Requirements

Nannies wishing to register with the vOCR will need to meet certain criteria.
They must;

• Be able to show they have had appropriate training or experience covering the common core skills in childcare and that she is suitable to work with children. Formal qualifications are not essential.
• Have public liability insurance
• Have a valid paediatric first-aid certificate
• Have an enhanced CRB disclosure; this will be done as part of the registration process unless your previous one was done through Ofsted

Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR)

Financial assistance with childcare costs is now available to families in the form of working tax credits and employer supported childcare vouchers. In order to claim these benefits parents must employ childcarers that are registered with Ofsted.

The Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR) is made up of compulsory and voluntary parts. The majority of childcare providers are already required to register - nurseries, day care providers, schools, and childminders to name a few. The introduction of the voluntary Ofsted Childcare register (vOCR) now means that those not obliged to register including after school clubs, play schemes and home based carers such as nannies can now voluntarily join the scheme and families can use their tax credits/vouchers to help with the cost.

What is Ofsted ?

Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) is responsible for the registration and inspection of schools and childcare providers, making sure children and young people are cared for in a safe and secure environment and that a high standard of care and education is provided.

How do I go about becoming registered ?

You can apply online at www.ofsted.gov.uk or by calling 08456 404040 for an application form.

How long does the registration process take ?

The length of time it takes to become registered depends primarily on how long it takes for the CRB check to be completed. This can vary a great deal from a few weeks to, in a minority of cases, a few months for the process to be complete. Please allow plenty of time when renewing your registration.

How much does Registration cost ?

Registration costs £103* per year, which includes the cost of an enhanced CRB disclosure.
*As of July 2009

How long does registration last ?

Registration is valid for 12 months

Who should cover the cost of the registration ?

Ultimately it is families that benefit financially by their nanny being Ofsted registered and as a result they often end up covering the cost. However, as registration becomes more common, a registered nanny may be perceived as more employable, and so in the future may be expected to contribute to the cost.

Am I entitled to childcare vouchers ?

To be able to use childcare vouchers you must be employed and your employer needs to set up a childcare voucher scheme. Self employed persons are not able to benefit from childcare vouchers, but if you are a director of a company you can, providing you make them available to all your staff as well. Families working within the medical profession are advised to seek guidance as opting in to the voucher scheme may affect their pensions.