The biggest problem I found with the interview was the location and timing - both were inconvenient and the venue was totally unacceptable, no access for a buggy, no access if disabled etc. With luck they have changed procedures now - espeically now that the Disability Discrimination Act places requirements on businesses to provide access.
You will need to plan for your nanny having time off during the week day, to attend the interview. Taking children with them could be tricky - why oh why didn't they just use the Job Centre!
My employer is unable to benefit from the voucher scheme, as both parents are teachers. So for me it was a bit of a waste of time. Renewal coming up soon... not sure I'll bother.
How long does the process take?
I sent my application form on 28 March 2005. Childcare Approval Scheme called on 30 March to make an appointment for me to attend an interview (not really an interview, it's just form filling). Interview was on 20 April. The CRB issued Enhanced Disclosure on 12 May. Childcare Approval Scheme sent approval letter on 16 May, I got this on 17 May.
So, Start date was 28 March, complete date 17 May. Total days: 50
As my employer is unable to benefit from the scheme, I have yet to deal with the vouchers themselves. However childminders I know have mixed views regarding the vouchers - some of the voucher providers are good, others bad. Paying childcare providers is important, so it isn't good when some companies takes weeks to process the voucher redemption, while others take only a couple of days. So a bit of pot luck when it comes to redeaming Childcare Vouchers depending on which provider your employer is using (they can do it in-house).