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.

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).	£300.00 (£250 +VAT)
Paediatric first aid training course	From £85, depending on provider.
Disclosure and Barring Service check	From £48.10 (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 membership of PACEY	From £9.28 per month**
Childminder public liability insurance from PACEY - only available to members	£32.48
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.

**Save £30 on PACEY Practitioner membership when you complete the HBCA with The Childcare Company and PACEY.

Wales

In line with funding from Welsh Government from October 21-March 22 PACEY Cymru are now able to offer a package of subsidised pre-registration training and support for prospective childminders in Wales. Training and support for those looking to work, or currently working as a childminder assistant in Wales is also available at a subsidised cost as is training and support for nannies looking to join Care Inspectorate Wales’ (CIW) Approval of Home Childcare Providers scheme. Find out more about this programme or for any queries please email paceycymru@pacey.org.uk

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	*see above funding available until the 31 March 2022
Pre-registration training course for home-based childcare in Wales, with FREE learner membership from PACEY	*see above funding available until the 31 March 2022
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
Membership of PACEY	*see above funding available until the 31 March 2022
Childminder public liability insurance from PACEY - only available to members	*see above funding available until the 31 March 2022 (eligibility criteria applies)
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.

If you've just started on the path to a career as a registered childminder you'll find our Business Smart section useful. It contains the lowdown on all you need to get started in this fantastically rewarding career, including details on accessing start-up loans.

PACEY can support you all the way through your career as a professional registered childminder. From your pre-registration briefing to introductory training and from peer support networks to free vacancy matching services, PACEY is your number one choice.

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