Grandparents as "daycare"

[GiraffeObsessedBaby]

So I've never even considered this! After reading a thread about someone's dh wanting his SIL as childcare a lot of the comments said this would be illegal?

My mum is going to be looking after my ds in two weeks when I return to work. I'll be working 3 days a week for my first two months back at work then 4.5 days for the eat of the time.

We won't be paying her as she absolutely refuses to allow it but we will be buying his food and paying for anything else he needs.

Is this illegal? Suddenly really worried! It's never even occurred to me!

No. It’s not illegal. It’s normal family care.

No of course it's not illegal! It's only illegal if someone is operating as a business, and taking payment without being registered.

Phew thank you! I was starting to panic then - is it when you pay them that it becomes illegal?

Illegal to pay someone, unless a close family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling) iirc.

Obviously can pay anyone if they are registered with Ofsted.

Thank you that's really helpful! I've had surgery last week so I've pretty much been a stressed out tired and fed up wreck since so this sudden fear is totally irrational and unlike me

Your mum might be able to claim National Insurance credits through the specified adult childcare credits scheme, so she doesn’t lose out on qualifying years of NI payments towards state pension by not being in paid employment.