Recent findings from the Department for Education revealed a decline in the number of Ofsted registered nannies, with only 7,750 currently listed—down 450 from the previous year.
Why is the decline a concern? With nannies that aren’t registered with Ofsted, families are unable to use Tax-Free Childcare and other Government supported schemes. Without enough registered nannies, many families face higher childcare costs. A reduction in registered nannies also limits the availability of this essential service, pushing families towards less flexible childcare options.
The data highlights a rise in nursery-based childcare, aligning with the expansion of funded childcare hours. This also explains the decline in nanny roles over the past year. Nurseries are increasingly seen as a more accessible option for parents looking to benefit from funded Government support. This marginalises our industry and will reduce job opportunities unless we are included more in funding.
We need to re-evaluate how nannies fit into the broader childcare ecosystem. Barriers for nannies in accessing Government funding The Department for Education has reiterated that nannies will not be included in Government funding programmes as the system currently stands.
Unlike nurseries, nannies are employed directly by parents and are not required to deliver the EYFS. Without significant reform in the early years sector, this exclusion will continue, perpetuating the divide between different forms of childcare.
So what can be done? We must encourage more nannies to register with Ofsted. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, financial incentives to cover registration costs, and simplified processes for becoming registered. We have written to Ofsted to ask about decreasing the registration fee. We have also complained about the time it takes to complete registration. We are waiting to hear back from them. Families and policymakers need to be reminded of the unique benefits of hiring a nanny.
The Employer National Insurance increase could have wide-reaching implications for the early years sector. We should push for reforms that include nannies in Government funding or at least provide alternative support to families employing nannies.
