If you want to know how to become a childminder, be prepared for the startup costs. Because same as any kind of business, there is a startup cost in childminding business too. Here’s a list of expenses to help you budget for your childcare business.
1. Registration Costs
2. Medical Check/GP Fee
3. DBS Check
4. Paediatric First Aid Training
5. Child Care training
6. Safeguarding Training
7. Introductory EYFS Training
8. Other Training Requirements
9. Insurance Premium
10. Resources, Equipment, and Repairs
Registration Costs
The registration fee varies depending on the age of the children you will be caring for and the register you join. This is an annual payment. The Early Years Register, for children aged five and under, has a £35 fee. And the Ofsted Childcare Register, for children over the age of five, costs £103. But if you register for both, the fee is £35.

Medical Check/GP Fee
You will have to receive a health check from a GP to confirm that you have no medical issues that would affect your ability to care for children. Your doctor or GP will complete the Health Declaration Form and send it to Ofsted. The cost of this will vary depending on your GP. It can be roughly £50 to £150, but it would be best to contact them directly.
DBS Check
You’ll need to pay for a DBS check for yourself and each person over 16 who lives or works in your home. It’ll cost you £40 to get an enhanced DBS check. Also, we recommend renewing your DBS check every 1-3 years, so you may want to factor this into your annual budget. For more information on how to obtain a DBS form and what process to follow, check out this government page.
Necessary Training Expense
Before you can apply to Ofsted, you must complete some mandatory training.
Paediatric First Aid Training
You will need to complete a paediatric first-aid course. This has to be renewed every three years. Standard paediatric courses cover how to care for a child/infant in the event of any emergency. For instance, if they are ill or injured. You can choose this course offered by One Education on Paediatric First Aid Course – CPD Accredited.
Child Care training
To become a childminder, knowledge about child protection and child care is critical. You need to complete a local authority-approved childminder training course. Or take an online course like this one – Child Development and Care.
Safeguarding Training
Many local authorities may ask for safeguarding training, especially from new childminders. This training can also be done online – Safeguarding Children Level 1, 2, and 3. It would help if you stay updated, so you may take this training every three years.
Introductory EYFS Training
You also have to complete introductory training requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework requirements. But if you already hold an Early Years qualification, you don’t need this training. However, you can expect to pay £50-£200 for this training.
Other Training Requirements
Any other requirements may vary. However, some training would be helpful in the areas of Food Hygiene, Fire Safety, Internet Safety, etc. In addition, suppose any of the children in your care have additional needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Dyslexia. In that case, you may want to obtain additional training to ensure you can fulfil their specific needs. The costs of these certificates will vary, but you can wait for discount offers in One Education.
Insurance Premium
All registered childcare providers like childminders are required by law to have insurance. They usually choose Public Liability Insurance (PLI). It will cost between £25 and £100. You will also need home and car insurance.
Resources, Equipment, and Repairs
Not all resources and equipment are mandatory, but parents prefer them and help your business flourish. You’ll also need to conduct a risk assessment to determine what child-proofing needs in your house. Resources you will need to buy are – car seats, baby feeding chairs, changing mats, a first aid kit, child-friendly eating and drinking accessories, safety gates, toys, games, and books. But, again, these can vary depending on the age of the children.
Lastly, it would be wise to consider the cost of repair or replacement of any resources in your annual budget.