Are there any consequences for CM who don't register?

[NaccetyMac]

I've phoned and gone to visit a CM today, she only let me know she wasn't registered when specifically asked. I hadn't asked on the phone because I stupidly assumed that someone advertising in the paper would have got themselves sorted out!

I am not keen on lots of aspects of registration (EYFS etc) but I am keen on insurance, first aid and getting tax credits! So it is essential that the CM is registered.

Are you allowed to just call yourself a CM and go for it? If so, so much for making it a profession!

No

Please report to OFSTED 08456404040; she is risking a large fine - in reality she will either be monitored or asked to register

you must be registered with ofsted to be a childminder and have public liabilty insurance, first aid and have done the registration course. you would not be able to give this cm payment voucherws either as they require your registration details!

Are you allowed to just call yourself a CM and go for it?

No. The person providing childcare will be in breach of the Childcare Act 2006 if they provide care between the hours of 2am and 6pm for more than 2 hours in any day, with that occurring more than 14 times a year.
Exemptions from Registration - this is probably easier reading. It shows what type of childcare provision Does Not need to register.

CM could be registered with Ofsted - as other posters have said, she legally needs to be.

But she could also not be registered to accept childcare vouchers - you can be a legal CM without jumping through the hoops to accept the government funding. - it may be that the CM you spoke to is legal, but just does not acxcept the vouchers perhaps?

If she is not registered, please do as Katy says, and report.

She can't choose not to be registered for Tax Credits

true Katy, very true.

If she really isn't registered, as well as reporting her I might be inclined to let the local paper know that they are advertising an illegal service - they may stop her advert then (or am I just being naive?)

The regulator takes a softly-softly approach initially, telling the person to stop doing what they are doing and putting them in touch with their local authorities childcare team who will sort them out onto a course and take them through registration paperwork.

Sometimes cases do go on and on. In Scotland for example, a person kept breaching the rules and was eventually taken to tribunal. They were fined £400 - JournalOnline article and from Care Commission - though that does not always stop them, see this DailyRecord article.

So please do report them to the regulator who can then investigate.

I don't think you need to register if looking after children 8yo+.

Good point juuule - though the childminder must only care for children aged 8+, none who are younger.