New nannies' association offers benefits and advice

The Association of Professional Nannies (BAPN) is being set up by Dawn Kirenli and Louise McCaw, (right), to raise standards and promote quality. Members will have access to a range of benefits, including support and advice from qualified nannies, discounts on training and insurance, a regional co-ordinator who will arrange local meetings, social events and discounts to local places for nannies to visit.

BAPN, whcih officially launches on 11 May, is offering a discounted membership fee of £20 for one year until November, after which it will cost £38.50. To become a full member, nannies must hold a minimum Level 2 childcare qualification, be CRB checked, hold a valid paediatric first aid certificate and hold childcare insurance.

BAPN says that its vision is 'to have all professional nannies members of BAPN, with insurance, fully trained and informed, with support and advice from regional co-ordinators'.

The number of nannies working in England is estimated to be between 30,000 and 36,000 but a report published by the CWDC in 2009 called them the 'invisible workforce'. Nannies are currently not required to register with Ofsted but they can choose to join the voluntary childcare register.

CWDC research found that only 29 per cent of nannies were on the voluntary Ofsted childcare register and nannies complained that they did not get the same subsidies or training support as other carers. Many nannies felt that nanny registration was driven more by financial gains for parents rather than child protection, as parents are eligible for tax breaks if they use a registered nanny (Analysis, 25 November 2009).

Dawn Kirenli, (right), said, 'The CWDC report indicated that there is a lack of support for nannies, which is why we have launched BAPN. We are here to ensure that nannies are given the support and recognition they deserve, by highlighting the essential role nannies have in the childcare workforce. We will be making it a priority that nannies have access to the same training and development courses as other childcare providers.'

Further information

The website www.bapn.org.uk will go live in May.