How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childminder Full Breakdown


1. Introduction to Childminding Costs

Becoming a registered childminder in the UK is a rewarding career choice, but it comes with financial commitments. Understanding how much does it cost to become a childminder helps aspiring carers budget properly and avoid unexpected expenses.


2. Registration Costs with Ofsted

Most childminders must register with Ofsted in England. The fees are:

  • £35 per year if you only look after children aged 5–7.
  • £103 per year if you also care for children under 5.

3. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Checks

Every adult living in your household must undergo a DBS check. Costs usually include:

  • £52 for each enhanced DBS check
  • Additional admin or update service fees (around £13 per year)

4. Training and Qualifications

Childminders must complete training before registration, such as:

  • Paediatric First Aid Course – £80 to £120
  • Childminder Training / Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – £150 to £300

5. Health and Safety Requirements

You may need to invest in:

  • Fire safety equipment (alarms, extinguishers) – £50 to £150
  • Safety gates, locks, and childproofing – £100 to £500 depending on your home setup

6. Insurance Costs

  • Public Liability Insurance – £60 to £100 per year
  • Employer’s Liability Insurance (if hiring assistants) – £100+ per year
  • Optional contents insurance for toys and equipment

7. Equipment and Resources

Childminders must provide safe, engaging environments, which may require:

  • Toys, books, and games – £200 to £500
  • Furniture (high chairs, cots, mats) – £150 to £400
  • Outdoor play equipment – £100+

8. Food Hygiene and Business Costs

  • Local authority food hygiene registration – usually free
  • Food preparation training (if required) – £30 to £100

9. Ongoing Annual Costs

After setup, expect yearly costs such as:

  • Ofsted renewal fee
  • DBS update service
  • Insurance renewals
  • Replacement of toys and resources

10. Total Estimated Costs

Depending on your circumstances, the cost to become a childminder ranges between:

  • £500 and £1,500 for initial setup
  • £200 to £400 per year ongoing costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I get funding to cover childminder costs?
Yes. Some local councils provide grants or support for training and setup costs.

Q2: Do I need to pay for each household member’s DBS check?
Yes. All adults over 16 living in your home need one.

Q3: Is Ofsted registration mandatory for all childminders?
Yes, unless you only care for close relatives’ children.

Q4: Do I need a separate business license?
No, but you must register with Ofsted and follow local regulations.

Q5: How long does the registration process take?
It can take 3–6 months, depending on training, DBS checks, and inspections.

Q6: Can I deduct these costs as business expenses?
Yes. Once registered, setup and ongoing costs are tax-deductible business expenses.


Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to become a childminder? On average, you’ll need between £500 and £1,500 to cover registration, training, insurance, and equipment. While there are ongoing annual fees, childminding is a relatively low-cost business to set up compared to other childcare services. With careful budgeting and potential council support, becoming a childminder is an achievable and rewarding career path.


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