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Paid childcare

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Original poster

Anyone know the rules on paying friends for childcare?

29 replies

MayaAngelCool · 25/04/2012 13:33

Do you remember that OFSTED fiasco over the two policewomen who were doing a childcare swap? Well I'm now thinking about asking a friend to be available as a standby carer for the occasions when my CM's kids are unwell. I intend to offer to pay my friend in cash or in kind, but I don't know whether this is illegal, or if OFSTED finally relaxed their rules and actually 'allowed' parents to make their own decisions.

Or should I just not give a shit what OFSTED and go ahead and let my lovely, extremely trustworthy friend look after my child?

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Original poster
MayaAngelCool · 26/04/2012 11:21

Hmm...yes my friend does work in a school! Good advice, ta!

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Original poster
MayaAngelCool · 26/04/2012 11:20

Thanks both. MrA, this is exactly what I was hoping to find out - whether there had been changes to the law. My google search only came up with articles at the time the story broke.

I am certainly inclined to do Option 2, especially as it would just be occasional, stand-in work. I mean, FFS, I am a real, live grown-up and can make my own decisions. Pfft at OFSTED.

Thanks folks!

OP posts:
MrAnchovy · 25/04/2012 13:49

I would also be inclined to go for Option 2, but if you want to make it totally lawful (for instance if your friend works in a school it would be inadvisable to risk an Ofsted enforcement notice) the law was changed following that fiasco to allow a friend to provide childcare in exchange for payment in kind (but not in money or vouchers that can be exchanged for money). Note that she should still declare the value of the payment to HMRC as income.

HolyCameraConfusionBatman · 25/04/2012 13:36

I'd go with option 2; don't give a shit tbh. If it's only in an emergency I can't see anyone bothering too much. If you were paying her cash-in-hand for full time care that would be different, but occasional days when your normal childcare is unavailable? Fine.

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