To help newly registered childminders cover the initial costs of establishing their childcare business, WCC has opened the application process for new Childminder Start-up Grants.
This short animation shows you everything you need to know: https://youtu.be/f3v48KiFMSs
The scheme offering grants of up to £1,500 is designed to increase the availability of high-quality, affordable early years education and childcare across the county. Warwickshire childminders who completed registration since 1 April 2026 are eligible to apply.
The grant supports both traditional home-based childminders and childminders operating without domestic premises—such as those providing care from community centres, schools, or dedicated spaces within local businesses.
Eligible applicants can claim up to £1,200 to cover essential setup costs once their registration is active. This covers expenses such as Ofsted or childminder agency registration fees, mandatory training (including First Aid and Safeguarding), public liability insurance, and health and safety equipment.
An additional £300 payment is available for childminders who choose to deliver Early Education Funded places within their first year of registration.
Warwickshire County Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, Education and SEND, said: “Childminders are an essential part of the early years and childcare sector, offering home-based and community-based care that many families value for its flexibility, personal approach and trusted support close to home.
“We know that starting any new business can be daunting, and becoming a childminder is no exception. These grants are there to ease some of the financial pressure at the start, helping remove barriers for those beginning a career that makes a real difference to children and families across Warwickshire.”
The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning childminders must submit receipts and proof of their active Ofsted or childminder agency registration to claim the funds. By accepting the grant, successful applicants commit to offering early years and childcare places to families in Warwickshire for a minimum of two years.
To support people with their grant applications a short video has been created to guide applicants through the process and explain the financial support that is on offer. Watch the video now: [Link to Animation]
To request an application form and full guidance, new childminders should email earlyyearsadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk using the subject heading ‘Childminder Start-Up Grant Application’.
Further guidance on signing up to deliver Early Education Funding Entitlements can be found on the Warwickshire County Council website: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childcare/become-childminder