Childminder agency vs Ofsted registration: 2026 costs
By going independent, you could save thousands every single year.
Some agencies, Tiney for example, charge a membership fee as a share of your income. In exchange for training, insurance, and Ofsted registration support, Tiney charges 12% of your childcare income to start, then 9% once you've earned £50,000 with them. Childminders switching in pay 9% from day one.
If you are just starting out and the thought of registering with Ofsted feels overwhelming, an agency can do it for you. However, you pay for this convenience every month. On a £30k income at those rates, the first £50k is charged at 12% and the rest at 9%, so over 5 years you'd pay roughly £15,000 in membership fees. Going independent costs a fraction of that.
Source: Tiney's pricing and pathways page, checked 31 October 2026.
Agency vs. Ofsted Cost Calculator
Compare the real costs of starting or switching in 2026.
Option A: Ofsted (Independent)
- KinderStart (Software)£174
- Insurance & Ofsted Fee£135
- ICO Fee£40
- DBS & Health Check£90
Option B: Agency (e.g. Tiney)
- Membership Fee (12%)£3600.00
- Joining fee (paid upfront)£342
- Includes Insurance & TrainingYes
*New childminder rate: 12%, then 9% once you've earned £50,000 with Tiney. Joining fee: £342 upfront, or £200 now and £242 once you're earning. Source: Tiney's pricing and pathways page, checked 31 October 2026.
Result: By going independent, you could save:
£3503.00 in your first year
That's money for your family, not for agency commission.
The Reality of Startup Costs
Is it worth saving £400 today to pay £3,600 in fees next year?
Since there is no longer national government funding for startup costs, you now have to pay these yourself (~£400) to go independent. Some agencies offer to cover these costs upfront, with the amount deferred and recovered once you start earning.
While this sounds helpful, it is worth running the numbers. A one-off payment to go independent means you start earning from day one with no ongoing commission. We believe most childminders are better off funding their own startup costs and keeping 100% of their future income.
The Table Update
Comparing the direct costs of agency membership vs independent registration.
Source: Tiney's pricing and pathways page, checked 31 October 2026.
Choosing Your Path
Independence vs assistance—which fits your professional goals?
Why choose Ofsted?
Registering directly gives you total independence. You own your business, you set your own terms, and you keep 100% of the money you earn. With KinderStart, the paperwork support is already handled.
Is an Agency worth it?
Agency commission genuinely includes substantive services: insurance, structured training, Ofsted registration support, parent marketing, and direct debit collection — all bundled in. If you value that end-to-end support and don't want to source those services separately, an agency can be worth it. The question is whether you need all of that, or whether you'd rather buy only what you need and keep the margin.
Tiney and other product and company names are trademarks of their owners. KinderStart is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to them.
Example: The Experienced Childminder (Switcher)
Let's say you already run a business earning £35,000 a year and you want to switch from an agency to independent registration.
Tiney's switching rate (9%)
£3,150
A year's membership fee at 9% of £35k earnings.
Independent (KinderStart)
£174
Flat annual rate. No commission.
The Savings: £2,976 PER YEAR
Even on the lower switching rate, independence saves you significantly.
Source: Tiney's pricing and pathways page, checked 31 October 2026.
Switching from an Agency?
Save MoneyMoving to independent registration is simpler than you think. Our roadmap handles the Ofsted transition for you.
See Switching Guide
Startup Costs 2026
New BusinessCalculate your equipment, insurance, and training costs. See how to fund your new business independently.
Startup Cost Breakdown
Keep what you earn
Keep 100% of what you earn. KinderStart gives you the digital tools and registration support of an agency for a low flat monthly fee — no commission.
Cancel in the app before day 7 and you pay nothing.
Where we mention other providers, check each provider's own website for its current features and prices. Product names are trademarks of their owners.