childcare rules

[themrs]

Are there any laws or rules if I want to look after my neighbours child for a couple of days a week to help her out because childcare is so expensive? I would not be paid and its only for about 3-4 hours.

[hannah40]

if you are not being paid im sure you can look after your neighbours child.its like having your childrens friends round for the day to play ,

[mizzflex]

I am a registered childminder so i may have the answer...

To look after children in your own home ...the required amount of time is 2hrs only and this must be on an unpaid basis (no payment in cash/kind, such as gifts are allowed to be accepted either). This applys to 8 year old and under.

However, you can look after any children in their own home setting for as long as required, paid or not.

Strange I know but I looked into it before i became a childminder, so if ur paid at home for caring for children that aint yours - you are classed as working as a childminder, therefore u need to be approved by ofsted. However lookin after the children in their own enviroment is like being a nanny - which doesnt require ofsted inspections.

Hope this helps!