How much does it cost to start this business?

You can start this business for between £50 and £300, so it fits the under-£300 budget. Exact costs depend on the tools and marketing you choose.

Can I run this business from home?

This idea can be run as a local business; many can be started from home with minimal setup.

Is this business profitable?

Yes. Many operators build a profitable side income or full-time business with low startup costs and recurring revenue potential.

Babysitting Business: Start This for Under £300

Author: Brad Emery | Date: 2026-02-10

▶ Watch on YouTube

Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local

Starting a babysitting business in the UK can be a flexible and profitable way to boost your income. With the right training, checks, and equipment, you can command higher rates and build a steady client base without advertising.

Video Breakdown

This video covers the essential steps to start a babysitting business in the UK, including the necessary training, checks, and equipment. Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.

Key Takeaways

DBS check: £18 (basic) and £103 (enhanced)
Pediatric first aid training: £100-£150
Public liability insurance: £6-£8 per month
Simple kit bag (optional): £50-£100

Startup Costs in the UK

MicroBiz365 keeps costs under £300; free tools and our PDF where possible.

Item	Approx. Cost (UK)	Notes
DBS check (basic)	£18
DBS check (enhanced)	£103
Pediatric first aid training	£100-£150	12-hour course
Public liability insurance	£6-£8 per month
Simple kit bag (optional)	£50-£100

In practice, you can get to your first paying client for a total setup spend of roughly £100–£250, well under the £300 mark, then upgrade tools and protection as the business grows.

Tools & Equipment Needed

DBS check
Pediatric first aid training
Public liability insurance
Simple kit bag (optional)

How to Start

Request a basic DBS check for around £18 to establish trust with parents.
Consider joining the Offsted Child Care Register, which costs around £103, to obtain an enhanced DBS check and increase your credibility.
Take pediatric first aid training, a 12-hour course costing £100-£150, to demonstrate your expertise.
Get public liability insurance, which costs around £6-£8 per month, to protect yourself and your business.
Create a simple kit bag with engaging activities to keep children entertained.
Join local parenting Facebook groups and post your credentials to signal your safety and expertise.
Print simple flyers and ask nurseries if you can leave them at reception to increase your visibility.

Earnings & Scaling

With a premium service, you can earn around £600 per month working two evenings a week, charging £14 an hour.

Pros, Cons and Risks

Pros:

Flexibility
High earning potential

Cons:

Initial investment in training and checks
Liability risks

Risks:

Reputation damage
Financial loss

UK-Specific Tips

Register with the Offsted Child Care Register for enhanced credibility.
Join local parenting Facebook groups to signal your safety and expertise.
Print simple flyers and ask nurseries if you can leave them at reception to increase your visibility.
Consider obtaining public liability insurance to protect yourself and your business.

FAQ

What are the necessary training and checks for a babysitting business in the UK?

Pediatric first aid training and DBS checks are essential for a babysitting business in the UK. An enhanced DBS check through Offsted is recommended for increased credibility.

How much can I earn from a babysitting business in the UK?

You can earn around £600 per month working two evenings a week, charging £14 an hour.

Do I need to advertise my babysitting business in the UK?

No, by offering a premium service and joining local parenting groups, you can build a steady client base without advertising.

Conclusion

For more ideas on low-cost side hustles, browse more ideas on MicroBiz365.

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