Free resources
Guides for UK childminders
Practical, honest advice on tax, funded hours, Ofsted and the business of childminding. Written for people who do this every day.
Tax & HMRC
Making Tax Digital for childminders: what changes in April 2026
A plain-English walkthrough of MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment, who's in scope, what you have to file, and how to be ready.
8 min read·Updated May 2026
Funding
The complete guide to funded hours (15, 30 and the expanded offer)
Eligibility, codes, how to claim from your local authority, how to deduct funding from invoices, and the mistakes that cost you money.
10 min read·Updated May 2026
Ofsted
Preparing for your Ofsted inspection (the calm version)
A friendly week-by-week checklist for the run-up, what inspectors actually look at, and the documents to have to hand on the day.
9 min read·Updated May 2026
EYFS
EYFS in practice: meaningful observations without burnout
What 'good' observations look like under the 2024 EYFS framework, how often to record, and how to keep learning journeys useful for parents.
7 min read·Updated May 2026
Business
Setting your hourly rate as a UK childminder
A simple costing method that covers your real expenses, pension, holiday and sick pay — and how to position your rate against local nurseries.
8 min read·Updated May 2026
Contracts
Writing parent contracts that actually protect you
Clauses every childminding contract needs in 2026: payment terms, notice periods, fee increases, holidays, illness and termination.
9 min read·Updated May 2026