Babysitting - how does it work?

[QueenBlueberries]

I'm a 'retired' childminder, I have officially 'resigned' with Ofsted as I got fed up with all the paperwork/free hours of childcare etc. However, a few people have recently asked me to casually babysit for them in the evening. I don't want to do this regularly but I could do with the extra little bit of money, maybe once every couple of weeks. How would that work - apart from having my first aid course and child protection, do I need to register this anywhere? How does it work with the proverbial taxman - would I remain self-employed? Is this regulated at all? thanks for any info.

As far as I know it's completely unregulated as long as you're babysitting in their home.

Enjoy your freedom!

Are you looking to do it legitimately or through the black economy?

Legitimately, but not through an agency.

Look up Trading Allowance. It enables you to earn £1000 per tax year without needing to declare it.
Over that amount then you should be registered self employed.

For babysitting the care is always at the child's home, not your home.
Care between 6pm and 2am is unregulated in England. In another part of the UK check your local childcare regulations, usually it is exempt.

I agree with @nannynick who just beat me to that reply.

You might fall between thresholds, such that you’d have to do self-assessment but pay no income tax or NI. Or you might want to pay NI voluntarily in order to keep up contributions for your future. Depends on how much you make.

The matter of regulation comes down to whether or not you are required to register. If you google "no need to register" you can find the details confirm what @nannynick says, plus other circumstances which may apply.

If you fall outside regulations, then your experience and qualifications aren’t necessary, but are a bonus that will probably attract some parents. They won’t necessarily mean you can command a higher fee. You may find families are looking to pay fees the sort of money they’d give to a 16yo niece than fees commensurate with proper training and experience. Mind you, that pretty much applies to most cases where parents are seeking childcare.