Registration with OFSTED (England only)

The regulations in this respect have changed once more and as of October 2007, any employer of a nanny wishing to pay part of her salary with Childcare Vouchers must ensure that she is classed as a qualified and registered childcarer on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register.

Registration in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

In Scotland Wales or Northern Ireland the system is quite different to that in England. In these countries, childcarers must be registered with the appropriate national organisation responsible for such matters. In Scotland, approved agencies carry out the registration process. If the nanny has been recruited via an agency in Scotland, parents should contact the agency to discuss the registration process. If the nanny has been recruited privately, parents will need to find an agency who will be prepared to carry out the registration. Please note, a fee will be payable to the agency for this registration, typically £200 or more, as the agency has to do a significant amount of work.

PAYE for Nannies can provide further advice on the registration process and likely costs, but in essence, for parents to use childcare vouchers, a nanny must have:

• A suitable childcare qualification. e.g. a BTEC National Certificate in Early Years or a CACHE Certificate in Work with Children (early years) or have attended an approved basic skills course.
  
• A valid first aid qualification
  
• Valid public liability insurance cover
  
• Undergone an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check
  
• Been registered by an approved care agency in Scotland or registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare register in the rest of the UK.