a trusted partnership between childminder and family.
Who can become a childminder?
Childminding is open to everyone. Whether you’re looking for a part-time opportunity or a full-time career. It’s a deeply rewarding path that lets you balance work with your home life. You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
With the right support and training, you’ll create a nurturing space where little ones can thrive.
You can have a big influence on their progress, and sometimes help them achieve, and their family overcome, what previously seemed like a big struggle or barrier.
