Setting up as a childminder! Advice please!!

[Hendey]

I'm thinking of setting up as a childminder instead of going back to nannying with my own child (thnaks to those of you who suggested this!!).
Was just wondering the following..
1)What sort of set up costs am I lookingat?
2)How easy do CMs find it to fill spaces?
3)Do CMs get paid holiday?
4)What does it take to get a good or excellent rating?
Any advice at all much appreciated!
Thanks

1. as much or as little as you want to spend

Courses are free, OFSTED about £14/15, Dr report anything from free to over £100, equipment depends upon how much you need or have

2. Totally dependant upon area

3. You get whatever you put in your contract - however if you put paid hols & all the other C/Mers in your area don't then you won't get any children

4. jumping through OFSTED hoops