By going independent, you could save thousands every single year.
Agencies like Tiney offer a "Revenue Share" model. In exchange for training, insurance, and Ofsted registration support, you pay a percentage of your income — 12% for new minders, or 8% for switchers and after £50,000 of lifetime earnings.
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, fees run at 12% for the first £50k of lifetime earnings, then drop to 8% — so over 5 years you'd pay roughly £14,000 in total commission. Going independent costs a fraction of that.
Compare the real costs of starting or switching in 2026.
*New minder rate: 12%, reducing permanently to 8% after £50,000 of lifetime earnings. Onboarding cost: £200 upfront + £242 deferred once earning.
Result: By going independent, you could save:
£3603.00 in your first year
That's money for your family, not for agency commission.
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.
Comparing the direct costs of agency membership vs independent registration.
Independence vs assistance—which fits your professional goals?
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.
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.
Let's say you already run a business earning £35,000 a year and you want to switch from an agency to independent registration.
Join an Agency (8% Switcher Rate)
£2,800
Annual cost based on 8% of £35k earnings.
Independent (KinderStart)
~£174
Flat annual rate. No commission.
The Savings: ~£2,626 PER YEAR
Even on the lower "Switcher" rate, independence saves you significantly.
Moving to independent registration is simpler than you think. Our roadmap handles the Ofsted transition for you.
See Switching GuideCalculate your equipment, insurance, and training costs. See how to fund your new business independently.
Startup Cost BreakdownKeep 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.
No credit card required • 7-day free trial
KinderStart strives for accuracy. Competitor features and pricing comparisons are based on publicly available information as of May 2026. Details are subject to change by respective providers.