The 'light touch' childcare approval scheme introduced by the Government last December went live on 6 April. Nannies who pass the approval process can earn their employer substantial savings, either through tax credits or childcare vouchers, and make themselves more attractive as employees - hopefully, better paid.
You may have already heard about the scheme (see my article in February's Professional Nanny), but, like many other nannies and employers, are still struggling with the logistics of what's involved. One of the main complaints about the scheme has been the lack of official publicity.
In order to become approved you must be over 18 and have some training in childcare, a valid paediatric first aid certificate and an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. The fee for approval is 96 and this includes the CRB check and all the administration involved in processing your application. If you need to attend a first aid or childcare training course, the cost of these is extra. The approval only lasts for 12 months, and you have to pay 96 in order to be re-approved for another year.
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