Employing others
More and more
registered childminders work with other people, whether that is
their partner, a friend or family member. They might work as an
assistant, a co-childminder, student or volunteer.
Having a colleague can be invaluable but needs careful
consideration. NCMA members can read more guidance in the factsheets available from NCMA, especially this
one about working with others. Below you’ll find a brief overview
of some issues to think about.
If you work with three or more other people, you'll need to read
the information about being a childcare provider on domestic premises.
National registration requirements
Whoever you work with you will need to inform Ofsted (in
England) or the CSSIW (in Wales).
Criminal Records Bureau disclosures
All people aged 16 and over who are regularly in your home must
have a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure (this includes members of
your family). From October 2009, you will have to be registered
with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). It will be an
offence to employ someone without first checking their ISA status.
There is more information about the vetting and barring
scheme here. You should also take up at least two references.
Update June 2010 The Vetting
and Barring scheme is under review. Please see this story for more
details.
NCMA membership
If you work with another childminder they could get
NCMA membership at reduced rates.
Working with another registered childminder
If you work with another registered childminder you will need to
make sure your position is very clear for tax and National
Insurance purposes – for instance one childminder might employ the
other or you could work as co-childminders. Either way, it is best
to talk to your local tax office about your arrangements.
Employing an assistant
If you become an employer, you will need to make sure you are
meeting the requirements necessary for your employee’s tax,
National Insurance contributions and other employee rights. You
will also need to hold
employer's liability insurance, which NCMA
can arrange for you.
The Pay and Working Rights line is a free phone helpline
and is aimed at both workers and employers. Operators are
trained to provide information and advice about aspects of
employment law. In addition, where there is a potential abuse
requiring further investigation, it will refer cases to one or more
of the government enforcement bodies that stand behind the
helpline.
Pay and
Working Rights line - 0800 917 2368.
National Minimum Wage
If you employ someone you must pay them at least the minimum wage.
The amount you must pay depends on the age and status of the person
you employ.
You can find out more about the National Minimum Wage plus
current rates from the Pay and
Working Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.
Smokefree status
Even though your workplace is your own home, you may be required to
become smokefree if more than two people work in your home or use
your car for business use. You can read our advice on
being smokefree here.