Sharing childcare – new UK legislation

The case of two police constables sharing their job and the care of their children suddenly being declared illegal caused an outcry. And rightly so! I would never have managed to continue working if I hadn't swapped childcare in the early years and I'm sure that applies to thousands of women.

The UK government has caught up with popular feeling and announced today that unpaid childcare arrangements between friends will be legally exempt from Ofsted registration and inspection.

Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo commented:

"I am pleased that following a positive response to our consultation, and overwhelming public support, friends supporting one another with unpaid childcare will be exempt from the registration and inspection process. This amendment has been made to ensure that hard-working parents are not penalised for supporting their friends with unpaid childcare.

"Formal childcare from childminders, nurseries and children's centres across the country provides an invaluable service to millions of families. It is right that we ensure formal childcare is of the highest possible standard and that this is backed up by thorough inspections by Ofsted to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.

"This move strikes the right balance between ensuring the quality and standards of formal childcare whilst protecting informal arrangements between friends."

The amendment to an Order under the Childcare Act 2006 will be supported by revised Ofsted guidance which will highlight where and when childcare arrangements are considered to be formal and within their inspection remit.

The Government is clear that the amendment does not affect the tens of thousands of professional childminders who provide a valuable service to parents.