Warning: this post is not from a science fiction movie.
These two police officers were caring for each other’s children, as they worked different shifts. England’s Children’s Minister (yes, there is one) stated that the arrangement broke the 2006 Childcare Act because it lasted for longer than two hours a day, and constituted receiving “a reward.” Therefore, the arrangement was no longer babysitting – it was “illegal childminding.” A spokesman for England’s Child Czar enforcement agency (Ofsted) said:
“Reward is not just a case of money changing hands. The supply of services or goods and, in some circumstances, reciprocal arrangements can also constitute reward.
“Generally, mothers who look after each other’s children are not providing childminding for which registration is required, as exemptions apply to them, for example because the care is for less than two hours or it takes place on less than 14 days in a year.
“Where such arrangements are regular and for longer periods, then registration is usually required.”
The article states that, “Anyone required to register to become a childminder would also have to undergo a criminal records check.” A follow-up article states this:
According to the Childcare Act, carers who are not a close family member also do not have to register if:
- The childcare takes place in the parents’ home
- or it only takes place between 1800 and 0200
- or the childcare takes place fewer than two hours a day, or 14 days a year.
Registered childminders must pay an annual fee of £103 to Ofsted. *** (See footnote)
Ofsted’s guide to registration says registered childminders must attend an appropriate training course, carry out a risk assessment of the premises on which the childcare takes place and prepare a written statement of procedures to be followed in the event of complaints.
The law also allows Ofsted to carry out checks to ensure that childminders comply with these rules.
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*** Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. This is from the organization’s website:
It brings together the wide experience of four formerly separate inspectorates. It will inspect and regulate care for children and young people, and inspect education and training for learners of all ages.
We want to raise aspirations and contribute to the long term achievement of ambitious standards and better life chances for service users. Their educational, economic and social well-being will in turn promote England’s national success.
