Setting up your contract templates

Build the terms you use with every family once, starting from the KinderStart clauses.

Written byDaniel Broadhurst (Founder)|Published: 18 June 2026|
Ofsted Aligned

ℹ️Who this is for

Childminders setting up their contract terms before creating contracts. You can have more than one template, for example for term-time and full-year care. Needs the Standard plan or a free trial. It takes about ten minutes.

Video Walkthrough

A contract template holds the terms you use with every family. Each new contract starts from a template, so you never write the same terms twice.

1. Add a template

Open the Tools tab, choose Business Settings, then Contract Templates. Tap Add New Template (or Create First Template if you don't have one yet).

2. Name it

Give the template a name you'll recognise, like "Term-Time Contract".

3. Load the KinderStart defaults

Tap Load KinderStart Defaults to add ready-worded clauses for your Notice Period, Late Collection Fees and Sick Child Policy. Change the wording to match your own terms.

4. Add your own clauses

Tap Add Clause, give it a title, like "School Holidays", and write the terms. Switch on Optional? for a clause you only use with some families.

5. Create it

Tap Create Template. To have it picked for you on every new contract, open it again and switch on Set as Default.

⚠️Keep your terms fair

You're responsible for the terms in your contracts. Avoid anything a parent could see as unfair, like a very long notice period or very high late fees.

Why KinderStart does it this way

Writing your terms once means every family gets the same terms, and a new contract takes minutes. When your terms change, you update the template.

What to do next

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Track Your Progress
Don't get lost in the paperwork. Use our free interactive checklist to tick off each step as you complete it.

Next guide

Choosing a contract schedule type

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KinderStart strives for accuracy. Competitor features and pricing comparisons are based on publicly available information as of May 2026. Details are subject to change by respective providers.

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