Voluntary register views
The Department for Education (DfE) in England
is currently reviewing the Voluntary Childcare Register, and NCMA
wants to know your views so we can ensure that our nanny members
help to shape any future regulatory developments.
At present, registration on Ofsted’s Childcare
Register is voluntary for nannies in England. It is also a
requirement of NCMA membership, and allows parents to claim the
childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. Nannies must meet a
range of requirements, such as undergoing an enhanced CRB check,
holding a paediatric first aid training certificate, and having a
level 2 qualification in an area of work relating to childcare.
Nannies on this register may also be subject
to inspections, which are selected at random. You will also be
inspected if there is a complaint that relates to you meeting the
requirements of registration. However, NCMA is aware that the
random inspections occur infrequently, with only approximately one
in three of our nanny members having received an inspection,
according to our latest membership survey.
The Education Committee’s recent review on the
role and performance of
Ofsted highlighted a number of issues with the
current register. In particular, it raised concerns that it may
provide parents with a misleading level of reassurance.
The Department for Education is currently in
discussion with organisations representing the interests of
childcare providers, parents and children to explore ways to
simplify the regulatory arrangements. NCMA met with the Department
for Education recently on behalf of our nanny members to discuss
the register further.
NCMA supports a review of the Voluntary
Childcare Register, as it is vital that the professionalism of
nannies is recognised alongside other childcare professionals and
that parents can receive an appropriate level of reassurance about
the quality of care their children receive.
What do you think? Please tell us, below, so we can factor in
your opinions to the review.
For Nannies in Wales, a Voluntary Approval
Scheme is in operation. In April 2011, the CSSIW became the
approval body for this scheme. Nannies must meet a range of
requirements including undergoing an enhanced CRB check,
undertaking a valid pediatric first aid course and holding an
existing childcare qualification.
Page last updated:
9/30/2011