Parents who regularly look after friends' children face being watched
and checked up on by childcare officials.
Two policewomen disclosed yesterday they had been threatened with
snap monitoring visits and surveillance if they continue to mind each
other's daughters.
The women have been labelled illegal childminders and, unless they
formally register with Ofsted, must end their arrangement.
The resulting wave of public outrage brought an announcement by ministers
yesterday of a review of the little-known rules. However, any change
could be months away and thousands of other families may be innocently
breaking the law by relying on friends for informal childcare.
They too could face random home visits if Ofsted inspectors are tipped
off.
Margaret Morrissey, of the campaign group Parents Outloud, said: 'This
Big Brother attitude to children and parents has got to stop.'
