Policy paper

Childminder start-up grants scheme update: April 2023

Updated 22 December 2023

Applies to England

Following the announcement of the new start-up grant for childminders at the Spring Budget on 15 March 2023, we can confirm that the £600 grant for those who register with Ofsted, and £1200 for those who register with a childminder agency, will be payable to any individual who has completed their childminder registration on or after 15 March 2023. New childminders will be able to apply for the grant from autumn 2023.

Our priority is to support childminders by helping with the costs incurred when registering, and giving them the flexibility to choose their own pathway into the sector. We know that it is more expensive to register with a childminder agency, and our grants reflect this, as we want prospective childminders to have the choice of the route that best suits their needs.