Wondering “how much does it cost to become a childminder?” Becoming a registered childminder in the UK typically costs between £300 and £1,000, depending on your training, location, and home setup. But what are you actually paying for?
From DBS checks and first aid training to home safety gear and insurance, these aren’t hidden fees — they’re part of building a safe, professional childcare service. If you’re planning to go self-employed and care for children at home, this guide gives you the honest costs upfront — and explains why each one matters.
Along the way, we’ll cover how long it takes, what the process involves, and how this path compares to working in nurseries or preschools. Whether you’re exploring how to become a childcare worker or zeroing in on how much it costs to become a childminder, this is everything you need to know.
What Does a Childminder Do — and Why Choose This Career?
A childminder looks after children in their own home. It’s a childcare role with more freedom than a nursery job. You’re your own boss. You choose your hours. You choose how many children you care for.
Many parents prefer childminders because of the home setting. It feels more personal and flexible. Some childminders care for babies all day. Others look after school-aged kids during term time or after school.
You do need to register with Ofsted before you start. That process involves training, paperwork, home checks, and some startup costs. But once you’re registered, you can earn a steady income while working from home.
How to Become a Childcare Worker in the UK
There are a few ways to get into childcare work. It depends on where you want to work and what kind of role you’re aiming for. Some people work in nurseries. Some become nannies. Others choose to run their own home-based childcare business. Each option needs a mix of checks, training, and some legal steps.
For most childcare roles, employers ask for GCSEs in English and Maths. You’ll also need to pass a DBS check. Many jobs want you to have or work toward a childcare qualification, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma. You don’t need a university degree. You can go through a college course, an apprenticeship, or even train while working.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Childcare Worker?
You can start working with children in just a few months if you go the nursery route. Many nursery assistants begin with minimal training and learn on the job. That said, employers will still ask for a DBS check and some basic understanding of child safety.
Getting a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification takes between one and two years. That might sound long, but if you do it as part of an apprenticeship, you can earn money while you learn.
If you want to become a childminder, the timeline is slightly different. You’ll need to complete your training, register with Ofsted, and set up your home to meet safety standards. From start to finish, most new childminders take three to six months to get fully registered.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childcare Worker in the UK?
If you work for someone else, your costs are low. A nursery or childcare agency might even cover your training. Here’s what most people might spend:
- DBS Check – £48, sometimes paid by your employer
- First Aid Certificate – £50 to £100
- Childcare Course – Free with apprenticeships, or £200–£1,000 if done privately
- Uniform or Work Gear – £20 to £50, if needed
If you go the apprenticeship route or take a funded college course, your costs drop a lot. Some childcare jobs let you start right away and train as you go. But if you’re going self-employed — becoming a childminder — there’s more to budget for. That’s where real costs come in.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childminder?
Now let’s get into it. If you’re asking how much does it cost to become a childminder, the full answer depends on where you live, what training you choose, and how ready your home is. Still, most new childminders in the UK spend between £500 and £900 to get started. Some spend less. Some spend more. But this is the ballpark range for most people. Here are the key things you’ll need to pay for.
1. DBS Checks for You and Everyone Over 16 at Home
You need a DBS check to prove you’re safe to work with children. It costs £48 per person. If you live with other adults or older teens (aged 16+), they each need one too. You can sign up for the DBS update service for £13 per year. It helps keep your status active without reapplying each time. This is one of the first things you’ll do, and it’s required by law.
2. Complete a Childminder Training Course
Before you register, you must complete a course that covers safeguarding, child development, and early years education. Your local authority will tell you which courses meet the requirements. Costs vary depending on where you live. In some areas, councils run them for free. In others, you’ll pay between £50 and £200.
Look for options that also include business skills and help with setting up your paperwork. Some courses include mock inspections and support through registration.
