How to Become a Childminder in England: From Checks to Approval

A childminding career starts well before your first child arrives. To understand how to become a childminder, you need to know the main legal steps. In England, this usually means choosing the right register and completing the required checks. You may register with Ofsted or a childminder agency, depending on your route. You also need suitable first aid, DBS checks and a safe childcare setting. Your training needs can change based on the ages you plan to care for. Costs, child ratios, insurance and business duties also form part of the setup. 

Now, let’s see what it really takes to become a registered childminder. 

Firstly, What Is Childminding?

Childminding is a form of regular childcare where one person cares for children from one or more families. It usually takes place in a smaller, home-style setting rather than a nursery.

A childminder may support play, meals, school runs, rest time and simple learning activities. Because the group is usually smaller, children can often follow a more flexible daily routine. In simple terms, childminding offers paid childcare in a personal, family-style setting with regular care and support.

Do You Need to Register as a Childminder?

Normally, you must register for some paid childcare for children under eight. The rule often applies when one child stays with you for over two hours. Payment can include money, goods or another type of reward. Some legal exemptions exist, so your exact setup still matters.

Registration usually applies when the childcare involves:

• Age: Children under eight.
• Time: More than two hours of care in one day.
• Payment: Money, goods or another form of reward.
• Legal status: No registration exemption applies.
• Type of care: The arrangement meets childminding rules.

Caring for children in their own home usually falls under nanny rules. You cannot register if all the children are your relatives. Some children can be related to you, but not the whole group. You must also be at least 18 and allowed to work in the UK.

You cannot register if you are barred from working with children. Some past refusals, cancellations or disqualifications can also block registration. In some cases, Ofsted can consider a waiver for disqualification.

How to Become a Childminder in England: What Steps Should You Follow?

The process becomes clearer when you follow it in the right order. Each stage affects your checks, training and registration. So what should you do?

• Pick your childcare setting. Work from home, approved non-home premises or a suitable mix.
• Set your age range. The children’s ages decide which register applies.
• Compare registration routes. Choose between Ofsted and a childminder agency.
• Complete the right training. Your register decides what training you need.
• Get your checks ready. Arrange DBS, health and reference documents.
• Make the premises suitable. Review safety, insurance and property requirements.
• Send a complete application. Missing documents can delay your registration.
• Get ready for assessment. Early Years applicants normally receive a visit.
• Start only after approval. Regulated childminding cannot begin before registration.

Your local council can also help before you apply. It must provide advice on Ofsted registration. Contact the early years team if you need help with the process.

Which Childminder Register Should You Join?

Ofsted has two main registers. They are the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register. The Childcare Register has compulsory and voluntary parts. Your choice mainly depends on the ages you plan to care for.

If you join the Early Years Register, you can also join the Childcare Register. You do not pay another registration fee for that. However, moving from Childcare Register-only to Early Years needs a new application.

Should You Choose Ofsted or a Childminder Agency?

Both routes can lead to registered childminding. Ofsted gives you the direct route with the regulator. An agency can offer training, business help and support with finding families. Agency fees and services vary, so compare the full offer before choosing.

There is also one less-known rule. You cannot use an agency for voluntary Childcare Register-only registration. In that case, you must apply straight to Ofsted.

What Qualifications and Training Do You Need?

You do not always need a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification. Early Years applicants need a good working knowledge of the EYFS. They also need child protection training and current paediatric first aid. The general pre-registration course rule ended on 4 January 2024.

The Compulsory Childcare Register has different training rules. You need training linked to the childminding you plan to provide. Child protection training and suitable first aid are also required.

Voluntary registration has its own rules too. At least one person needs a suitable first aid award. That person also needs a relevant Level 2 award or common core skills training.

Basically, a childcare course alone does not make you registered. Formal childcare awards can still help you build skills and confidence. Yet registration depends on meeting the rules for your chosen register.

What DBS and Suitability Checks Do Childminders Need?

Suitability checks help show that you can safely work with children. Your application can include:

• An enhanced DBS check with the right barred-list check.
• Two references.
• A health declaration for relevant Early Years applications.
• Overseas good-character proof where needed.
• Checks for assistants.
• Checks for some people aged 16 or over in your home.

