SCMA is aware of an article in Tesco’s magazine that suggests parents could save money by swapping childcare amongst themselves, instead of using a registered childminder.
This suggestion is very concerning and we believe it to be very irresponsible. However, parenting expert, Sue Atkins, who is featured in the magazine article explains that she has been misquoted, as she explains in her
recent blog post.
To ensure parents are aware of the rules and regulations surrounding childcare, we’d like to clarify the facts.
A registered childminder (registered in Scotland with the Care Inspectorate) should be used to provide childcare if your child is:
•
under 16 years old
•
looked after for more than two hours per day
•
a reward is received by the provider of any kind (including payment, gift or reciprocal care)
Childminders are professional childcare workers, who provide a flexible, unique and affordable home-based childcare service for families. Looking after small groups of children within a family environment, a childminder provides the opportunity to learn from everyday activities.
Problems with childcare?
Read our top tips and use our Childminder Search Service to find your nearest SCMA childminder.