Home-based childminder

Working parents, often those who want a small, homely setting and flexible hours around a nursery or school day.

Hourly, daily or weekly fees per child. Some parents may also use government-funded childcare hours, so check how payment works in your nation.

• Patience and warmth with young children
• Organised routines and record keeping
• Clear, friendly communication with parents

• Registration is normally required before you can care for children, and it can take weeks, so check timings with your regulator
• Check how many children you can look after at once and what age limits apply
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance needs updating
• Ask your landlord, mortgage lender or council whether you need permission to run it from home
• Self Assessment as a sole trader, plus keeping records of fees, expenses and accidents

Estimates are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on your setup and insurance. You will need public liability insurance, and should check whether your home insurance needs updating.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £4,500, depending on how many children you look after and your hours. Check how many children and what ages you can care for at once.

Registration is normally required before you can care for children and can take weeks, so check timings with your regulator. Also check limits on numbers and ages, and whether your landlord, lender or council needs to give permission.