Where credit is due

Nannies may be drawing closer to a level pegging with registered childcarers on the Channel island of Jersey. The forward-thinking Jersey Childcare Trust is testing out a nanny accreditation scheme which, among other things, would enable parents employing a nanny to claim the same tax credits and allowances as those using other forms of childcare. It offers one level of accreditation for newly qualified nannies and another for those qualified and experienced. Accreditation, which would have to be renewed annually, would require a Level Three qualification, a first aid certificate, a police check, personal liability insurance, motor insurance, one character reference and two childcare references, and evidence of 12 hours of continuous professional development within the past year. Fiona Breen at the Trust reports that they have already had several nannies who meet all the criteria interested in being accredited. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact her by e-mail at fiona@jcct.org.je (phone 01534 629 901). Perhaps this sort of 'quality control' could serve as a model for nanny registration, or 'approved childcare', throughout Britain, if the Government ever decides that's no longer unthinkable.