3. Paediatric First Aid Certificate
You must hold a valid paediatric first aid certificate. It needs to be a full 12-hour course. You’ll learn how to respond to choking, head injuries, allergic reactions, and other emergencies. Courses usually cost between £50 and £100. It’s often cheaper if booked through a childminding network or local group. Without this certificate, Ofsted will not approve your application.
4. Register with Ofsted
You must register on the Early Years Register to care for children under five. This costs £35 per year.
If you also want to care for children over five (for after-school care, for example), you may need to register on the Childcare Register too. The Ofsted fee is small — but essential. You won’t be able to work legally without it.
5. Get a Health Declaration from Your GP
As part of the application, Ofsted asks for a health declaration form from your GP. It proves you’re physically and mentally fit to care for children.
Most GPs charge for this form. Expect to pay £80 to £100, depending on your surgery. Ask your doctor early, as it can take a few weeks to get the form signed.
6. Buy Public Liability Insurance
All registered childminders need public liability insurance. It protects you if a child gets hurt in your care, or if something goes wrong at your home. Most policies cost between £25 and £100 per year. Some professional memberships include insurance, so it’s worth comparing options.
7. Make Your Home Safe for Children
This is where costs can vary the most. You’ll need to check your home for safety hazards and make changes where needed. Some common items you may need:
- Stair gates
- Fire blanket
- First aid kit
- Socket covers
- Toy storage
- Child-safe locks for cupboards
- High chair or cot
You might already have some of these. But plan to spend around £100 to £300 to fully set up your space.This is a one-off cost, but an important one. Ofsted will inspect your home before approving your application.
8. Register with the ICO
If you keep children’s records digitally — for example, photos, medical notes, or learning journals — you need to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office. This costs £40 per year and is required by law if you handle personal data on a computer or phone.
How to Keep Your Startup Costs Low
Here’s where bullet point two comes in. A few ways to lower your upfront costs:
- Check with your local council for free or subsidised courses
- Buy second-hand equipment from other childminders or parents
- Use online tools to manage forms and journals instead of buying printed planners
- Share resources with other new childminders in your area
- Join networks like PACEY or Childcare.co.uk for discounted insurance and advice
What Happens After You Register?
Once you finish your training and get approved, you’re ready to start. You can advertise your services locally or online. You’ll need to keep records of attendance, meals, development, and accidents.
Ofsted will do an inspection within the first 30 months of registration. After that, they visit every few years. They’ll look at your space, your paperwork, and how you interact with the children. You’ll also need to renew your insurance, pay your annual fees, and keep your training up to date.
How Much Can You Earn as a Childminder?
Childminders charge by the hour. In most areas, the rate is between £5 and £7 per hour per child.
If you care for two children for 40 hours a week, that’s around £400 to £560 per week. Over a year, that’s a full-time income — but you’ll need to set aside money for taxes and business costs. In some areas, childminders charge more — especially in cities or where demand is high. If you offer extras like school pickups or meals, you can add to your rates.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Yes, if you want flexibility and control over your work life. Childminding gives you the chance to build a stable income while working from home. You set your hours. You choose your clients. And you shape the way you care for children. The startup costs aren’t small — but they’re not sky-high either. Compared to many careers, you don’t need a degree, long training, or huge loans. You invest a few hundred pounds, and you gain a career you can shape your way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to become a childminder, now you know — it’s not free, but it’s manageable. Expect to spend somewhere between £500 and £900, depending on where you live and what you already have.
If you’re exploring how to become a childcare worker, or asking how much does it cost to become a childcare worker, this is one of the most flexible, rewarding paths out there. You’ll gain a role that’s deeply valued by parents, and you’ll play a real part in children’s lives. This isn’t a side hustle. It’s a professional role with real responsibilities. But it’s also one of the few careers that lets you work from home, be your own boss, and make a lasting difference. When done right, childminding isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. And the costs? They’re simply the foundation on which you build that future.
Enrol in our online Child Care courses at Unified Course and get everything you need to register with confidence.
