Stamp of approval

The childcare approval scheme introduced in April has so far seen 600 nannies registered as approved, and another 600 now going through the application process, according to the Department for Education and Skills this month. Elizabeth Elder, head of the childcare section of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, says interest in the scheme is 'family-driven' so far. 'Families whose employers offer childcare vouchers are very keen for their nannies to be approved - and they're paying for it,' she says. But take-up is lower among other working families hoping to qualify for the tax credits for employing an approved nanny...