Do you have to be registered to look after over 8's??

[paddlinglikemad]

Bit confused.... my CM's stopped working in September as they weren't happy about the whole Early Years work,one was going to work as a nanny the other looking for other work, they have not renewed their OFSTED registration which was due in October, they looked after my DD & DS both under 5yrs and a couple of other part time 2-3yr olds, aswell as the usual after school lot of 5yrs plus..
However this morning I see them with a gaggle of kids going to the Junior School (probably about 7yrs plus) so do they not have to be registered to look after older kids?

I think it's currently a 'voluntary' register for OVER 8's?

Yes - as a rough guide under 5yo = Early Years register with all the EYFS learning and development joy this entails, under 8yo - COMPULSORY bit of the Childcare Register. You can join the VOLUNTARY bit of the Childcare Register for anything else that doesn't fall within the other two eg. private nannies, sports coaching, running for less than two hours, and this includes caring for 8yo and older.

If you're concerned that the children may have been under 8yo you could always contact Ofsted and ask them to look into it. Ofsted would most likely just send them a letter asking the ages of the children they were caring for to check everything was "above board" so if you think they are pulling a fast one and would just lie then that's not much help but at least Ofsted might keep a closer eye on them in future if a concern has been raised.

Its been made pretty clear by Ofsted you dont have to be registered to mind over 8s you can choose to join the voluntary part of the register.
In my case this is good i have not chosen to join the voluntary register.The problem would be if the parents needed to claim help from child tax credits or wherever they claim childcare costs from they cant if the childcare isnt registered.I am lucky in this the parents of the children i mind have well enough paid jobs so they arent bothered!!!
I WAS REGISTERED but recently stopped my registration because following a very bullying inspection which included being told I had breached a regulation and threatened with prosecution I could never go through an inspection again.Ofsted eventually admitted i had not breached a regulation
I do have the nvq3 in childcare and a certificate for working with children with special needs.Ithink the parents know i like children and do all i can to give their children good balanced meals lots of attention and lots of different activities.I told the parents when i stopped being registered and why and they were fine with it!!

Is not possible to mind under 8s for more than two hours in a day without being registered .There are people who only want 2 hours for that age though !!
Its also possible to get insurance as a childminder exempt from registration if you stick to the restrictions imposed by Ofsted and check out childcare insurers

Do you still need to have insurance and first aid if looking after 8 year old parent has tax credits working hours 7.30 to 9am and 3.15pm and 6.30.pm

robstecar - yes you do as for a parent to use tax credits you must be a registered provider. If not caring for any children under 8, you could register on the voluntary part of the childcare register (assuming you are in England).

This message thread is nearly 10 years old. So perhaps start a new one.