childminding laws! Who can look after my child!

[nellypope]

Am I right in thinking that no-one can babysit my child unless they are a registered childminder?

[bednobs]

no

[hippyhoppy]

A person can look after your child for upto two hours without having to be registered as a childminder. (well, that used to be the case.. but Ofsted change their minds, so maybe check up on their website..)

[redcrx]

i think that those who are minding children on a regular basis and for a fee do need to be registered.

Its different for babysitters or friends who are minding occasionally as a favour.

[jackthehat]

There is a difference between 'babysitting' and 'child-minding'.
What do you have in mind ?

[theshedman]

I think it only has to be a registered childminder if you want to claim money back from the government for you to go back to work.

[nellypope]

Thanks! I just remember that case with the two police offiers who were minding eah other's children whilst they worked alternately. Mind you two hours isn't long enough for Mr & Mrs Nellipope to get out for the night! :-) . . . isn't nearly enough drinking time!

[jackthehat]

Anyone you are satisified will look after your child competently can 'babysit' whilst you and Mr Nellipope have a well-earned night out.

[wolf63]

I thought that the main problem with the police officers was 'where' they were caring for the children. Looking after the children in the children's home was okay but looking after them at the adult's home was considered to be childminding.

I think .............

[hippyhoppy]

Like red and helen said, babysitting of an evening wouldn't need to be registered.. just get the local 16 year old girl round for a tenner.. I know my daughter would love to babysit for a bit of cash... Only needs to be registered if you're leaving your child with and paying someone on a regular basis, ie daily whilst you're are work...

[ummmm]

Anyone can babysit your child. Although I think the laws differ from county to county. In Northampton there are no laws concerning the age of babysitters. It's down to parents discretion. But...if something goes wrong they can be done for child neglect. (social worker told me that)

If you're going out to work and want to claim for child care...the child minder has to be registered.

There was a little whisper that they were going to allow parents to claim childcare if grand parents looked after the kids.....That's something that should be introduced.

[nellypope]

That's an excellent idea. I have managed to secure tickets for Jimmy Carr, so I can now have that well earned night out without worry ;-)

[redcrx]

tickets for Jimmy Carr? why didnt you say?

in which case, leave the kids with a tin of beans and a can opener :)

[nellypope]

LOL! maybe one of those pet feeders which dispense food on a timer? Poor child! I have friends who leave their children with each other whilst they work/go out etc. But I don't know how anyone else feels, but I would much rather a baby sitter come to my house and sit rather than send her to someone else.

[tigwig]

A night out is fine, no need to be registered at all however you don't state how old your children are. I would make sure that the babysitter is responsible enough to know what to do in the rare case of an emergency, especially if the children are young. I always think of the worst case scenario sorry!
In regard to childcare all day, anyone who looks after a child in their own home for more than 2 hours a day for reward (ie money or gifts) does need to be registered unless they are immediate family.

[charlie82]

Nellypope, you'll love jimmy carr! I saw him last year and he was amazing. Soooo talented!

[bushbaby_de]

Enjoy Jimmy - I saw the first night of the tour last week and loved it :)