question on Ofsted Vs non Ofsted nannies

[nylonmeals]

We are in the process of looking for a nanny and the one that we like is not Ofsted registered. She has said that she is happy to register if we'd like but I just wondered what the benefits either to her or to us would actually be.

Any opinions happily received!

Thanks

[new mother]

Childcare vouchers for you and she will be more marketable for her.

[kristymac1]

I think it really is the ability to pay her with childcare vouchers, which depending on whether you are a high rate tax payer or not can be worth up to ?200 per month (if both parents claim them) saving in tax through a salary sacrifice scheme. Definitely worth it!

[chantelle]

yes, it is all about the child vouchers. i wouldn't take it as an indication of anyone's ability.

[Norfolkvillas]

I also value the fact that, unless I'm mistaken, a nanny needs specialist nanny insurance, a current first aid certificate, and the higher level of CRB check in order to get and maintain OFSTED registration. Plus childcare vouchers make a big difference as others have posted.

PS If I understand it correctly, if either parent is a higher rate tax payer and joins the childcare voucher scheme after April 2011, their allowance is almost halved, whereas those already in the scheme are protected. Could be wrong on this though...

[nylonmeals]

Do you know if it is easy to register or it is it v bureaucratic and time-consuming?

It certainly sounds like something we should ask her to do from everything that people have said!

Thank you!

[chelle184]

As a registered Ofsted Nanny, I would say it is definately worth it for the both of you.

Unfortunately when you register with Ofsted it can be a very long process. When i first did mine 2 years ago it took more than 3 months to come through, so be prepared it can take a while. Ofsted do have a few guidelines which you should look into too. Your nanny has to have insurance which is between ?70 and ?90 and a up to date first aid certificate. Aswell as relevant childcare qualifications (if they havent done a childcare course than they have to sit some kind of little exam).

Hope this helps. x