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Editor's view

After years of stalling on the issue of nanny registration, the Government is finally making moves for some kind of action, seemingly prompted by the low take-up of the home childcarer scheme (see News, page 4). PriceWaterhouseCoopers is carrying out a feasibility study on a range of options for registering and regulating nanny agencies and individual nannies. Nanny registration could lead to a far greater use of childcare tax credits, as well as boosting figures on the number of childcare places available!
After years of stalling on the issue of nanny registration, the Government is finally making moves for some kind of action, seemingly prompted by the low take-up of the home childcarer scheme (see News, page 4).

PriceWaterhouseCoopers is carrying out a feasibility study on a range of options for registering and regulating nanny agencies and individual nannies. Nanny registration could lead to a far greater use of childcare tax credits, as well as boosting figures on the number of childcare places available!

Those who have lobbied hard for a nanny register will be hoping that any regulation does not just apply to agencies, as so many nannies do not find jobs through this route.

Baroness Catherine Ashton, Sure Start minister, may be able to shed some further light on Government thinking when she gives the keynote address at this weekend's Professional Nanny conference at London's Business Design Centre. Nanny registration is sure to be high on the list of topics during the day, which also includes talks by Sarah Ferguson's former nanny and the producer of the TV documentary 'Who's looking after your children'. Ring 01923 690646 for details, or come along for 10.30am on 4 October.