Childcare Invoice Template

Free Childminder Invoice Template

Invoice templates for Ofsted-registered childminders billing parents for childcare sessions, funded hours, and holiday care.

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What is a Childminder invoice?

A childminder invoice is issued by an Ofsted-registered childminder to parents for professional childcare provided in the childminder's own home. Childminders in England must register with Ofsted (or a childminder agency) and comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework when caring for children under compulsory school age. Childminders are self-employed and typically charge weekly or monthly fees based on the number of sessions and hours booked. The government's free childcare offer (15 or 30 hours per week for eligible children aged 9 months to 4 years) means that many childminder invoices must account for funded hours that are claimed directly from the local authority, with parents paying only for hours beyond the funded allocation. Childminder invoicing involves managing multiple families with different sessions, term-time and holiday patterns, and funded hour entitlements. A clear, professional invoice reduces payment disputes and keeps the business running smoothly.

What to include on a Childminder invoice

Common childminder invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Term-time childcare (per hour) 7 hour
Holiday care (per day) 55 day
Before / after school care (per session) 18 session
Funded hours deduction (15 hrs/week) -105 week
Meals and snacks (weekly) 20 week
Ad hoc session (per hour) 8 hour

How to invoice as a childminder

Invoice weekly or monthly depending on your preference and what works for parents. Monthly invoices reduce the administrative burden. Invoice at the beginning of the month for the coming month or at the end for the month just completed. For funded hours, show the funded hours deducted on the invoice so parents can clearly see the benefit. Include the number of funded hours claimed and the rate, deducted from the total, to show transparency. For term-time only contracts, agree the annual fee and spread it over equal monthly payments rather than charging more in term-time and less in holidays. This gives parents and childminders more predictable cash flow. Keep detailed records of attendance for Ofsted compliance purposes and to support your invoice if a parent disputes the sessions billed.

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Frequently asked questions

What rate do childminders charge per hour in the UK?
Childminder hourly rates vary by location. The national average is approximately £5.50 to £8.50 per hour. London childminders often charge £8 to £14+ per hour. Some childminders charge session rates rather than hourly rates.
How do funded hours affect a childminder's invoice?
The government funds 15 or 30 hours per week for eligible children. The local authority pays the childminder directly for funded hours (at the local funding rate, typically £4 to £6 per hour). The childminder should show the funded hours deducted on the parent invoice so parents only pay for non-funded time.
Can childminders charge during holidays when they are not working?
Many childminders charge a retainer fee for holiday periods (when the childminder is on leave) to maintain the place for the child. This practice is acceptable if clearly stated in the contract. Parents must agree to any retainer charges before signing the contract.
What information must a childminder's invoice include?
There is no prescribed invoice format, but invoices should be clear enough to show exactly what is being charged and why. For Tax-Free Childcare purposes, the invoice must show your Ofsted registration number so parents can make payments through the NS&I childcare account.
Do childminders charge VAT?
No. Childminding services provided by Ofsted-registered childminders are exempt from VAT under Group 7, Schedule 9 VATA 1994 (welfare services). Childminders do not need to register for VAT regardless of their turnover.
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 Childminder invoice template straight away after signing up.