help! Does anyone know what the Ofsted regs are for childcare for an eight year old?

[edam]

I have a vague memory that 8yos don't count against childminder's numbers but is there any more flexibility? Can you use someone who isn't Ofsted registered after that age? Can't make much sense of the Ofsted site.

(Btw, of course I'll check out anyone I find to care for my son very carefully, just wondering if there's more flexibility for 8yos and above.)

I was just wondering that exact same thing this morning in connection with my 10 year old, will be watching with interest to see what the answer is.

me too! Looks like we shall have to try to make sense of the Ofsted website, though... someone on MN must know the answer to this one?

According to Ofsted website if you want to care for children age 8 and up you can go on the voluntary part of the register. Which suggests to me you don't have to be registered.

ah, thank you viva. It's all so ruddy complicated!

Care of children aged 8 or over is unregulated in England. So you can use who you like to provide that care, they don't need to be registered. However some people providing such care will be registered under the voluntary Childcare Register, so that parents can use Childcare Vouchers / Tax Credits to help pay for the care.

Thanks, nannynick.