Next Government urged to regulate and 'elevate' the status of nannies

Ahead of the general election on 4 July, The National Nanny Association has launched its manifesto which calls for nannies to be recognised as ‘essential’ childcare professionals who ‘provide personalised care that cannot be matched by regulated settings’.

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It argues to date that policy has been biased towards regulated settings with Government subsidies and incentives predominantly given to nurseries and childminders, ‘marginalising’ the nanny sector and leading to ‘reduced demand for nanny services’.

The manifesto calls on the next government to promote nannies, emphasising the ‘unique benefits’ they offer to different family structures and needs, especially children with SEND and those families working shifts.

It also recommends introducing the following measures:

• Tax deductions for families employing nannies, similar to those available for nurseries and childminders in the form of tax-free childcare for all ages. This could be via the old voucher scheme that Labour introduced.
• Provide appropriate subsidies for low and middle-income families to make nanny services accessible to a broader demographic.
• Reevaluate the existing unregulated format to a regulated one, to include and support the unique nature of nanny services, to protect and safeguard children, to strengthen labour rights, including employment contracts, access to health insurance, paid leave and clarity in job expectations, and preserve a minimum standard of care across the whole of the early years sector.

The manifesto states, ‘We believe all nannies should be qualified, be Police checked, have a first aid certificate, nanny insurance, have undertaken safeguarding training and food hygiene training.’

‘In an unregulated industry, nannies are being left to fend for themselves. This encourages lazy practice across the board. This needs to change. A dedicated association can represent the interest of nannies in policy discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and included within the early years sector.’

NEU manifesto

The National Education Union (NEU) has also launched its manifesto, which calls for cuts to nurseries, schools and colleges to be reversed, along with increasing education spending to 5 per cent of GDP.

Other calls to action include ending child poverty by providing every pupil with a free lunch and scrapping the two-child benefits cap, ending primary school pupil testing, providing appropriate special needs support and abolishing Ofsted.