Have a look at this thread - am I right?

[StrawberryMartini]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/2724/422401?ts=1194893870477&msgid=8563850

Re relatives looking after a child?

I think it depends on how you look at it. I've just tried searching the net and can't find anything. Yes, it's illegal for an unregistered childminder to mind for reward, but £50 would just be paying for her newphew's food, nappies and electric etc. So paying for his keep. She wouldn't see much left out of it at the end of the week! So surely it couldn't be seen as a reward if she's not making any profit out of it?

I was told that even a bunch of flowers could count as a reward - but Maureen's already replied saying it's ok.

I think for family you can be unregistered and paid to look after them because it's a family favour arrangement not childminding IYSWIM

Because she's sister IN LAW, I have a feeling she's not what they call 'close family'? Not too sure though.

Care by a relative is not considered to be care by a childminder - so relatives do not need to be registered to provide care. In turn, the parents can't use Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers, as care isn't provided by someone registered/approved.
If it was care for a child who was unrelated to the carer, then 2 hours or more (on 6 or more occasions in a year) would require registration.

If you want legislation:
Refer to PART XA (Care Standards Act 2000)
79A(3)A person who?
(a) is the parent, or a relative, of a child;
(b) has parental responsibility for a child;
(c) is a local authority foster parent in relation to a child;
(d) is a foster parent with whom a child has been placed by a voluntary organisation; or
(e) fosters a child privately,
does not act as a child minder when looking after that child.

(From Childcare Act 2006)
?relative?, in relation to a child, means a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister, whether of the full blood or half blood or by marriage or civil partnership.

So isn't a sister in law an aunt?

Cool Nick - the stuff I got APPEARED to be about blood relative but this seems fine - so it should really, I think that parents should be able to chose a family member they are happy with if they want to

BTW.....I think this SIL is a stingy cow though!!!