Launch of start-up grants for childminders
The Childminder Start-up Grant Scheme is now open for applications. The Scheme will support new childminders by providing them with grant funding, worth £7.2m over the next two financial years, helping childminders with the cost of setting up their own businesses.
The childminder start-up grant scheme will be available to all new childminders who have completed their registration on or after 15th March 2023. Individuals who have previously been registered as childminders and wish to re-register into the sector may also apply for the scheme. There must be at least a 12-month gap between the date of their previous registration being cancelled and their new registration being finalised.
As previously announced, we will offer £600 to new childminders registering with Ofsted, and £1200 to new childminders registering with a childminder agency. £1200 grants will be paid in two instalments, with a 6-month limit on claiming the second instalment. Childminders must apply for the grant within two months of registering as a childminder, or within two months of the Scheme launching.
You can apply via
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-childminder-start-up-grant
What is a childminder?
Childminders are self-employed and work for themselves so can set their own hours and decide what age of child they would like to care for some prefer to look after younger children whereas some Childminders prefer to offer Before and after school care (often referred to as wraparound care). Childminders can often provide flexible care to suit your needs and may be able to provide more individualised care for your children.
Childminders usually care for children usually in their own home. They can often provide Childminders can care for children from age six weeks to 16 years but must register with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency.
| Things to consider | Support available | What may prevent you registering |
| Do you live in the East Riding of Yorkshire? | One to one Support from an Early Years Development Advisor to guide you through the process of registering with Ofsted | You've been convicted of a serious offence or are barred from working with children |
| Do you own your own home? | All sample paperwork provided for you to adapt to your home setting | Your own children have ever been taken into care |
| If yes, have you checked your deeds to ensure you can work from your home, as some developers prohibit this | All required training provided or signposted too | You've been refused Ofsted registration before |
| If you live in a rented property, have you checked with your landlord and gained written consent to work from their property? | Financial help once registered with Ofsted | You live with someone who is disqualified from working or having regular contact with children |
| Can you offer a safe stimulating environment that will promote the good health, education and development of children? |
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| Can you manage a wide range of children's behaviours? | Training available |
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| Can you manage your own time efficiently? |
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| Are you aware that everyone over the age of sixteen who live at the property will need an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service check (that states Home Childcarer/Childminder)? |
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| Finance assistance could be available once registered | Details can be given |
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| There will be some costs involved with becoming an Ofsted registered childminder - please see table below:- |
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| Item | Approximate Cost |
| Car Insurance Business Class 1 | Check with insurance company (Annual cost) |
| Childminding Course | Up to £350.00 (Currently free from the Local Authority) |
DBS Update Service
| £13.00 per DBS check for each person aged 16 years and over (Not mandatory but good practice) |
| Enhanced Disclosure Barring Check (DBS) | £50.00 per person aged 16 years and over |
| Employer Liability (Assistant) | Check with insurance company (Annual Cost) |
| Equipment | Various costs (Start-up costs and ongoing) |
| House Insurance | Check with insurance company (Annual Cost) |
| House/Garden Alterations | Various costs (Start-up costs and ongoing) |
| Information Commissioners Office (ICO - Data Protection) | £40.00 annually |
| Motion Picture Licensing Company (DVD's) *if applicable* | Have to contact for price |
| Ofsted Health Declaration Form | £0.00- £150.00 approx. |
| Ofsted Registration Fee | £35.00 - £220.00 annually |
| Paediatric First Aid (12 Hour) | £90.00 approx. (Every 3 years) |
| Paperwork | £50.00 - £100.00 (Start-up costs and ongoing) |
Performing Rights Society Ltd (PRS) Music License *if applicable* | £40.00 annually |
| Planning Application *if applicable* | £385.00 |
| Planning Query | £60.00 |
| Public Liability Insurance | From £30.00 |
How do I become a registered childminder?
To support you in applying to become an Ofsted registered childminder the Local Authority can offer you the following:-
Become a Registered Childminder course: this will cover all aspects of childminding delivered face to face or via Microsoft Teams.
Safeguarding training via the East Riding Safeguarding Childrens Partnership.
A full comprehensive training programme
Other pre-registration courses for childminders are run by external organisations however the Local Authority cannot recommend or verify any quality of teaching materials within these.
Other pre-registration courses for childminders are run by external organisations however the Local Authority cannot recommend or verify any quality of teaching materials within these.