In the first case of its kind, the childminder, Diane Jane Crawford, 34, a mother of two from Hulme in Manchester, was sentenced by Manchester Crown Court after she admitted signing childcare forms for three people when there was no intention of their children being sent to be minded by her. In return she accepted payments of 100 per form. The three claimants were sentenced to 500 hours of community service and ordered to pay 9,500. Judge Rudland described all four as 'scheming and manipulative' and said Ms Crawford 'had abused her position as a registered childminder to unlock public funds and caused them to flow into the pockets of those not entitled to it'. The investigation was done by the Inland Revenue Special Compliance Office.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
