After-School club in a hired hall

Working parents, plus some families using childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare. Some councils or schools may also fund places.

A fee per session or per term for each child. Income depends on how many children attend and what you pay for hall hire and staff.

• Confident with groups of children
• Organised and calm under pressure
• Good at talking to parents
• Activity planning

• Registration rules vary by nation and by how many hours and which ages you care for, so check with Ofsted, Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales or your local trust before you start
• Enhanced DBS checks for you and any staff
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Safeguarding policy, staff ratios, first aid, allergy and food hygiene rules to check with your council
• Hall hire costs can be high compared with low attendance in the early months

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on hall hire, equipment, insurance and checks. Hall hire can be high compared with low attendance in the early months, so check your numbers carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many children attend and how many sessions you run. Some families use childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare, and some councils or schools may fund places.

Registration rules vary by nation and by the hours and ages you care for, so check with Ofsted, Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales or your local trust. Also check enhanced DBS checks, insurance, safeguarding, staff ratios and food hygiene rules.