A child already living in your home may need checks once they turn 16. People who regularly work in the home can also require checks. If you lived abroad within the past five years, Ofsted can ask for extra evidence.

Ofsted can also contact local council children’s services during its checks. Because of this, suitability is wider than one DBS certificate. It covers you, your setting and other relevant people.

Can You Childmind From Home and Other Premises?

Yes. Home childminding is still common, but it is not the only choice. If you work from home, check your rent or mortgage terms. You could also need planning approval or business insurance. Normal home insurance does not always cover childminding.

A home-based childminder can also use approved non-home premises for some care. For example, you can use a community hall. However, your registration still includes childminding from a home.

You can also register without domestic premises. This route lets you work fully outside homes. Schools, halls, offices and suitable outdoor spaces can qualify. One registration can cover several approved premises. Each place needs approval before you start childcare there.

What Happens After You Apply for Ofsted Registration?

Ofsted checks your background, references and suitability before making a decision. Early Years applicants normally get a registration visit. The visit checks more than whether your home looks safe and tidy.

During the visit, expect checks on:

• Your identity and key papers.
• Your first aid certificate.
• Premises and garden safety.
• Suitable childcare equipment.
• Your EYFS knowledge.
• Your safeguarding knowledge.
• How you would handle real childcare situations.
• Whether your English is good enough for safe care.

Childcare Register-only applicants may get a visit, but not always. If Ofsted approves you, it gives you a registration certificate and unique number. You need the certificate before you start registered childminding.

Here is a point many guides miss. Ofsted normally publishes a childminder’s name and address online. However, you can ask it not to publish those details.

If Ofsted plans to refuse your application, it sends a legal notice. The notice explains why and tells you how to object. Follow the exact deadline shown on that notice. A final refusal can normally be appealed within three months.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childminder?

Start-up costs vary, but many fees are easy to plan. Ofsted fees depend on the register you join. Agency fees can be different. Equipment and home changes can also raise your budget.

You may also need toys, safety items, food and extra home supplies. Some childminders pay for property changes or rented space. If you use a car for work, check your motor cover too. Employing an assistant can also add wage and insurance costs.

Ofsted fees are normally non-refundable. You will not usually get the fee back after withdrawal or refusal. The old national £600 and £1,200 start-up grant closed on 31 March 2025. Some councils may still offer local help.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Childminder?

Early Years applications have a target of about 12 weeks. Some Childcare Register applications have a target of about 10 weeks. Extra checks can make either route take longer.

Preparation can also add time before you apply. DBS checks, medical proof, references and overseas checks may take time. So what should you do? Gather the main papers before you submit your application.

How Many Children Can a Childminder Look After?

For Early Years childminding, one person can care for six children under eight. Normally, no more than three can be young children. Usually, only one child can be under one. Your own young children also count in these ratios.

Some limited exceptions can apply. Siblings or continuity of care can change the usual young-child ratio. However, the total still cannot go above six children under eight per person.

Childminders can also work with assistants or other childminders. Up to four people can work together under childminding rules. Five or more people need a different childcare registration type. An assistant can normally have sole care for two hours daily with parent permission.

How Much Can a Childminder Earn?

A childminder in the UK can earn around £18,000 to £35,000 gross per year. Some busy childminders in high-demand areas may earn £45,000 or more. However, there is no fixed national childminder salary. Most childminders work for themselves, so earnings can vary widely.

Income mostly depends on your hourly fee, filled places and working hours. Location matters too, because childcare rates can change across the UK. Hourly fees can range from about £5.50 to £11 or more per child. In busy areas, rates can be higher.

Your income also grows when you care for more children at the same time. So, instead of looking only at yearly figures, you can work out your own gross income like this:

Hourly fee × filled places × paid hours = gross childcare income

For example, caring for three children at £7 per hour gives £21 gross per hour. However, child ratios and children’s ages can limit how many places you can fill.

Gross income is also different from take-home pay. You still need to cover food, insurance, heating and equipment. Training, venue costs, tax and empty places can reduce your final profit too.

Registered providers can also join Tax-Free Childcare. This lets eligible parents use the scheme towards their childcare costs. Some childminders can also offer funded early years places through local schemes.

So, what affects childminder earnings most? Your hourly rate, child ratios, filled places, location and running costs usually make the biggest difference.

