Balls wrote to Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert today after the government's chief adviser on the safety of children, Roger Singleton, advised that where no payments were made parents who looked after each others children should not have to register as childminders.
Balls wrote: "From now on and with immediate effect I would ask that Ofsted always treats such situations as beyond the scope of the childcare arrangements that you regulate under the Childcare Act 2006."
He added: "To make this crystal clear I am immediately setting in train the process required to clarify the relevant legislation to exempt from registration reciprocal childcare arrangements between friends. I would be grateful if you would communicate this to all your childcare inspectors as quickly as possible."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
