Morning Extra - 28/09/2009

Is the state interfering too much in how we look after our kids? Two women police officers in England were told they'd broken the law by babysitting each other's children when they were working shifts. Because the reciprocal arrangement lasted for longer than two hours a day and constituted receiving "a reward," Ofsted said it contravened the law and they would have to be registered as childminders. Similar legislation applies in Scotland. It follows recent criticism of a forthcoming government scheme which will require anyone having regular contact with kids to be vetted and registered. That will include school governors, doctors, nurses, teachers, dentists and prison officers. Are you reassured by all these precautions, or have things gone too far? Graham Stewart takes your calls, texts and emails.