Within the joint letter, BAPN and Harmony at Home stress to Boris Johnson that nannies have been a ‘lifeline’ for thousands of parents whose childcare provision closed or was only available to key workers.
They go on to say, ‘We were thrilled to see sections of the childcare and early years workforce celebrated by you and your Government colleagues recently when you hosted a Garden Reception to say thank for their continued efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘We’re sure you recognise the integral role nannies play within the workforce, many of whom worked through the pandemic when in fact, many nurseries and childminders closed their doors.’
BAPN then explains to the Prime Minister the support it has provided nannies during the pandemic, who it says were ‘forced to use public transport when Government guidance was to avoid doing so’, and ‘continued to work despite being vulnerable themselves’.
Closing the letter, nanny agency, Harmony at Home, urges Mr Johnson and his Government to publicly show their ‘gratitude and support’ for nannies working in the UK and to the organisations that support them.
Managing director of BAPN Tricia Pritchard told Nursery World, ‘We sincerely hope the Prime Minister will look favourably on our request for his Government to recognise the sterling work nannies do and in particular what they’ve been required to do - over and beyond during these very difficult times’.