Become a childminder
Why become a childminder?
Do you enjoy looking after children? You can start a fun and rewarding job that works with your daily life. As a childminder, you care for young children in a safe and friendly place, often your own home, while running your own small business.
- Pick your own working hours
- Make your space welcoming for children
- Get to know families in your local area and build strong relationships
What Do You Need?
You don’t need to live in a huge house, or even own the place you live in, to become a childminder. Whether you have a small flat or can use a local hall, childminding can work for you. Lots of childminders look after children in community centres or team up with nearby schools. As your business gets bigger, you can even hire someone to help you out.
No formal qualifications? No problem.
What really matters is who you are. There is some training required, such as paediatric first aid and safeguarding.
Are you:
· caring
· calm under pressure
· committed to providing exceptional childcare here in East Sussex?
If you said yes, childminding might be just right for you. Find out how you can use your strengths to start 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 get help from the government to pay for childcare, and you will get paid straight away for these funded places. The current payments (which can change every year) are:
- Children under 2 years old: £11.15 each hour
- Children who are 2 years old: £8.20 each hour
- Children who are 3 or 4 years old: £5.42 each hour
If parents are paying you themselves, you can decide how much to charge. You can look after up to six children who are under 8 years old at the same time. There are some rules you must follow:
- No more than three children can be under 5 years old
- Only one child can be under 1 year old
- Your own children count in these numbers
It gave me an income and allowed me to be at home with my own children when they were young.
Grants
Check if you can get a grant and find out how to apply for grants for childminders.
Is it hard to set up?
First, you need to complete some required training and checks to ensure you are ready. Then you must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.
Starting a new business might seem scary, but we are here to help you at every step. We offer:
- Help by phone and email
- Clear steps for signing up
- Support when you have your first check and after
Have questions? Get in touch with the East Sussex Childcare Support Team:
Email: Childcare Support Team
Telephone: 01323 463026
What does a childminder do?
Being a childminder is different every day—you never know what will happen next. You could:
- plan fun trips out,
- lead creative games and activities at home,
- or organise sessions in a local hall or school.
As your business gets bigger, you can ask someone to help you look after more children.
You’ll care for children from birth to age 8, providing a safe and fun place to learn and grow. We can help you with the pre-registration guidance and support to help prepare you for Ofsted.
A Day in the Life of a Childminder
Curious about what being a childminder is really like? Read the uplifting story of someone who turned this flexible job into a successful and enjoyable 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.
How to become a childminder
Quick Guide:
- Choose if you want to be an independent childminder registered with Ofsted or register with a childminding agency. You can find more information at Work as a childminder – GOV.UK.
- Follow the steps for signing up and doing the training.
- If you need any help, please get in touch with us.
Email: Childcare Support Team
Telephone: 01323 463026
Should you work through an agency or go solo?
If you want to become a childminder, you must register with Ofsted or a childminding agency (CMA).
Working with an agency
If you choose to join an agency, you will still work for yourself, but the agency will help you. They can make running your business easier. The agency will take some of the money you make, but they will help you find families to work with and help tell people about your business.
Working independently
If you choose to work independently, the Council will help you. You can get free online training, advice, and support. We'll help you register with Ofsted and keep supporting you once you are a childminder. We can also tell you about any grants you can get.
Promoting your service
No matter how you choose to work, we will put your business on the East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS) so families can find you easily.
How much does it cost?
If you register with Ofsted on your own, you should expect to pay between £600 and £800. If you use an agency, it could cost more.
To find out more about costs, look at: Become a childminder: How much it costs - GOV.UK.
Grants
Find out if you can get a grant and how to apply for grants for childminders.
What to check before you apply
- Do you have permission from your landlord or mortgage company to look after children in your home?
- Does your home insurance and car insurance cover you for childminding?
- If you have your own children, will they be happy to share their home with other children?
- Remember, you need to sign up with HMRC so you can pay your tax.
Grants for childminders
Childminder Start-Up grant
The Childminder start-up grant stopped in Spring 2025. It was money to support setting up the business.
Wraparound Care grant
Are you new to offering childcare before and after school or expanding your current places? You could be eligible for a £600 Wraparound Care Grant to help cover start-up costs.
Wraparound care runs Monday to Friday, 8:00 am before school and until 6:00 pm after school. You can provide this flexible care from:
- your home
- a nursery
- a community centre
- or partner school.
To apply, email us at email us at Wraparound Childcare by Friday 13th February 2026.