If you rent your property, it's worth checking in with your landlord early in the process. While we don't need to see a record of their response, it's important to be aware that your landlord's position could affect your ability to operate.
Steps you can take to manage landlord permission for your childminding business:
First, check your tenancy agreement for any clauses about how the property can be used. Note that childminding is classed as 'working from home', so the use of the property does not need to change.
Contact your landlord or housing officer directly to let them know you're registering as a tiney childminder and plan to operate from the property. A template email is provided below to help you share the relevant details.
Public liability insurance is one of the most common concerns raised by landlords. This has been highlighted in the template below to confirm that business cover will be in place once you're registered.
Helpful resources for checking in with your landlord
Official letter from the Department of Education urging landlords to support childminders Department for Education letter to landlords
Email with full details about operating as a tiney childminder from rented premises (you will need to fill out the missing information)
📄Please copy and paste the text below and note you will need to fill out some of the missing information:
My name is [INSERT NAME], your tenant at [INSERT ADDRESS].
I'm in the process of registering as a childminder with tiney, an Ofsted-registered childminder agency who are supporting me to set up my business from home.
I wanted to let you know and get your go-ahead before I start. Childminding is classed as 'working from home' and the use of the property does not need to change. It will remain a domestic premises throughout.
You might find this Department for Education letter to landlords helpful — it covers the full requirements and implications of operating a childminding business from a rented property.
What my childminding business will look like in practice:
The business will be run by me alone, from my home as a 'tiney home' (another name for a registered childminder). I'll be fully trained, registered, insured and regularly inspected by tiney.
Public liability insurance is provided on successful registration, covering up to £10 million, plus professional indemnity and legal expenses.
Risk assessments and fire risk assessments are completed before my inspection visit from tiney.
My operating hours will be from XXX to XXX.
I'll be operating within Early Years Foundation Stage and Ofsted ratio requirements, caring for up to 6 children under 8 (subject to floor space). I may also care for some after-school children over 8, where space allows and it doesn't affect the younger children in my care.
My registration certificate will be issued by tiney once registration is granted, showing my tiney registration number.
Please do get in touch if you'd like any more information, either from me or from tiney directly.
Best wishes,
[Your name]