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Original poster

Can I pay someone who is not ofsted registered to look after my dc's?

33 replies

SilveryMoon · 11/12/2010 17:32

I'm a bit out of touch with current laws surrounding this and a google search threw up lots of different answers.

If not, can I have someone who is not ofsted registered look after my children without being paid?

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Original poster
SilveryMoon · 11/12/2010 18:16

Hi, thanks for replies.
Yes, I suppose my post was a bit odd wasn't it?

Basically, I have recently returned to work, my dc's are 2 and 3 and a friend of mine is looking after them for me.
I trust her completely.
I do pay her, plus I send all food in for my dc's and hers, but as we were unsure of the current laws, so we tell people she is unpaid and is doing a favour.
Obviously we need to address the fact that she needs to declare earnings for tax etc, so does she have to be registered or is it ok to carry on like we are and she can declare her wages to make it legal?

OP posts:
PositiveOutlook · 11/12/2010 18:14

It is illegal for anyone to look after someone else's children in their home for more than 2 hours a day for payment of any kind, this includes cash, reciprocal care, favours of any kind. The exception is if that person is a close relative of the child ie. A grandparent or aunt.

There is no such law if that person is looking after your child in your home (nanny). There are ofsted registered candies and I believe a person has to be ofsted registered to get nanny insurance.

You should only use registered childcare. The quality of care and the piece of mind it brings is priceless.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 11/12/2010 18:14

and are you talking about a nanny or a child minder?

BoysAreLikeDogs · 11/12/2010 18:13

how old are the children and are you in England?

magicOC · 11/12/2010 18:12

Your post is a little confusing OP.

No nanny would work for free Confused

In answer to your 1st question - yes you can employ a nanny who is not OFSTED registered, but, the downside is you would not be able to claim childcare vouchers towards the cost of hiring the nanny.

For your own piece of mind tho, I would recommend you make sure she has an up-dated CRB and 1st aid.

jendifa · 11/12/2010 18:08

Im no ofsted registered ans am paid!!! I think, if you want to pay with childcare vouchers then the person needs to be registered.

NJE · 11/12/2010 17:59

*want

NJE · 11/12/2010 17:58

Sorry, you won't someone to look after your children and don't pay for it?