When I started looking into how much does it cost to become a childcare worker, I thought it would be simple. I pictured a few short classes, a quick background check, and then straight to playing with toddlers. But as I dug deeper, I realised it takes more than love for kids. It takes time, effort, and yes—money. Not just money from your wallet but energy from your day and sometimes confidence from your spirit.
So, I’m writing this in a journal. If you’re thinking about starting your own path in childcare, I hope this helps. I’ll break down every cost I ran into, what it really felt like, and what I wish I had known.
The First Question: How Long Does It Take to Become a Childcare Worker?
The first thing I googled was “how long does it take to become a childcare worker.” Most answers said one to two years. That’s true—if you want to be fully qualified.
I chose the Level 3 Early Years Educator course. It took me 18 months while I worked part-time. You can start with Level 2, which is a bit quicker. You can also find apprenticeships where you learn and earn at the same time.
But honestly, the real learning starts when you step into a room full of toddlers. The first time I changed a nappy while also calming down a crying three-year-old, I knew I was in it for real. And no two days look the same. Some days feel like magic. Other days you question everything. But you grow fast. I found that confidence doesn’t come from certificates. It comes from showing up.
My Honest Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childcare Worker
Here’s where things got real. I knew there would be some costs, but I didn’t expect how many little things would add up.
1. Childcare Course (Level 3)
I paid around £700 for a part-time course through an online college. Some people get it funded, especially if they’re under 19. I wasn’t.
2. DBS Check
This background check cost me £48. It’s non-negotiable. You need it before working with kids.
3. First Aid Certificate
I took a 2-day Paediatric First Aid course. It cost £60. It was worth every pound.
4. Study Materials and Travel
I spent about £100 on textbooks, folders, and travel to my placement. I didn’t even count coffee runs.
5. CPD Courses (Optional but Worth It)
These aren’t required, but they helped me so much. I did extra short courses on behaviour, autism, and safeguarding. I spent about £100 over six months. My employer loved it.
Total Cost: £908
If you’re lucky, your course might be free or covered by an apprenticeship. But if not, budget for around £800 to £900 to get fully ready. And don’t forget the extras. Bus tickets. Lunches. Printing forms. It’s not huge stuff, but it stacks up fast. I started putting aside a bit of money each week just to stay on top of it.
What About Becoming a Childminder? How Much Does It Cost?
Midway through my journey, I also looked into how much does it cost to become a childminder. That path is different. Childminders work from home and care for kids of all ages. It sounds cosy, but the setup isn’t cheap.
1. Ofsted Registration
Cost me £35 to register. Then, I had to prepare loads of paperwork.
2. DBS Checks (for my whole household)
Everyone over 16 in my home had to be checked. That was another £144 in total.
3. First Aid and Health Declaration
The first aid course again cost £60. My GP charged £90 to sign a health form.
4. Insurance and Safety Equipment
I paid £60 for public liability insurance. Then about £200 on stair gates, plug covers, fire alarms, and a first aid kit.
5. Training and Setup
I took a childminding introduction course for £100. I also bought books, toys, and learning tools for about £200.
Total Childminder Startup: £900 – £1,200
It costs more than becoming a childcare worker in a nursery, but you control your hours and space. You also carry more responsibility. You run a business. You plan meals. You track learning. You talk to your parents. It’s rewarding but not for the faint-hearted.
The Unexpected Costs That No One Talks About
Not all costs are on paper. Some sneak up on you in ways you don’t expect.
Time
Evening classes, long days, unpaid placements—you give up hours you used to spend relaxing. I missed birthdays, Netflix, and dinners. It felt like I had two jobs.
Energy
Caring for children drains you in a deep way. You love them, but it’s full-on. I cried in the staff toilet more than once.
Confidence
Some days, I felt like a failure. When a toddler bit another child, and I froze, I questioned everything. But every hard moment made me better.
Friendships
Your social life may take a hit. While friends went out, I stayed home writing assignments or recovering from a long shift. You learn who really supports you. But every cost came with a lesson. I didn’t lose anything. I gained purpose.
But There’s Good News: What You Gain Pays Off
Let’s not just talk about money. Let’s talk about what I got back.
Pride
The first time a parent thanked me for helping their shy kid come out of their shell, I almost cried. That’s a win no one can take from you.
Skills for Life
You learn how to stay calm, think fast, plan ahead, and work in a team. These skills help you everywhere.
A Growing Job Market
In 2025, childcare jobs are growing fast. The UK government now gives 15 to 30 free hours of childcare for babies and toddlers. That means more demand for workers like you and me.
A Community
I found people on the same path. Fellow students, coworkers, mentors. We helped each other. And now, we cheer each other on. You won’t walk this road alone unless you choose to.
What CPD Courses Taught Me That My Main Course Didn’t
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses were my secret weapon. They gave me:
- Extra confidence around special needs
- Better ways to handle difficult behaviour
- Tools for spotting safeguarding issues
And they fit into my life. I watched the videos on my phone while cooking. Some were 1 hour long. But they made a big difference. I did courses on autism, trauma, language support, and even play therapy. Each one gave me a new tool I could use right away.
If you’re wondering whether to spend the extra £10 or £20 here and there, I say do it.
What Parents Actually Pay (and Why That Matters to You)
Knowing what childcare costs families helped me understand what my time was worth.
In 2025:
- Full-time nursery for under 2s: About £240/week
- Part-time: About £70/week (with support)
- Childminders charge about £4 to £6 per hour
That money doesn’t all go to you. But it shows how much care is worth. People will pay for someone they trust. And the trust takes time. You build it every day. Through the way you speak to a child, the notes you give parents, and the smile you wear even on tired mornings.
My Tips for Anyone Starting This Path
- Start small. Volunteer first. See if it feels right.
- Don’t rush the paperwork. DBS, First Aid, references—do it right.
- Ask questions. People in childcare are kind. They will help.
- Take CPD seriously. It helps more than you think.
- Save up. Even if courses are free, you’ll spend on food, buses, and gear.
- Be patient with yourself. Growth in this job comes day by day. You won’t know it all right away.
- Remember your reason. When it gets hard, think about why you started.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to become a childcare worker? About £900 for me. But the real cost? Time, effort, and heart.
I won’t lie—it wasn’t always easy. I had doubts. I had late nights. I had days I wanted to quit.
But I didn’t. And now, when I walk into a room, and a child runs up yelling my name, I remember why I did it. If you want to care for kids, don’t let the cost stop you. Just plan, ask for help, and take one step at a time.
It’s worth it. Every bit of it. And one day, you’ll look back and realise—the cost didn’t break you. It built you.
If your heart’s in it, let’s get your skills there too. Join Unified Course’s Childcare courses—snack in one hand, future in the other.
