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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Am I breaking the law by doing this

53 replies

dingdongmerrilyonpie · 13/12/2008 21:08

I've posted this in chat but also wanted to ask you lot if I am breaking the law by sending my ds to an unlicensed CM. Obviously, I know that she is.

OP posts:
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Blondeshavemorefun · 13/12/2008 21:51

replied on chat

she is in the wrong, you wouldnt be

but

why would you want to use someone who wasnt registered?

littleducks · 13/12/2008 21:55

tbh i'm not fussed about reg and qualifications i would want the right person who was suited to looking after my child and i would far prefer someone to care for my child rather than observe them

but im not sure if someone who was breaking the law would be able to be the right person

LucyTownsend · 13/12/2008 21:58

have bumped up another similar thread so you can see that one too

You will find a great CM who is able to mix the observations into playing/caring with your child without them even noticing.

Ill just go look for the no mindees thread and bump it up for you too

Blondeshavemorefun · 13/12/2008 22:00

then get a little old biddy/nanny and let them look after and care in your own home

LucyTownsend · 13/12/2008 22:04

have bumped it up - have a look and see if any match?

elkiedee · 13/12/2008 22:05

Why is she taking on work as a childminder without being registered?

Original poster
dingdongmerrilyonpie · 13/12/2008 22:13

She doesn't ask for work, people approach her.

OP posts:
thenewme · 13/12/2008 22:13
Hmm
LucyTownsend · 13/12/2008 22:14

Not really the best excuse- if she wants to be a CM then she should register.

Might be worth asking her to register and see what she says?

Original poster
dingdongmerrilyonpie · 13/12/2008 22:15

Ok, she is a part-time TA in the school, that's how I know she is CRB checked. She has been approached by a few parents for CM, presumably because they already know and trust her.

OP posts:
LucyTownsend · 13/12/2008 22:19

Thing is, is she was prosecuted for doing unlicenced cming, then she wouldnt even be able to work at the school as a TA either.

Honestly not worth the hassle - is saving the money worth more than your child to you?

LucyTownsend · 13/12/2008 22:21

if

chloemegjess · 13/12/2008 22:56

Have you looked up what the price defference is?

What area are you in? There are lots of CM on here who might be able to help?

I don't agree with unregistered CM but not going to get into a debate with you as you already know that it isn't right.

Also, how old is your child and how many hours is she looking after him/her in her home?

breaghsmum · 13/12/2008 22:58

why doesnt she just get registered or is she not declaring the income? to be honest if it was at all possible i would avoid using her, im sur there is a registered cm in your area, some nurseries might also do afterschool care too. it would worry me that she is looking after children but it hasnt occurred to her to become registered, that alone would put me off. like the others have said, if anything happened, you havent a leg to stand on. put your son 1st and get a registered cm, is he not worth any difference in cost?

Original poster
dingdongmerrilyonpie · 13/12/2008 23:04

Yeah, I will either use a registered one or allow my son to walk home alone, he is 10 now - do you think walking home alone would be preferable to unregistered childminder. Its such a shame as she is a lovely lady.

OP posts:
edam · 13/12/2008 23:15

I sympathise. Looked at CIS and called everyone I could find on there when ds started school and I needed help with pick-up. Was only ONE childminder who had vacancies and she didn't have any children at the time so very hard to assess. Anyway, she lived too far away (I don't drive).

chloemegjess · 13/12/2008 23:19

Is it just a 10 year old you are looking for care for? Childminders do not need to be registered if caring for over 8s.

Does she mind under 8s too?

berkschick · 13/12/2008 23:28

Dont forget about the first aid side of it too.

If not registered, I doubt that she has the correct first aid certificate which is also compulsary for childminders. We have to attend a 12 hour course every 3 years.

What if your child had an accident and the unregistered childminder didnt know what to do?

To big a risk to take in my opinion.

And you cant fall behind with your insurance as you pay it in a lump sum yearly in advance.

KatyMac · 14/12/2008 00:29

& you won't get any help from Tax credits if she isn't registered

Plus if anything were to go wrong SS could potentially prosecute for neglect as you knowingly left your children with unregistered care

nannynick · 14/12/2008 01:36

As the person is a TA at a school, they could well have a fair bit of paperwork stuff very similar to a registered childminder. For example: Enhanced CRB Disclosure, First Aid Training, Child Protection / Safeguarding Children.
As the OP's child is aged 10, childminder legislation as far as I am aware in England only applies for children under the age of 8, so in caring for a child aged 10, they don't need to be registered or have any of the things that go along with that.

So to answer the original question, if the person providing the care does not care for any children under 8 (other than their own children) then I don't think they are in breach of childcare legislation, and neither are you.

Booh · 14/12/2008 19:27

Because if you are found out, social services WILL automatically be involved as you have left your child in the care of an unregistered person

Why take the risk

juuule · 14/12/2008 21:51

A child can be left with an unregistered person if they are over 8yo. The op has said that her child is 10yo. So there wouldn't be a problem. As nannynick has already said.
So social services would NOT automatically be involved.

HappyMummyOfOne · 15/12/2008 10:12

As your child is over 8, then I would use who you feel comfortable leaving him with. She doesnt have to be registered to look after a 10 year old.

Presume if she is a TA at the school your son will know her so better than a stranger.

WeddingBelleJan10 · 15/12/2008 16:11

I am new and trying to find the link cm with no mindees any ideas where I can find this?

Very frustrating as just starting out and trying to fill vacancies with un registered childminder across the road that is always busy.

nannynick · 15/12/2008 16:28

WBJ10 - do you mean Childminders with no mindees lets all be lonely together thread?

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