Joanne Cash, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Westminster North is calling for OFSTED to look again at how they interpret guidance on childminding after the shocking news this week that two female police officers, who took it in turns to look after each others' children so that they could return to work, were told that their arrangement was illegal.
According to OFSTED, parents who look after each others' children, but who are not registered as childminders, are breaking the law as reciprocal arrangements constitute a 'reward'.
People registered as childminders currently have to pay £103 annually to OFSTED, and must go through criminal records checks and training. For most parents, informal mutual arrangements such as these are much easier for them financially, particularly in the current economic climate.
Joanne says: “There are many families in Westminster North in similar situations to these two police officers who rely on each other to share the load of childcare they cannot afford for no financial reward. This is the nanny state literally gone mad. OFSTED needs to get some common sense. I have written on behalf of concerned mums and dads here in Westminster North to ask them to review their position.”
Also commenting on the situation earlier this week, celebrity mum of two Kirsty Allsopp said: “This story has really troubled me. Women shouldn’t be treated like criminals for helping each other. Life as a working mother is challenging enough.”
To register your support for Joanne’s campaign for OFSTED to review its position please sign her petition here.
