What r the legalities with childminding-need advice???

[MilaMae]

I have 3 children under 5 (my own). My friend wants me to look after her dd for 6 hours a week and wants to pay me. Am I allowed to do this??

I know absolutely nothing about what is ok but seemed to remember something about limits with children under 5.

I have no intention of becoming a registered child minder as this would be just as a favour. Her dd likes my children and I would like to help out as said friend is having problems finding a child minder she is 100% happy with and which fits into her work hours.

Sorry about the r in title, wasn't using text speak just typed too fast

The legality is you NEED to be registered. You won't be covered if her lo has an accident, you may not be allowed to authorise medical treatment, you will be working illegally. Sorry. However you could become a nanny which wouldn't require you to be registered. However you would have to look after her lo (and presumably yours) at her house rather than yours.

Thanks for that.

I have no intention of breaking the law so will have to turn her down.

Is it right if registered you can only have 3 under 5 unless it's 2 hours a week or less and unpaid???

It's a shame really as I'm her first choice and she is really struggling to find a childminder. We don't want her dd to miss out on pre-school so it has to be a childminder. I can see why it's so difficult if the laws are that tight.

Very occasionally Ofsted will allow 4 under five, but 3 is the rule really. If its under 2 hours per day for no reward you don't need to be registered.

Nanny at her house?

If it's 2 hours or less a day then you don't need to be registered. She could also pay you.

make her pay you in wine

If you can help out a friend, then its a nice thing to do. If its more than two hours at a time then technically you shouldnt be paid for it but i'm sure she could just treat your children etc instead.

The wine thing sounds appealing, her husband is a chef so hmmmmmmmm, meals on wheels would be good

We didn't realise it was such a minefield. Really don't want to register as I'm a teacher when working and am enjoying my OFSTED free years Have enough form filling being on the pre-school committee!!!!!!!!

Thanks all!!!!!

Go to the Ofsted website or all them up - 08456 404045?

I thought that you have to be registered if you are looking after the kids of more than two families.

Which you wouldn't be...

That's at least the position with what turns someone from a Nanny (unregistered) to a childminder (compulsory registered)

Then I think the registration tells you about kids etc.

I THINK it's in that order - otherwise grandparents etc etc.

But i think it would be worth the call - the question is very easy and they're all trained the same on the phonelines (it's not a mad call centre)

Childminder Registration Guide

Thanks Pankhurst and Juuule