Starting a childcare business is a big step. Many people wonder if they have the experience, confidence, or support to make it work, especially if they have never been self-employed before.
Today, Shannon runs a busy setting that runs to its capacity, a waiting list, and a small team around her, all built in under three years.
She began as a Level 2 practitioner working in nurseries and schools, determined to build something of her own but unsure if she could make it work.
With support from @Home Childcare, Shannon registered as a childminder and opened her doors in March 2023. In the early months she focused on building her reputation locally, gradually enrolling families while developing her confidence as a business owner.
As demand grew, she reinvested in her setting, including creating an all-weather outdoor play area that made her provision even more attractive to parents. By the end of her first year Shannon had established a steady income.
With a growing waiting list, Shannon was able to take on assistants and increase capacity. This marked a turning point for the business.
By the end of 2025, her setting was thriving, and earning enough to support not only herself and her family, but the wages of her three assistants.
Shannon’s journey shows that with the right guidance, structured support, and persistence, it is entirely possible to build a financially viable and rewarding childcare business.
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