So the Government's move this week to widen the types of childcare for which families can receive financial help, including nannies, are a vindication of what this magazine and many in the childcare sector have argued for so long (see News, page 4).
The proposed extension of tax credits to parents using nannies and to those using childminders and out-of-school clubs caring for seven- to 15-year-olds is, of course, very welcome.
There are concerns, however, about the 'light touch' regulation that will cover these forms of childcare and about who will oversee it. For the first time, nannies will be required to have to undertaken a small amount of training, have a first aid certificate and undergo a criminal records check.
This is at least a step in the right direction. But to really ensure consistent standards of quality and safety, all childcare should be under the same regulatory system, and a full national register of childcarers should be established.
