The first tenuous steps have been taken by the Government towards recognising nannies, with the introduction in April of its 'light touch'
Childcare Approval Scheme.
From this month nannies can apply for approval to show that they have undertaken appropriate training, have passed an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and hold the required first aid certificate. Parents using approved childcarers in their own home will then become eligible to claim tax credits, as they already can for using registered childminders and day nurseries.
Although the move has been welcomed by many in the childcare sector, it's a cautious welcome. Stephen Burke, director of the Daycare Trust, says, 'It is the first full step towards regulation of nannies. But we hope it moves beyond this to full regulation in the future.' His opinion is echoed by Tricia Pritchard, professional officer at the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN), who will continue to lobby the Government for all nannies to be required to undergo the same checks as other childcarers.
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