What Are the New Childminder Rules From 1 September 2026?

Several EYFS changes start on 1 September 2026. Some points make old duties clearer. Others tighten the rules around safety and checks.

The main childminder rule changes are: 

• Clearer safer-sleep rules.
• Stronger safeguarding wording.
• Wider reporting for claims of harm.
• Extra criminal-record checks in some cases.
• Tighter checks before some new staff start.
• Rules where banned dog breeds are present.
• New guidance on screen use.

The updated framework also keeps clear rules on space and supervision. This matters if you plan a small setting or shared premises. The focus stays on safe care, not simply fitting more children into a room.

What Business and Legal Duties Start After Registration?

Registration is not the end of the process. Your ongoing duties matter just as much. Keep your records, insurance and Ofsted details up-to-date.

You will need to:

• Annual fees: Pay the required registration charge on time.
• Personal details: Update Ofsted when important information changes.
• Serious incidents: Report events that meet Ofsted reporting rules.
• Records and policies: Keep the required childcare documents accurate.
• Insurance cover: Maintain suitable protection for your childminding work.
• Training: Renew any required training before it expires.
• Tax records: Track income, expenses and other business information.
• Premises or staff changes: Report relevant changes to people or childcare locations.

Do Childminders Need ICO Registration?

Data protection rules can apply if you keep digital records about children. The ICO charges a yearly data protection fee where needed. The lowest current tier starts at £52 a year. You can save £5 by paying through Direct Debit.

Not every childminder must pay the fee. Your exact duty depends on how you use personal data. Check the ICO fee tool before you pay.

What if You Provide Food?

If you provide food in England, you normally do not need to make another food registration. Your Ofsted or agency details can also support local food business registration. You still need to follow food safety, hygiene and allergen rules.

Does Making Tax Digital Affect Childminders?

From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital affects some childminders. The first group includes some sole traders with qualifying income above £50,000. This means gross self-employed and property income before costs, not profit.

HMRC also gives childminders clear rules on some household costs and business records. Good records can make tax work much easier later.

Can Childminders Receive Funded Childcare Payments Monthly?

From 1 October 2026, councils must offer monthly funded payments on request. This includes childminders who provide funded early years places. Monthly payments can make cash flow easier to plan.

When Will Ofsted Inspect a New Childminder?

Inspection timing now depends on when you register. For example, Early Years providers registered from 1 April 2026 usually get their first inspection within 18 months. However, providers registered before this date normally stay under the older 30-month timing.

Ofsted is also moving towards a four-year inspection window. The change started in April 2026 and runs through March 2030. Concerns can still lead to an earlier visit or other action.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do Before Applying?

Knowing how to become a childminder is useful, but good preparation makes the real difference. Before applying, make sure your childcare plans match the rules for your chosen route. Check that your home or premises can support the service you want to offer. It also helps to plan your costs, working hours and future income early.

A clear setup can prevent delays and costly changes later. Once everything feels realistic and ready, you can move into registration with far more confidence.

FAQs

What Qualifications Do I Need for Childminding?

You do not always need a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification. However, your register can require first aid, safeguarding training and suitable childcare knowledge.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childminder?

Start-up costs can range from registration fees to DBS checks, first aid, insurance and equipment. Your final cost depends on your setup and registration route.

Is It Worth Being a Childminder?

It can be worth it if you value flexible work and enjoy caring for children. However, you also need to manage paperwork, costs, rules and running your own business.

How Long Does a Childminding Course Take?

There is no single course length for every childminder. Training can take a few hours, several days or longer, depending on the course and your register.

Do Childminders Make a Lot of Money?

Income can vary widely because most childminders work for themselves. Your earnings depend on fees, filled places, working hours, costs and local demand.

Why Are Childminders Quitting?

Some leave because of rising costs, paperwork, changing rules or the pressure of running a small business. Others move into different childcare roles or reduce their working hours.

Are Childminder Rules the Same Across the UK?

No. Childminder rules are different across the UK. England uses Ofsted, while Scotland uses the Care Inspectorate. Wales uses Care Inspectorate Wales. Northern Ireland uses the relevant Health and Social Care Trust. So, always follow the rules for the UK nation where you plan to work.