Advice needed on unregistered childminders

[Rat99]

From Sept I'll need a childminder 1 day a week and only term-time. I'm struggling to find a registered childminder I would be happy to leave DD with but have a couple of close friends who might help out. Is this legal? I vaguely thought you could use an unregistered childminder if it was only occasional???

(I know lots of people object to this, but it seems better to me to use a close friend I know well and trust rather than someone who is registered but wouldn't suit my child (she'll be 10mo then)).

Thanks for your help!

It's illegal to accept any sort of reward (doesn't have to be money, could be flowers/chocolates/crisps) in exchange for childcare of any child who isn't a close relative. So you would be putting your friends in a dodgy position. The other issue is that an unregistered childminder would be unable to have valid insurance.

it would be ok if someone looks after your daughter at YOUR house

You won't be able to claim childcare vouchers or tax credits
Your child won't be insured (& esp if they go in a car ever)
If anything goes wrong social services might consider leaving your child with unregistered care as neglect

Plus childminders are trained to account for things like first aid, risk assessments etc

Thanks for this, In my home might be an option. Childcare vouchers, etc aren't relevant for me. KatyMac - I see your point on car insurance - thanks I hadn't thought of that. I don't think a lack of risk assessments etc will be much of a worry tho'.

Is there no rule that says you can use someone for a certain number of ddays without having to worry though?

Yep I think it's 7 or it might be 10 - I'll check on EYFS - I'll check tomorrow

THE CHILDCARE (EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION) ORDER 2008

Exempt temporary provision

5.?(1) The circumstances referred to in articles 2(2) and 2(4) are where the provision is made?

(a) for a particular child?
(i) for two hours or less per day, or
(ii) for four hours or less per day and the provision is offered?
(aa) on a day to day basis with no longer term commitment to clients, and
(bb) for the convenience of clients who intend to remain on the premises where the provision is made or within their immediate locality; or
(b) on particular premises for 14 days or fewer in a year commencing with the relevant day, and the person making the provision has notified the Chief Inspector in writing at least 14 days before the relevant day.

(2) The ?relevant day? means the first day on which the provision is made on the premises in question.

~~~ End Quote ~~~

However using the 14 day exemption I feel may be pushing things.

Why are you looking for an exemption anyway... surely it's better to get around the issue by just having the childcare provided at your own home.

Thanks for finding it Nick.......I was going gozzie reading it all

I don't feel that 1 day per week, term time only would be Temporary Provision. I feel the exemption is there so that some short terms mobile crèche's can be exempt.

I would not suggest that anyone tries to use the 14 day exemption without seeking expert legal advice. Childcare law can be quite a minefield.

Rat99, it is far easier if your friend comes to your home to care for your DD and their own child/children there.

Or have any of your friends considered becoming childminders.

OK so sounds like the 14 day exemption might not work...I'll take your advice and see if my neighbour could come to my house (or even beter become a childminder...prob not worth her while for 30ish days a year!).

Thanks for all your help

Unregistered childminders can look after over 8s no problem .To mind under 8s for more than two hours a day they need to be registered .If anyone chooses to do ths by for example only minding under 8s before and after school there is no problem about getting insurance with morten michel Childcare insurers.
I honestly dont see that anyone choosing close freinds to help mind their children HAS anything to do with any one else.People leave their children with Grandparents all the time and anyone can babysit after 6or 6 30 I think at night.I should think its up to you what you give your friends for helping out. But If you want it to be legal as such they would have to be only minding for 2 hours each in any one day while your child is under 8