Become a childminder
Why become a childminder
If you’re an organised person, you’d like to be your own boss and you love working with children, childminding could be for you.
You could get a grant to help set up, and we offer lots of support and help.
You don’t need a huge house or to own your own home. In fact you don't need to work from home and instead you can work in a community hall or partner with a local school.
You could also employ an assistant to help your business expand and grow when the time is right.
You don't need to have special qualifications before you apply. But you will need to be:
- caring and encouraging
- determined and resilient
- keen to give children high-quality, professional childcare in East Sussex
If this sounds like you, keep reading to find out how to take your first steps.
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 are eligible for childcare funded by the government. This is how much you get paid for places that the government fund:
- under 2-year-olds: £11.15 per hour
- 2-year-olds: £8.20 per hour
- 3- and 4-year-olds: £5.42 per hour
Please note that the amounts change every year and that they can go down as well as up.
For private places, you can set your own rates, and you can care for up to six children under the age of 8.
But:
- only three can be under 5 years old
- only one can be under 1-year-old
Remember to count your own children in these numbers.
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?
You start by registering either with a childminder agency or with Ofsted. Next, you complete essential training courses and checks.
You’ll need to be ready for the challenges of running a business, but we help you at every step of your journey. We offer :
- telephone and email support for help and advice
- guidance through the registration process
- continued support for your first inspection and beyond
Email: Childcare Support Team
Telephone: 01323 463026
What does a childminder do?
No two days are the same. Different childminders have different ways to make the perfect day for the children they look after.
For example, you might take them out on enriching day trips, or run fun activities in your home.
You can work at home, in a community hall, or partner with a local school. You could also employ an assistant to help your business expand and grow when the time is right.
You’ll look after children aged 0 to 8 years-old. You will offer them a rich, play-based environment where they can explore and learn. You'll also offer lots of chances to try new things.
No formal qualifications are needed, and we can support you with training and the help you need to succeed. Also, you’ll need to get inspection-ready because Ofsted inspects you occasionally, as will your agency if you register with one. You get lots of training to ensure you’ll be ready.
A day in the life of a childminder
Want to know what it is really like? Read the inspiring story from a childminder who has turned this flexible career into a rewarding, family-friendly business.
Why do parents choose childminders rather than nurseries?
A childminder is ideal for families who want professional childcare in a family-based setting.
Childminders offer more flexibility than a nursery. You can give families more options if something unexpected comes up.
Who can become a childminder?
Anyone can become a childminder and childminders come from all walks of life.
Whether you’re looking for a part-time opportunity or a full-time career, childminding offers a rewarding career with flexibility to work around your family. It’s also a chance to shape young lives and make a difference to your local community.
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
At a glance
-
Decide whether register as an independent childminder with Ofsted or to register with a childminder agency: see Work as a childminder – GOV.UK
- Follow the registration and training advice
- Contact us for help if you need it
Email: Childcare Support Team
Telephone: 01323 463026
Should you work through an agency or go solo?
To become a childminder you have to register with either Ofsted or a childminding agency (CMA).
Working with an agency
If you register with an agency, you’ll still be a self-employed childminder running your own business, but you will get help and support from an agency. This can help with the pressure of running your own business.
The agency will take a share of your income but will help promote your business.
Working independently
If you’re independent, the Council will give you lots of extra support. That means you get free online training, advice, and guidance. We offer step-by-step support to help you through the Ofsted registration process and continuing support when you become a childminder. And we can advise on any grants that are available.
Promoting your service
Whether you work independently or with an agency, we'll list your business on the East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS) so families can find you.
How much does it cost?
If you are registering yourself with Ofsted rather than going with an agency, you should be prepared to spend £600 - £800.
This can be more if you are going through an agency.
For a full breakdown of costs, see: Become a childminder: How much it costs - GOV.UK.
Grants
See if you are eligible and how to apply for grants for childminders.
Things to think about before you apply
- Do you have permission from your landlord or mortgage company?
- Does your home and car insurance cover you?
- If you have your own children, how will they feel about sharing their home with other children?
- Don’t forget, you must register with HMRC to pay tax.
Grants for childminders
Childminder Start-Up grant
The Childminder Start-Up grant is a national grant provided to new childminders to help cover the costs associated with registering as a childminder.
The deadline for applying for this grant is approaching, but you will still be eligible to apply for the grant as long as you finalise registration with Ofsted or a childminder agency by 31 March 2025 and you apply for the grant within 2 months of registering. And you may still be eligible if your childminder registration has been delayed due to registration checks.
Find out more about the grant and if you can still apply via the GOV.UK website: Childminder start-up grant
Wraparound Care grant
The Wraparound Care grant is available to childcare providers who offer extended hours beyond the standard school day, essentially providing "before and after school care". This is called wraparound care, typically before school from 8am and after school until 6pm. These part time hours could fit well around and grow with your own family life.
When you provide wraparound care, you are eligible for a £600 Wraparound Care grant to help cover your start-up costs. A fantastic opportunity to start your childminding business.
You can provide wraparound childcare in a local setting such as a school, a community centre or a nursery, or in your home.
The grant is available to childminders who completed their registration with Ofsted or a childminder agency between 1 September 2024 and 31 March 2026.
You need to apply to us for this grant. To apply, email us at Wraparound Childcare.