Childcare Approval Scheme

In April 2005 the Government introduced a “light-touch” childcare approval scheme, for which nannies are elibible. This means that nannies can now apply and go through an approval process. Parents who use an approved nanny will be able to receive some financial support towards their employment costs.

In order to become approved you need to provide evidence that you:

• Have a childcare qualification or have attended a induction course in childcare, which is deemed appropriate by the approval body
• Hold a valid paediatric first aid certificate

You will also need to have an enhanced CRB disclosure, but this will be carried out at the appointment with the approvals body. Please note that you will need to have a CRB check done in order to become approved, even if you have already had one done. The cost of the approval is £96 and this includes the CRB check and all the administration involved in processing your application. If you need to attend a first aid course or training course in childcare the cost of these are extra. The approval only lasts for 12 months, and you will need to pay £96 in order to be re-approved at the end of the year.

If you don’t have any professional qualifications you will need to attend a childcare induction course. A list of available courses can be found on the Sure Start website. But if there are no courses available in your area, or if you find that taking time off work to go to college is impractical, you can also do a distance learning course. The National Extension College (NEC) is one provider of such a course.

The scheme is available for employment taking place in England only. This means that if you live in either Wales or Scotland, but work in England, you will be eligible to apply for an approval, and your employer will be able to benefit from the financial support.

Kate is a nanny in Solihull who has already been approved. Click here to read her story.

Return to top