Childminder Business Tips

Ofsted preparation, policies and procedures, marketing your childminding business, finances, insurance, and day-to-day business management.

All Posts Child Development (3) Childminder Business Tips (5) EYFS Activities & Planning (2) Key Stage Teaching (2) Outdoor Learning (2) Parent Communication (3) Safeguarding & Welfare (2) SEN & Inclusion (3)

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Preparing for Your Ofsted Inspection as a Childminder: What to Expect and How to Get Ready

Ofsted inspections can arrive with barely a day's notice, and for childminders working alone from home, that call can feel genuinely unsettling — but the process is far more straightforward than most people expect. This guide explains exactly what happens on the day, what the inspector is actually assessing, and the practical preparation that makes a real difference.

27 Mar 2026 8 min read

Childminder Business Tips

How to Register as a Childminder with Ofsted: A Step-by-Step Guide for England

Registering as a childminder with Ofsted involves more preparation than most people expect — from first aid certificates to DBS checks — and the process can stall quickly if you don't tackle the groundwork in the right order. This guide walks you through every stage, so you know exactly what's needed and when.

12 Mar 2026 9 min read

Family enjoying a cooking session together in a modern kitchen, preparing pasta and vegetables.

Childminder Business Tips

How to Set Your Childminding Fees: A Guide to Pricing, Deposits, and Late Payment Policies

Setting your childminding fees is one of those things nobody warns you about during training — yet get it wrong and you'll spend years undercharging, chasing invoices, and wondering why the business never quite adds up. This guide covers everything from working out your hourly rate to deposits and late payment policies, drawn from over a decade of hard-won experience.

4 Mar 2026 8 min read

Childminder Business Tips

Childminder Tax Returns: What You Can and Cannot Claim as a Business Expense

Getting your tax return right as a childminder is harder than it sounds — HMRC's guidance wasn't written with us in mind, which means many childminders are quietly either leaving money on the table or claiming things they shouldn't. This article breaks down exactly what you can and cannot claim as a business expense, from shared household costs to your car, in plain terms.

24 Feb 2026 8 min read

Childminder Business Tips

How to Write a Childminding Policies and Procedures Pack That Satisfies Ofsted

Your policies pack isn't just a box-ticking exercise — it's Ofsted's clearest window into how you actually run your setting. This guide cuts through the confusion to show you what genuinely needs to be in it, and how to write it in your own words rather than hiding behind someone else's template.

21 Feb 2026 8 min read