Do I need to register as a childminder?

[Pinetreeland]

I am considering looking after a friend's child (6 months baby) full time during the week at my own home on a not for reward basis. Do I need to register myself as a childminder?

If there really is no payment or reward of any kind then no, you don't need to register. It would however be a hugely generous, very unusual thing to do.....

Thanks.

The idea is that it is going to be on a temporary basis until my friend find permanent childcare.

You are a very nice friend.

In fact you can accept payment in kind for this without registering, you just can't be paid money. Apart from the obvious flowers/chocolate/wine, they could fill your car up, or pay for a weekend away for instance.

Mr anchovy I thought that paying for things like that counted as for reward? I though if it was something like returning the favour by babysitting for each other that was on but no gifts/money.

No from what I understand returnign the favour by babysitting also count as reward. The 'no reward' definition seems to be very narrow indeed.

I checked the Ofsted website you can reciprocate babysitting and accept gifts etc from friends but no money but if you're not friends you cant accept any kind of reward, seems silly and loads of people must just claim to be friends?!

The situation changed in 2010 - here is the text of the Statutory Instrument which says quite clearly "In this Article ?payment? means a payment of money or money?s worth, but does not include the provision of goods or services."

The 'reward' test is much wider, but does not apply to an arrangement between friends (which is basically intended to cover arrangements other than in the course of (a childminding) business).