Can you claim tax credits to pay for a nanny?

[mumto3boys]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but can you claim the childcare eliment of tax credits to pay for a nanny?
I've had a look on the tax credits site and can't see it there. I seem to remember that you couldn't but thought I heard something about that changing, but it wasn't relevant to me at the time!
I'm now looking at going back to work and it may be better and possibly cheaper to get a nanny for our 3 children, but only if we can get the tax credits.
Anyone know?
Thanks

[mumto3boys]

Excellent thanks!

Does anyone know if most nannies are being approved childcarers? I suppose its worth their while

[mumto3boys]

Thanks very much for your help. It is much appreciated!

[NannyL]

its not really worth our while to be honest... it does nothing for us.... but save our employers several thousand £s per year (more if mummy and daddy do it!)

therefore it is normal for employers to pay the £100 it costs for it to be done!

I am approved and my bosses paid!

[nannynick]

I've been an Approved Nanny for a while now, and it has the advantage that parents can use Childcare Vouchers (which some, alas not all, employers provide). The Childcare Approval Scheme, now being changed to Ofsted Childcare Register (Voluntary part B, I think), does also allow parents who qualify for the Childcare element of tax credits to use those to pay for in-home childcare.

With 3 children I would expect that a nanny could well be more viable for you, than alternative forms of childcare... as a nanny I care for 3 children (recently had a 4th arrive, so will soon be for 4 children).
Something to keep in mind, while with tax credits you could claim up to 80% of childcare cost, depending on the percentage you are entitled to claim, the amount per week is capped... so it may in reality not be 80% of the cost of a nanny. However, if you can get some money from government, then it all helps to afford the childcare.
Entitledto can calculate what tax credits you may get... only a guide, but helpful to know if it's worth doing to give yourself some idea of what you could get based on your individual circumstances.

[Eleusis]

Well, I think it is in the nanny's interest to ensure she has the right qualifications to get the job. Her reward being that she may get the job. My nanny is not approved, it isn't a big deal to me. I tend to hire live in nannies from abroad. So they don't tend to come with the approval. And since they usually stay for about a one year tour of duty, I expect we'd be at least half way through the year before the approval scheme was in place. It's way too much hassle for the reward.

How old are your boys? Are you looking for live-in or live-out? Where do you live?

[NannyL]

Most of my nanny frineds are corrcetly qualified.... doesnt mean they are approved under the childcare approval scheme though