The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is proposing amendments to the Childcare (Exemptions from Registration) Order 2008 that will give these parents the same exemptions as family members, provided no money changes hands.
The consultation is underpinned by the government's idea that the state should not intervene in private childcare arrangements between friends. The proposed amendments would effectively remove Ofsted's powers to investigate any complaints about the standard of childcare within these arrangements, with the exception of considering allegations that the childcare was not actually between friends or was in exchange for money.
The proposals aim to give parents the appropriate degree of freedom to make informal childcare arrangements. The DCSF considered making all childcare provided by a friend exempt, even if money is received, but felt that this would open the door to unregulated commercial childminding which would not be subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks.
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
