Eligibility

To make sure there are enough places available, the government is investing over £400 million in 2024-25 to increase the hourly rates paid to local authorities.

For 2024-25, national average hourly rates paid by the government will be £11.22 for children under 2-years-olds, £8.28 for two-year-olds, and £5.88 for three- and four-year-olds.

Start-up grants will also be available for new or returning childminders who have:

• completed their registration on or after 15 March 2023
• [for returning childminders] registered at least 12 months after the cancellation of a previous registration.

Childminders will receive grants of:

• £600 for those who choose to register with Ofsted
• £1,200 for those who choose to register with a childminder agency.