Start a pop-up parent and toddler playgroup

Parents, grandparents and childminders who want somewhere social and low-cost to take little ones.

A small fee per child or family per session, or a term-time block booking. Some groups also sell refreshments or run seasonal events.

• Warm and confident with young children and parents
• Organised, with a good routine for setting up and packing away
• Local marketing through social media and noticeboards

• Check whether your set-up counts as registered childcare. Sessions where parents stay and you do not look after children alone are often treated differently from drop-off care, but confirm with Ofsted, the Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales or your local authority
• Public liability insurance, and check the hall's own insurance and booking terms
• Safeguarding, first aid and fire safety arrangements, plus an enhanced DBS check
• Sessions can be quiet at first, so keep hall hire commitments flexible

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on toys and equipment, insurance and hall hire. These are estimates, so check hall prices and booking terms in your area before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on how many sessions you run and how many families attend. These are estimates only, and sessions can be quiet at first.

Check whether your set-up counts as registered childcare with Ofsted, the Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales or your local authority. Also check public liability insurance, safeguarding, first aid, fire safety and an enhanced DBS check.