Ofsted rules banning childcaring friends to go

Controversial Ofsted rules stopping unpaid childcare arrangements between friends will end, as these private situations will now be legally exempt from Ofsted registration and inspection.

From April this year, friends can now look after each others children without payment as these arrangements will no longer be included within Ofsted’s powers.

Sensible private childcare arrangements made between friends came under the spotlight last year  and became the subject of Government consultation.

Children’s Minister Dawn Primarolo welcomed the move saying: “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.”

The legislation falls under Childcare Act 2006 and will only apply to childcare arrangements where no money for services is received.