Mothers help .. Is it ok to help out some one you know in return for cash??

[Srewa]

Hi was just wondering if anyone knew if it was allowed/ legal to be a mothers help/ after school pick up etc.. And be paid for it? A mum at my school looked for a childminder to do after school care for 3 months without any success. She then asked if I could do it and I could really ... But would it be legal for her to pay me for it? Not worth my time if she doesn't really! But not really running a business to be registering as self employed etc.. Seems so complicated? Anyone done any similar help

If you're earning income you'll need to register as self employed. To look after children for money I think you'd also need to register as a childminder registering as se is not about how much you earn.

netmums have a good advice page on babysitting law. If you're not related and you do more than 2 hours a day before 6 pm you have to be inspected/registered. If you are paid and do more than 14 days a year you have to be registered too.

However, I know of mums doing cash in hand arrangements for this kind of thing. It's not legal, but prosecutions are rare.

You could do it in child's home without registering anywhere. You'd be classed as nanny and would have to earn at least NMW. You would be also entitled top holiday pay etc. The family would have to run payroll and register as an employer and pay your tax and NI.

Thank you so much for all your replies ... Looks like I would have to let her down but she is at her wits end looking for after school care! But I understand these laws are in place for everyone's safety..
Being a nanny sounds like the easiest way around it 'lovely nannytobe" but I have my own children so staying at childs home wouldn't be suitable for me, but thank you for the information it's good to know :)