Question Author
Hi. In answer to Tigwig's query, no I am not in the U.K., I am in Ireland. I don't know about the legal requirements in the U.K., but here childminders do NOT have to be registered, it can be on a purely private basis. Of course, you can become registered if you wish, giving you access to dedicated websites, info on fees, Garda clearance, Doctor's certificate of fitness(!), and special rates for insurance. All this after being subjected to an inspection to ensure you, your house, garden, family, dog, cat, budgie etc. are all suitable for a child to be in contact with! Regardless of the fact that you may (as I am) be raising or have raised children of your own But for anyone who doesn't want to go down that route...there is nothing! Which is why I was looking for info. So to reassure you, I am not doing anything illegal or immoral as your msg seemed to suggest! Ps, made an error in my first msg re fees: should have put 150 Euro a week. Still looking for advice...
Almost-irish.