working for a childminder and help with childcare fees

kurjam

subsoniccoyote wrote: »

This is correct. The childcare provider is supposed to be showing that they are running a business and this is not just a way of getting extra money from TCO.

so have tax credits told me right, as i will only be a childcare assistant working for a registered childminder, with 1 child going before and after school, 1 child going every morning and then after school at 3.30pm (has he starts doing 3 hours a day at school from january), and a baby there full time......

worried that if i take the job and they have told me wrong i will be in a right mess, as it would mean me having to move my children to another childcare provider and i do not want to do this.......

cw18

You will be an employee of the childminder -- she runs a business. As such I believe TCO have told you the correct information.

You couldn't claim anything if you were in your own home (eg. a childminder with your own children as well as a reduced number of paying 'clients'), but your situation is the same as my DD who works at the nursery her girls go to -- just it sounds like yours is in a private home rather than a registered nursery.

cw18

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think it's fraudulent because you're not paying her any money. As you say "My sis looks after my 2 during school holidays etc .Money doesn't come into it, as it's family,". You're now trying to get money from the state to pay for something that you're actually getting free. That sounds like fraud to me!

But if the Aunt registers as a childminder it becomes her job and brings in an income. If she and her family currenlty get any benefits (including Tax Credits) themselves they'll have an extra income counting against those. She also has to pay for registration and insurance, and do all her paperwork (and there is a lot of it). I don't think it fraudulent at all -- especially as she'll have to take on at least one other paying child as well (so helping at least one other person return to work by offering child-care).

I'd love to look after my GDs for free, but can't afford to. So I'm looking at registering, which means I can be paid to look after them. No way my DD can afford to pay me without the help, and if they don't come to me she'll be claiming it so they can go to before/after school clubs and holiday play schemes.

luv-my-job

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think it's fraudulent because you're not paying her any money. As you say "My sis looks after my 2 during school holidays etc .Money doesn't come into it, as it's family,". You're now trying to get money from the state to pay for something that you're actually getting free. That sounds like fraud to me!

Am I? Where exactly has this been said? I have NEVER claimed for childcare ...

Are you deliberately misreading the posts?
There is no payment here .. nor is there any claim for any payment, regarding childcare. But as has been said, again, if this childcare was to become a job for her/or anyone, as in employment ... then why wouldn't the childminder get paid for it?? She would be providing a service etc ... however, like I also said, I don't think she'd want to commit to it as a job .....and if that's the case then obviously she wouldn't get paid, as is currently happening. Could you explain what you feel is fraudulent about that? I think you'll find the answer is NOTHING!
:rolleyes:

Oldernotwiser

luv-my-job wrote: »

Am I? Where exactly has this been said? I have NEVER claimed for childcare ...

Are you deliberately misreading the posts?
There is no payment here .. nor is there any claim for any payment, regarding childcare. But as has been said, again, if this childcare was to become a job for her/or anyone, as in employment ... then why wouldn't the childminder get paid for it?? She would be providing a service etc ... however, like I also said, I don't think she'd want to commit to it as a job .....and if that's the case then obviously she wouldn't get paid, as is currently happening. Could you explain what you feel is fraudulent about that? I think you'll find the answer is NOTHING!
:rolleyes:

At the moment you pay nothing for this service; however, if you can get somebody else to pay for it, it'll suddenly become a business. It may not be illegal, but it's definitely crooked!

luv-my-job

:rolleyes:

I,M_SAD

Can I just add tax credits pay' up' to 80%,it is income means tested,pretty difficult to work out,well it is for me!!I have never received 80% of childcare fees and my weekly fees are always over the maximum amount allowed,I think it,s £175 pw.It may not be an issue but it,s worth checking out before any commitment to work or expectation of 80% fees paid.

cw18

they pay on up to £175 for one child, or £300 for 2 or more.

My DD gets the full 80% ATM, but as she's no choice but to pay child care to someone, it doesn't really matter what she qualifies for (unless it's so little she has to give up work again in order to have enough to live on!)

I,M_SAD

Know what you mean,sometimes it,s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place with childcare expenses.Know it must get easier next year when ds starts school!!Hoping my bill will halve by then.:p

kurjam

I,M_SAD wrote: »

Know what you mean,sometimes it,s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place with childcare expenses.Know it must get easier next year when ds starts school!!Hoping my bill will halve by then.:p

i thought it would be cheaper when my daughter started the school nursery 5 afternoons a week, but it actually worked out dearer, as i had to pay for private nursery in the morning, then a school drop off at dinner, a pick up after school and me pick her up at 5.30pm..... it actually worked out £18 a week more :mad:

its so frustrating, but i want to work so i am not bothered if i dont get the full 80% help.... and my 2 children love the company of other children.
i am now with a childminder as my 1st post says and it is definatly cheaper for my daughter in january as i will only have before and after school club, but then the new baby will make the amount dearer again .....
the joys of work and child care