I'm getting confused- a nanny MUST be an employee, but they don't actually need a qualification...

Sorry didn't read the first bit,exactly as you have just listed it mum 1st,teaching next,course last.

The child minding courses are crap, a complete waste of time for me personally as I know how to keep young children amused and safe but does everybody?

And the follow-up question - what did you learn on the childminding course that was significant and new for you?

MilaMae, out of interest which of your qualfications do you think has most prepared you for the role of childminder? Being a primary teacher or the 2 courses on being a childminder. Or the experience of bringing up 3 children? If you had to choose someone to look after your children who could only have one of the 3, which would you choose and why?

From my perspective I would probably value your experience as a mother first, your teacher second and the childminding course last and by a long ways least.

I think it's just fine as it is TBH. I would want a nanny to have some experience, have a CRB check etc but the most important thing is to feel I can trust her and that she has good references from other parents.

The "enhanced CRB check,an OFSTED inspection and a health check signed by my GP" are important but not qualifications.

Personally I'm appalled at how little qualifications nannies need having just jumped through several hoops to become a childminder.

I'm an ex primary teacher with 3 dc of my own and have had to do a 1st aid course, 2 courses on becoming a childminder,an enhanced CRB check,an OFSTED inspection and a health check signed by my GP.

Nannies on the other hand need to do none of that which I think is a pretty poor state of affairs. Children should come first and relying on parents to ensure all the above checks are carried out are not in the childs best interest.Not all parents will necessarily do it, know how to or will simply rely on agencies who say they've done their own checks.

Can't get my head round it just seems ludicrous.

So really childminders are nursery teachers then! That's what they seem to be trying to do with EYFS.

You are the employer so you can decide what qualifications or experience (if any) is needed. You are responsible for paying Employer's NI and for deducting PAYE and Employee's NI and passing this on to HMRC. You have to set up contract, provide itemised payslips, provide a safe working environment etc.

People don't necessarily require Training and Qualifications to do a good job.

You can assess their skills yourself using your own judgement at interview and during their trial period.

That is about right at present... yes.

There is no requirement for a nanny to have any kind of training. Our government isn't interfering in family life to quite that extent yet - though who knows when they will!

If you want to pay a nanny using Childcare Vouchers, or Tax Credits... then they need to be registered.

That is right!!