help for the clueless - what is the difference between an Ofsted registered nanny and one that is not registered?

[cherrycobbler]

I mean, apart from the obvious fact that one is registered and one isn't! Do Ofsted registered nannies have to have a certain level of qualifications/ be inspected etc? Sorry for the clueless question, am only just starting to look at childcare for my PFB. Any tips on where to advertise for a nanny other than contacting an agency would be fab too. Thanks v much in advance!

I think the ofsted registration is voluntary but it's part of what is required if you want to use childcare vouchers to pay them (so nanny has to have crb check and certain other things). Therefore probably not essential if not voucher user: what is essential is a thorough check on cv, all references and interview. See various threads on this (eg current one on what you wished you had asked your nanny).

Nanny jobs, netmums, here, gumtree are all places you could look for a nanny. Word of mouth round local playground, mums etc good too.

I will leave other posters to explain the in's and outs of Ofsted reg nannies.

RE:

Places to advertise for a nanny other than agencies,

www.nannyjob.co.uk/submitavacancy.aspx

www.childcare.co.uk

www.gumtree.com

www.greatcare.co.uk/post_job.html

net mums childcare board.

Hi there

To join the ofsted register a nanny must have a minimum level qualification, an up to date first aid cert, a current CRB and nanny insurance.

The other reason a nanny becomes ofsted is so the parent can benefit from using child care vouchers as payment. You cannot use vouchers with an unreg nanny...although heard they are scrapping the vouchers so not sure if it's relevant.

Hth x

The main reason for registration of nannies is for the Childcare Voucher scheme.

Ofsted imposes some minimum requirements, such as that the nanny has public liability insurance, first aid training, some basic childcare training (may be as little as just Common Core which can be done over a short period of time).

Reqirements for the Childcare Register (Nannies are referred to as Home Childcarers in this document)

As part of the initial registration process, Ofsted carries out an Enhanced CRB check, so one benefit of the system is that nannies who are registered do have an Enhanced CRB check. This can be useful if you are recruiting privately (so not using a nanny agency) as parents are unable to get a CRB check on their employee directly.

Many thanks all - this is all massively helpful. The info about the enhanced CRB check is particularly useful. Thanks again for taking the time to give such detailed replies!