Paying for Ofsted registration

[nbee84]

I started a new nanny job last June. During the interview (and in the ad) it was made clear that they wanted me to become Ofsted registered.

As a nanny with over 20 years experience but no qualificatons I did the ICP course. I happily paid for this (through a part funded MNT course). My 1st aid was up to date, so just had insurance to pay.

I also paid the ofsted registration cost as I didn't know quite how to ask for them to pay it - they are paying me at the top end of what I was looking for wage wise and they were keen to secure me so also offered to pay half my petrol costs of getting to and form work (they are slightly out of the area that I was looking to work). So I felt a bit awkward asking for the money for the registration, but at the end of the day it is they who get the benefit of it.

So.... (sorry I've rambled ) would it be reasonable to ask them to pay it when it is due again (Aug) - sort of paying for the year that they have had the benefit of? If so, how should I word it? Part of me thinks I'll just absorb the cost - it's only £100ish and I'm getting more than that in petrol money. They are lovely employers and I plan on staying until at least Sep 2010 when the youngest starts school.

Whta do you think?

just say that the year is coming to an end,you had a letter and if she wants it to be renewed so she can use the vouchers then the cost will be £100

I thought you only paid it once? I could be wrong but that is how I understood it!?

I think it is payable every year???

You only pay for OFSTED registration once, you must be talking about insurance? But not sure if you need to have that if you are working as a nanny in thier home? Thought it was only for CM's?

You pay yearly for Ofsted registration - I'm in my second year. So far the cost has risen when it came to renew.
The new ISA thing (starts in Oct 2009) is a one-off payment (currently set at £64). That however isn't likely to replace the Ofsted scheme in my view... at least not initially.

No, OFSTED registration is renewable every year. They should pay the cost of registration if they want you registered.

Registered nannies must have insurance. Every nanny should though - why on earth would you want to work without it?! Can you imagine if something went wrong, the parents were unhappy, you couldn't get legal advice, they sued, you couldn't afford a lawyer, you couldn't afford to pay the settlement....it would be awful. I know it's a dreadful thing to say but we live in such a 'blame' culture these days that everyone needs to have their back covered.

Now I'm confused!!! Didn't know that you have to pay annually.

Childminders and Nannies and Pre-Schools, Nurseries, After School Clubs etc - all pay Annual Fees for Ofsted registration.

The confusing bit is that the ISA when it starts in October will be a one-off fee.

So come October, we will have Two sets of fees to pay, not one.

Nick what do you know about printers?

Detail about the ISA fee.

What is the ISA thing, nannynick?

Thanks. More money - but it does seem better than a crb that is done once every 3 years.

assume isa is a tax free saving plan

i have read your link nick - thanks - but does is the isa only for those who are currently registered?

isnt a tax plan - even

The ISA will effect everyone who works with children. It will be a national register of everyone who cares for or has contact with children via their occupation. For some types of carer it will be optional initially... for example I think it will be option for nannies initially.

Some snippets from the ISA website which may help explain things:

"Regulated activity is any activity which involves contact with children or vulnerable adults. This could be paid or voluntary work."
"It will be a criminal offence for an employer to allow a barred person, or a person who is not yet registered with the ISA, to work for any length of time in any regulated activity."
"It will be a criminal offence for an employer to take on a person in a regulated activity if they fail to check that person?s status."
"An individual taking part in a regulated activity must be registered with the ISA."

Of particular interest to nannies:
"Domestic employers (eg parents and carers) do not have to check that their employees are ISA-registered but the new scheme will give them the opportunity to check the status of an individual (with their consent) if they wish to do so."
"As a parent employing someone to look after your children you are not obliged to check if they are ISA-registered, but you are free to do so for the extra reassurance this can offer."

So like the Ofsted scheme now, parents will be informed about the ISA scheme somehow (leaflets via Children's Centre, FIS/CIS etc I suspect) so some will know that childcare workers are likely to be on the ISA register.
It is handy for parents as they can check the status via the internet, there is no need for CRB checks to be done again and again and again, as the ISA system from what I understand will be continuously updated with latest info.

A mumsnetter (forgotten who) works in PR for the ISA, so with luck they will spot this and be able to tell us more about the scheme and how it will effect Nannies and Childminders.

thanks nick - sounds to me isa's are better than a crb then