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.'
