You are quite right, it is my current bugbear as it were. And yes, I agree that there are differences between the type of childcare provider.
However, what we don't have at the moment is a level playing field. I, like all childcare providers, want to see standards improve. I also want to see there being more choice for parents, so that parents can decide on what form of childcare best suits them and their children.
Some families will choose a nursery, others a childminder, other a nanny, others may choose a combination of several different types of care. Until recently nannies have been seen as the underclass, they have been ignored. In 2008, it looks as though nannies will fall under Ofsted, like other providers, though inspection still won't happen. As a nanny I would like my employers home to meet childminding requirements, alas I can't make that happen, as the parents won't spend the money. However, I am quite happy to be inspected on criteria that is not beyond my control, such as the educational side.
As others have said here already, the cost of registration is tax deductable, as childminders are self-employed. Nannies aren't... so it can't be deducted against tax.
"Childminders have to pass what is known as a suitable persons interview with ofsted and we have to ensure an inspector that we are capable people, this is not again the case for a nanny."
But why isn't this case for a nanny? Surely it should be the case, as child protection is a key part of the childcare strategy. As a Nursey Nurse, I already exist on Ofsted computer system, so like you have been though the same checks.
As I said earlier, all I want is more level playing field. If that means that Nannies get inspections, so be it - though as you have already pointed out, some parts of the National Standards (such as Physical Environment) may be tricky to abide by, as a nanny is still an employee and thus does not have full control over their working environment.