childcare payments

[nattylou]

Does anyone remember when the govt were talking about introducing some sort of allowance for grandparents, friends etc if they were looking after your kids while you were at work? Did they ever do it, and if so, what is it called and how do I claim?

I think if your friend is looking after your children and she is being paid to do this, then she would have to be a registered childminder. And, then, she is offering her services as a childminder, and not your friend. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But I don't think you can accept money for looking after someone elses kids unless you are a registered childminder.

Wasn't this a proposal to extend the payment of the childcare element of Child Tax Credits to those using family members rather than "approved childcare providers" to look after their children? I don't think it has gone through - there may be some info on the CAB website www.adviceguide.org.uk