Childcare Invoice Template

Free Childcare Worker Invoice Template

Invoice templates for freelance childcare workers billing settings and families for sessional childcare and early years support.

Create Free Invoice View Pricing

What is a Childcare Worker invoice?

A childcare worker invoice is issued by a self-employed or freelance childcare professional to a nursery, preschool, breakfast and after-school club, or family for sessional childcare services. Freelance childcare workers may cover staff absences, provide specialist support such as SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) roles, or run specific sessions within an existing setting. Childcare workers in the UK must hold relevant qualifications to work with children under 5 in registered settings. Level 2 (Childcare Support) and Level 3 (Early Years Educator) qualifications are the standard minimum levels set by Ofsted. Workers in registered settings must be DBS checked and may need to have completed safeguarding training. Freelance childcare support workers who provide supply cover or specialist roles to nurseries and schools invoice the setting rather than individual families.

What to include on a Childcare Worker invoice

Common childcare worker invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Childcare support worker (per hour) 13 hour
Early years educator Level 3 (per hour) 16 hour
SENCO support (per session) 100 session
Supply cover (full day) 120 day
Holiday club facilitator (per day) 110 day
Travel between settings 0.45 mile

How to invoice as a childcare worker

Invoice weekly or monthly for all sessions worked in the period. For nursery and school settings, confirm invoice format requirements at the start of the arrangement. Many settings have purchase order systems. Keep accurate records of all sessions worked, including dates, hours, role, and setting. This is essential for self-assessment and for any insurance or DBS certificate renewal purposes. For freelance childcare workers operating through agencies, the agency typically manages invoicing to the setting and pays you on a schedule. For direct freelance arrangements, invoice the setting directly. Ensure your DBS check is in date and that any required first aid and safeguarding training certificates are current. Many settings will not engage supply or freelance workers without up-to-date documentation.

Create your childcare worker invoice in minutes

Start free. No credit card required.

Get started free

Frequently asked questions

What qualifications do childcare workers need in the UK?
For registered childcare settings (nurseries, preschools), Ofsted requires staff to have Level 2 or Level 3 in Childcare or Early Years Education. Level 3 (Early Years Educator) is the standard for room leaders and key workers. Higher qualifications (EYPS, EYTS, or a degree) are required for senior roles.
How much do self-employed childcare workers charge per hour?
Level 2 childcare workers typically charge £11 to £14 per hour. Level 3 Early Years Educators charge £13 to £18 per hour. SENCO specialists and room leaders command higher rates. Day rates for supply cover typically range from £100 to £150.
Do childcare workers need to be Ofsted-registered?
Childminders caring for children in their own home must be Ofsted-registered. Childcare workers employed by or providing services to registered settings do not need individual Ofsted registration. The setting itself holds the Ofsted registration.
What safeguarding checks do childcare workers need?
An enhanced DBS check with children's barred list is required for all people working regularly with children. First aid training (including paediatric first aid for those working with under-5s) and safeguarding/child protection training are also required by most settings.
How do I invoice a nursery as a self-employed childcare worker?
Issue a monthly or weekly invoice to the nursery manager or accounts department listing each session worked, the date, hours, and your rate. Confirm whether the nursery has a purchase order requirement before issuing your first invoice. Most settings have 30-day payment terms.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Childcare Worker invoice template straight away after signing up.