Carefully selected childcare gives children a good start in life, encouraging them to learn and develop. It also helps parents to work, or study, and it contributes to a prosperous society by supporting employers.
Each week in June has been designated with a particular category of childcare -day nurseries, childminding, pre-schools and playgroups, and out-of-school provision. However, despite the fact that there are almost 100,000 nannies working in private households in the UK, nannies have not been included as a category of recognised childcare during this campaign.
This must surely be a real disappointment to the majority of nannies, most of whom have national childcare and early years qualifications. Why is it these individuals are not given credibility by the Government for their work with children?
Recent national press coverage has said there are proposals for a voluntary nanny register to be set up and run by the Department for Education and Skills. Although the idea of a national nanny register is not new, until now no statutory body has been prepared to administer such a register. But perhaps the proposal is a sign that nannies will soon be given the recognition they justly deserve.
Princes and prime ministers employ nannies. People with less high-profile jobs do too. It is time for the Government to realise this.
Jenny Warner. Director, Family Match, Winchester
