Nursery World - Exclusive: Nanny exemption from Vetting and Barring scheme is 'dangerous'

The Government's controversial Vetting and Barring scheme has come under fire again after it emerged that nannies employed directly by parents will not be required to register.

Under the safeguarding scheme, which was launched on Monday (12 October) and will be phased in over the next five years, all those who work with children or with vulnerable adults, either on a paid or voluntary basis, will be required to join a register of suitability, operated by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Employers can check the register and from November 2010, it will be compulsory for anyone who is a new worker or who is moving jobs to join the register.

However, nannies are exempt from the scheme if their employment is deemed to be a 'private arrangement' with the family that they work for, raising fears that parents may unknowingly hire individuals that pose a threat to their children.

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