24 January 2008
Qualified nannies recognised as affordable childcare option
The rising pay levels all round seen in our annual survey reflect the growing professionalism of nannies and the eagerness of parents to recognise and reward it.
With nanny salaries rising steadily well above the rate of inflation across the whole of the UK for a third year in a row, our latest survey shows that nannies now have a real potential to earn a solid salary that compares favourably with other professions. The average salary for daily nannies in central London has increased by £58 to £466 per week (after tax and NI has been deducted), giving an annual gross salary well above 30K for the first time. Live-in nannies in the same area are not far behind and have benefited from an 8% increase, bringing the average take-home pay up to £355 per week. Healthy increases have also been reported for daily nannies outside the capital where the average weekly salary has increased by 8.5% on last year.
Professional nannies
Much has changed in the nanny industry since the first wages survey was published more than a decade ago at a time when most nannies were simply live-in help receiving cash in hand. Nannying in the 21st century is a career choice in its own right and not just something to do until you figure out what to do in life, and as a result we now see a much higher calibre of nannies. Many nannies also have training and experience in specialised areas ranging from behavioural management, weaning and sleep training to caring for children with disabilities.
And it is apparent that parents’ attitude have changed alongside those of the nanny; despite the current climate of economic uncertainty families are no longer willing to compromise on good quality childcare. And although the rate for daily nannies in central London has increased by 14%, the results from the survey clearly state that it is only nannies with professional qualifications and extensive experience that can expect salaries in this range. Nannies who do not also have a first aid certificate, an enhanced CRB check and take an interest in keeping up-to-date with the latest in childcare development will only be disappointed if they expect a premium rate salary. Rosemary Newton of Nannies of St James in London explains: “On the whole the market is now much more professional, but unfortunately we still get many applications from inexperienced nannies with unrealistic expectations of their earnings potential.”
Insurance & CRB checks
Although resisted by some as an extra and possibly unnecessary expense, professional nannies wanting to earn a good salary will also have public liability insurance, and this year’s survey has seen a 10% increase in the number of insured nannies. Public liability insurance is not just an important building block for a good working relationship between families and their nannies, by being insured the nanny also gives a strong message to her employers that she recognises her responsibilities, and values the trust that is placed in her when caring for their children.
The survey shows that 93% of nannies now hold an enhanced criminal records bureau (CRB) check, an increase by 3% on last year. The number of agencies willing to place a nanny without one has decreased: only 22% would now consider it. The majority of those would only do so if the nanny is planning to be Ofsted registered, and so would require a CRB check in the near future.
Ofsted Childcare Register
Another sign of the changing times is the new Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR), a voluntary register which allows parents some financial relief towards their cost of childcare. The concept that the Government would openly accept that even nanny employers may need some economic support would have appeared a contradiction in terms ten years ago. In order to be eligible to register on the OCR nannies must have a valid paediatric first aid certificate and public liability insurance. They must also confirm that they have the common core skills in childcare and are suitable to work with children. An enhanced CRB check will also be carried out as part of the registration process.
The reception of the OCR has been mixed, with many agencies complaining about the lack of available information and vague and conflicting advice about training requirements. In addition there is also concern that Ofsted is failing to adequately differentiate between nannies and childminders, which may give rise to problems in the future. But despite these reservations the overwhelming response has been positive. “Fantastic – a step in the right direction, finally nannies will be respected as professionals”, says Frankie Gray of Harmony at Home Childcare in West Sussex.
“The OCR will help make nannies more affordable for more families”, says Zoë Hawkins of Scarlett’s Nanny Agency in Hertfordshire. “It also means that nannies will have first aid, insurance and a CRB check. I just think it should be compulsory as this would help keep nanny standards high and could also facilitate a decrease in unqualified, untrained childcare, which gives the nanny profession a bad name”.
Other agencies agree that registration should be mandatory. Sam Kelly of Kids Matter in Leicestershire says: “there should be a compulsory register for all qualified childcare, much like the GSCC for social workers and GMC for doctors.”
As long as the register remains voluntary confusion over who should pay the registration fee is likely to continue. Most nannies expect the parents to foot the bill since they reap the financial benefits, whereas many parents assume a professional nanny to already be registered. But by taking the initiative and registering, nannies have a great opportunity to show any prospective employer they are serious and caring childcare professionals. Says Sarah Barry of Colourful Care Nannies in London: “By registering themselves they are making their own contribution to help parents find employing a nanny slightly more attractive.”
Flexible childcare
With the introduction of the Ofsted Childcare Register, falling subsidies and rising nursery fees, a nanny is no longer such an expensive option – especially for a family with more than one child. In fact by sharing her or him with another family a nanny may actually cost less. But of course the real value isn’t monetary; the simple answer to why so many families are now choosing to employ nannies is for the flexibility they offer.
Let’s take a look at the daily routine of a parent working in the city. The earliest you can drop a child off at most nurseries is 8am, which means that even if you’re living in London the earliest you can be in the office is by 9:30. You must then leave by 4:45 at the latest in order to get to the nursery in time for pick-up by 6pm. It’s a stressful existence even for the most Zen-like individual. But nannies don't just allow parents to get to work on time. By caring for the children in their own home a nanny can also help with light housekeeping duties and shopping for instance, and if the parents are running late they have the peace of mind of knowing that the children can be fed and then put to bed in their own beds. Similarly if a child is unwell, they can simply stay at home with the nanny.
Future trends
Of the nanny agencies that took part in this year’s survey 40% predict that salaries will continue to increase in 2008, although some suggest this may only rise in line with the rate of inflation. It is also important to note that any rises must be must be viewed in the context of country wide increases in the cost of living. But whilst it’s is unclear exactly what 2008 will hold for nanny salaries, one thing is certain, whether average salaries continue to increase or stay the same more and more parents now realise that a nanny can be an affordable and viable childcare option, and they are willing to pay a good salary, providing the nanny has suitable qualification and additional training alongside plenty of experience.