Becoming self employed as a Childminder
Find out what needs to be done if you start working for yourself or would like to become a childminder
HMRC also offers information to support:
Childminder Start-up Grant application deadlines
We would like to remind you of the application deadlines as we approach the final few months of the childminder start-up grant scheme.
As you will be aware, new childminders who wish to apply for the grant will need to finalise their Ofsted or CMA registration by 31 March 2025.
However, we recognise that in some circumstances childminder registration may be delayed due to registration checks (for example, GP health checks) taking longer than expected. For this reason, an applicant who submits their registration to Ofsted or a CMA by 3 January 2025 will still be eligible to apply for the grant if completion of their registration is delayed beyond 31 March 2025 for reasons relating to the completion of registration checks. In these cases, we will require Ofsted or CMAs to confirm that a registration has been delayed for these reasons.
We would be grateful if you could use any upcoming opportunities (newsletters, forums, social media etc) to let those in your LA who may be thinking about becoming a childminder about the above dates to be sure of being eligible for the grant.
Apply for a childminder start-up grant
New Flexibilities for Childminders
DfE is working with Ofsted and childminder agencies and LAs to support implementation of the new flexibilities for childminders. One of them is a new category of childminder who will work entirely from non-domestic premises. Please view the New Flexibilities for Childminders webinar slides and Childminder and Childminder without domestic premises - Pre-registration briefing for more details.
Is there a need for childminders in my area?
You will need to conduct market research to determine if there is a need for childminders in your area. You can also contact Bolton Families Information Service (families@bolton.gov.uk, tel: 01204 332170) or Bolton Start Well Service (elaine.gilroy@bolton.gov.uk or carley.stringer@bolton.gov.uk) as they can support you to establish if there is a demand for childminders in your area. Established childminders already serve some parts of Bolton whereas some areas have few registered providers. My Life in Bolton has details of registered childminders in Bolton, however, please be aware that this will only show providers who have given permission for their details to be public.
