Starting a Childminding Business

It is important to carry out thorough research around the area you are considering opening your business.

A Feasibility Study is simply a means of finding out whether or not something is likely to work and this document will take you through why they’re important, what they can tell you and how to undertake one.  Fundamentally, they will provide some initial information on whether or not your proposed business idea is needed, and wanted, in the area.

You can also find about more about existing childcare in an area by contacting the Families Information Service and by consulting the latest Childcare Sufficiency Assessment for an indication on participation and vacancy information across the city, as well as information on forthcoming developments.

These Key Considerations for starting up a new childcare provision consolidate some of the key information highlighted above.

You can also see more information to support your decision, go to the education hub: How to register as a childminder and receive a grant worth up to £1,200 – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)

Once you have read all the information above if you would like to continue with the process to become a Registered Childminder, please book yourself onto the next Childminder Information Briefing.

In the Spring Budget the Chancellor announced childminder start-up grants for newly registering childminders.

The Childminder Start-up Grants Scheme opened on 30th November 2023 and aims to support new childminders by providing them with grant funding to help with the cost of setting up their own businesses.

The Childminder Start-up Grants Scheme will be available to all new childminders who have completed their registration on or after 15th March 2023. Individuals who have previously been registered as childminders and wish to re-register into the sector may also apply for the scheme. There must be at least a 12-month gap between the date of their previous registration being cancelled and their new registration being finalised.

The scheme will offer £600 to new childminders registering with Ofsted, and £1200 to new childminders registering with a childminder agency. £1200 grants will be paid in two instalments, with a 6-month limit on claiming the second instalment. Childminders must apply for the grant within two months of registering as a childminder, or within two months of the Scheme launching.

More information can be found in the following documents:

• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Eligibility Criteria
• Application Guidance
• Application Process

The application website is hosted by AIMS and childminders will need to set up an account to apply. Applications can be made here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-childminder-start-up-grant

Please note this scheme sits outside the Early Years Team & Nottingham City Local Authority and is administered by the DfE's Delivery Partner, Ecorys.

• Paediatric First Aid
• Introduction to Safeguarding Children
• Childminder Information Workshop

Details of all these courses can be found Early Years - Nottingham City Council

It is a legal requirement for you to keep training up to date and maintain your knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, Ofsted consider it important that all childcare providers continue their professional development and there is a wealth of training and development courses on our Website.  

Once you are a Registered Childminder, Nottingham City Early Years Team are committed to ensuring you continue to have support available.

We have a range of resources to support Looking After Your Childcare Business and support for existing Childminders is also detailed in the Childminder Provider Support Framework 

Are You looking to become a childminder?

Childminder Agencies (CMAs) are Ofsted accredited agencies CMAs register childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises and help them with training, business support, advice and finding parents. CMAs may also cover some of the upfront costs involved in becoming registered.

For more information about CMAs that work in Nottingham City see below:

@Home Childcare

Looking to become a childminder? @Home Childcare, an Ofsted-accredited Childminder Agency based in Nottingham City, offers a simple and supportive way to get started. Unlike the traditional DIY route of registering with Ofsted, @Home Childcare provides everything needed to launch a successful childminding business, from essential training to ongoing professional guidance.

With a team of experienced childcare mentors, @Home Childcare helps aspiring childminders navigate every stage of the process. From understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to securing DBS checks and setting fees, their expert support ensures new childminders are fully equipped to provide high-quality care in their communities.

The support doesn’t end once registration is complete. As part of their network, childminders can access ongoing help with day-to-day tasks such as invoicing, funding applications, and enrolment, as well as opportunities for continuous professional development. This all-in-one service allows childminders to focus on the children, while @Home Childcare takes care of the rest.

For more information on how @Home Childcare can help individuals turn their passion for childcare into a thriving business, potential childminders are encouraged to call 0115 978 3399 or visit the @Home Childcare website to download a free ‘Guide to Becoming a Childminder’ eBook.

Suffolk Childcare Agency (SCA)

Suffolk Childcare Agency (SCA) is led by a team of Early Years Professionals with over 38 years of expertise in the childcare sector,

They are committed to providing childminders with comprehensive, efficient, and valuable support, ensuring they deliver the highest quality childcare to children and their families. At SCA, exceptional childcare means more than just education—it's about nurturing each child's personal development and well-being. Our approach promotes a supportive environment where children are encouraged to thrive and grow, preparing them for a smooth transition to school.

For more information go to https://scachildcare.co.uk/about-us/

Or contact Suffolk Childcare Agency on 01728746970 or email hello@scachildcare.co.uk

Tiney childminding agency

Tiney gives you the training, tools, support & community to help your career thrive

Do you love the idea of working with children and want to make a difference to their lives? Excited to run your own home-based business? Looking for a rewarding career where you can earn a professional wage?

For more information go to https://www.tiney.co/