looking after nephew for money

maisie-jane

Hi, i'm currently looking after my little nephew for one day a week for a bit of cash. I'm not thrilled as i can see my parenting skills are going to clash with what they want for him (he's the first). I said from the start i wouldn't do it as my kids are no longer babies and i'm done with all that, but better :rolleyes: half said the cash would come in handy and its family. Anyway, does anyone else look after kids for money, and do they have any advice to offer and what's the going rate? Thanks.

Bitsy_Beans

Are you charging "mates rates" as it's family? In my area childminders charge around £30 a day (for hours between 8am-6pm) so not sure if you were thinking of this rate.

Krystaltips

I had my neice every Saturday for 4 years... Never got a penny from my sister...

bikerqueen

it's against the law - you need to register as a childminder.

Krystaltips

I don't think that's right biker queen... I'm pretty sure you can be paid for looking after a family member... But the parents can't claim tax credits...

geekgirl

I would say don't do it if your heart isn't in it, as you know cos you have had kids it isn't an easy job to do if you are going to do it well.

I used to look after my nephew 5 days a week. I did it until I didn't look forward to having him full time any more, I had him until he was 2. Then I gave her 2 months notice to find a childminder.

It worked well for all concerned. She had someone to look after her son who loved him, she could work full time. But I wouldn't have bothered if it was just about the cash cos it wouldn't have been enough.

maisie-jane

I don't mind having him, its just i'm pretty laid back about my kids and they're so fussy, and act like i've no idea what i'm doing! I think thats what will cause the problems. Bikerqueen, i also read that it was against the law to take money for looking after kids if your not registered, then on another site it was recommended to ask family for childcare as that was the cheapest option, so i'm confused!

bikerqueen

well having said it then i tried to find a law and couldn't - so i may be wrong!

Errata

maisie-jane wrote: »

I don't mind having him, its just i'm pretty laid back about my kids and they're so fussy, and act like i've no idea what i'm doing! I think thats what will cause the problems. Bikerqueen, i also read that it was against the law to take money for looking after kids if your not registered, then on another site it was recommended to ask family for childcare as that was the cheapest option, so i'm confused!

Why not ask them to pay you in groceries ?

Daisydoll

Anyone who takes money to pay for childcare should be registered regardless of the amount of time. I childmind for a friend one day a week and have gone through all the registration process. depends how long you plan to do it for as to wether it will be worth it, I have done it for 2 years now so for me it was worth registering. Plus as bikerqueen said there is a law to do with it, cant find it at mo but think it will be on ofsted website.

troll35

Don't know if this will help http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/answers/childcare/becomingchildminder.shtml it is the only information I have been able to find. It isn't against the law to look after a relative for financial gain (and groceries would be included in this) however as previously stated unless you are registered then the parents won't be able to claim the childcare portion of tax credits. I would recommend registration if you intend to look after your nephew long term (I did it to look after my niece) it takes about 3-4 months (ish). There is a good childminding forum (google that) that can give lots of advice if you want it.
Please bear in mind that all income (cash or groceries) should be declared to the taxman, though if that is your only income you are unlikely to pay tax. The main disadvantage I could see to looking after a relative and not being registered is them expecting to pay you a pittance. I would probably say see how it goes, if you enjoy it consider getting registered at a later date.
good luck