The plans aim to end confusion over arrangements such as those that emerged earlier this year when two police officers who regularly babysit for each other were told they had to register as childminders.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls pledged to change the relevant laws so that those in a similar situation need not register as childminders. Ofsted and childcare organisations were among those calling for greater clarity.
The consultation document says that the government wants to amend the Childcare (Exemptions from Registration) Order 2008 so that all childcare arrangements between friends that do not involve money are exempt from childminder registration.
The document says: "This would give friends who do not take money for their services the same status as members of a child's family, such as grandparents who have never been required to register to look after their own grandchildren."
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