DfE offers childminder start-up grants for 30 hours

[FSFRebecca]

The DfE have announced funding to help new childminders in their preparation for the 30 hours roll out in September.

 

"There are three types of grants available.

A £500 grant for an early years childminder or childcare provider on domestic premises

A £1,000 grant for an early years childminder or childcare provider on domestic premises of children with special educational needs and disability (SEN/D)

A £1,000 grant for a Childminder Agency (CMA).

The scheme is only open to newly registered businesses. These are those which have been registered with Ofsted or a CMA within the last 12 months. From 1 May 2017, a newly registered business will be one registered with Ofsted or a CMA within the last 3 months.

The Childcare Business Grants Scheme is funded by the Department for Education. There is a fixed amount of funding available. The scheme is due to end by 31 March 2018, or sooner if all funds have been exhausted."

You can access full details from here

[AnonyMouse_29641]

Interesting that a government department has picked up where local authorities can no longer help. This sort of assistance was absolutely necessary as childminders are often mums returning to some sort of work so don't have financial resources for start-up costs like registrations, insurance, paperwork, and kit. Always a bit sceptical whenever Agencies are mentioned. Could that £1000 be enough motivation for groups to set up as agencies - hope not.

[AnonyMouse_7120]

I might be missing something here as I've no idea how CM's are set up, but wouldn't they need everything set up/in place before ofsted do their registration ?

[AnonyMouse_29641]

I might be missing something here as I've no idea how CM's are set up, but wouldn't they need everything set up/in place before ofsted do their registration ?

In the past this funding has been on the proviso that the CM is still operating a year later - they have to refund it if not.

Edited February 27, 2017 by HoneyPancakes