How much will it cost?

Like any new venture, there are start-up costs involved in becoming a childminder. These figures are for illustration purposes only, but will help you understand how much the process is likely to cost.

England

Have a conversation with your local authority Early Years Team to see if they have funding available to help you set up as a childminder. This page about PACEY's Quality Start scheme will give the Early Years Team the information they need.

A Childcare Business Grant is available for new childminding businesses planning to offer the 30 hours' free entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds with grants of up to £500 for childminders, and £1000 if you're planning to offer childcare for disabled children. Please note that this scheme closes on 31 March 2019 and you must apply before this date.

Is childminding right for me? Online short briefing from PACEY (optional)	£5.00
PACEY's recommended pre-registration training course, Level 3 Award in Home-based Childcare (HBCA).	£250.00 plus VAT
Paediatric first aid training course	From £85, depending on provider.
Disclosure and Barring Service check	From £52.10 (includes admin fees) plus optional annual renewal fee (currently £13)
Health declaration check	From £35.00, depending on your doctor's fees
Registration on Ofsted Early Years Register (if you're caring only for children under 5)	£35.00*
Registration on Ofsted Childcare Register (if you're only caring for children aged 5-7)	£104.00*
Full childminder membership of PACEY	From £59.50
Childminder public liability insurance from PACEY - only available to members	£28.90
Registration with Information Commissioner's Office	£40

*If you join both registers, you'll pay the lower fee. Different fees will apply if you join a childminder agency.

Wales

In Wales, some local authorities will fund these products and services. Please contact PACEY Cymru for more information.

Pre-registration briefing session from PACEY Cymru	From £10.00
Pre-registration training course, CYPOP5, with FREE learner membership from PACEY	From £249.99
Paediatric first aid training course	Check with your Local Authority. There may be a charge but this varies.
Disclosure and Barring Service check	Check with CIW
Health declaration check	Check with your GP. There may be a charge but this varies.
Registration with CIW	Free
Full childminder membership of PACEY	From £59.50
Childminder public liability insurance from PACEY - only available to members	£28.90
Register with Information Commissioner's Office	£40

There may be other associated costs as well, depending on your business model. For example, if you plan to play recorded music, you may need to apply for a joint PPL and PRS for Music licence and you're also likely to need to register with the Information Commissioner's Office which costs around £40.

Visit PACEY's Business Smart section for more help on setting up your business. It will support you to write a business plan, undertake market research and guide you through the ins and outs of your financial planning.

Business Smart is filled with useful information and guidance to help you set up a successful childminding business.