It's been a long time coming, but childcare and nanny organisations unanimously welcomed the Government's consultation, announced by minister for children Margaret Hodge, on extending tax breaks to parents who employ nannies. From next April families earning up to 43,000 could claim tax credits towards the cost of 'approved' childcare in their own home. To be eligible, their nannies would need to be cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau, to show evidence of some relevant training, and to have a current first aid certificate relevant to the care of children. Approval would have to be renewed every 12 months. Campaigners including PANN and 4Children point out that this voluntary scheme is still a long way from having a compulsory register of all childcarers, but it will encourage standards of quality. The proposals can be seen on the website www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations and responses should be sent in by 16 August.
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