Unregistered Childcare

The Family Information Service can provide contact details of childcarers in your area. Contact the FIS on 0800 195 1635 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm for a list based on your personal requirements including opening hours and school collections, or go on-line at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd. Not all providers agree for their details to be available on this website so if you cannot find the details you are searching for please contact the FIS.

What is unregistered childcare?

Unregistered childcare is more informal than registered childcare. It includes:

• babysitters;
• family and friends who look after your child;
• care when you’re present, such as parent and toddler groups.

Parents and carers using unregistered care cannot claim Tax Credits.

The following types of childcare are usually unregistered:

Babysitters

Many parents rely on friends or relatives to recommend a babysitter. However, whoever you use, it is your responsibility to make sure the babysitter will:

• act responsibly;
• safeguard the wellbeing of your child(ren);
• maintain the security of your home.

There’s no law about the minimum age of a babysitter. There’s no law that states the age at which a child can be left on his or her own. However, as guidance, the NSPCC (National Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children) advises that children under the age of 13 should not be left alone. See Babysitting for more information.

Parent and Toddler Groups

Parent and Toddler Groups don’t have to register with Ofsted. This is because:

• they are voluntary groups which usually operate for under two hours;
• parents or carers are present.

They allow parents, carers and children under the age of five to socialise and participate in activities. Anyone who cares for a child can attend, including parents, grandparents, carers and childminders.

Nannies and Au Pairs

Nannies and Au Pairs are 'unregistered childcare' unless they're already registered with Ofsted's Voluntary Childcare Register as a Home Childcarer.

Nannies are employed by parents to look after children in their own home and may live in or out. A Nanny may be:

• a qualified childcarer;
• experienced in child care but not qualified.

Au Pairs are employed by families to help in the home, but generally have few formal childcare qualifications. They shouldn’t be employed specifically to look after children on their own, as they are usually placed with a family to help them learn English and need time to study. They will often help with some chores including maybe some babysitting, collecting from school or light housework, but should not be full-time child carers.

How can we help?

The Family Information Service send regular updates to all the county’s child carers to ask for up-to-date information on the services they offer, including opening times, school collection and charges, as well as whether they can care for a child with a disability or additional needs.