The government’s 15/30 free childcare scheme currently excludes nannies, limiting the funded childcare options available to families who depend on the flexibility and unique support nannies provide.
Please sign and share this petition to encourage the government to include nannies in the 15/30 hours free childcare scheme.
What we’re aiming for
There is a new petition asking the government to include Ofsted registered nannies as a starting point (but under terms that work for nannies – please keep reading to find out more about that).
If we show enthusiasm for including nannies in the scheme, we will be better placed to create a positive dialogue with the government.
Why only focus on Ofsted registered Nannies?
Nannies who are registered with Ofsted have childcare qualifications, assuring the government that the funding is aligned with childcarers who can demonstrate professional training and expertise.
Another upside to this proposal is that we will encourage more nannies to become Ofsted registered, as more families will require registration to secure the government contribution towards childcare costs.
Free childcare versus supported childcare
We will ask the government to contribute to 15/30 hours rather than offer free childcare. This would allow parity with the benefits felt by families using a nursery, and significantly open up the options presented to families when making childcare choices.
Opening a dialogue about ‘free’ childcare
The blanket exclusion of nannies is unacceptable and unfair. Furthermore, the promise of free childcare hours may not work for nannies.
Therefore, we suggest that a contribution equal to the relief given to a family using a nursery be made to the family employing a nanny. An arrangement like this would not impact the nanny’s salary but would provide families with the same level of relief.
But, off the back of a strong petition, we can start a dialogue with the government to find a solution that:
- Bring nannies into the scheme on terms that work
- Support more families and offer them more options
- Acknowledged the invaluable contribution nannies make in the UK
- Bring about parity across the childcare landscape
Sign the petition HERE!
