OFSTED registration- is it worth it?

More and more of our clients are seeking OFSTED registered nannies in order to take advantage of the tax rebates involved. There has been much debate about the scheme and many complaints about the bureaucracy and expense involved by nannies trying to register. The most recent report states that out of 1400 nannies who voluntarily registered last year only six nannies were inspected. This raises the question- is voluntary registration worth it?

Many of our nannies would say no. Those who have been through the registration process claim there are unnecessary expenses involved, particularly for those who hold first aid certificates and childcare qualifications which are not being accepted by OFSTED. Some nannies who hold significant childcare qualifications are required to complete Common Core Skills training, because their original course has not covered one area of the Common Core Skills. Others who hold current paediatric first aid certificates are having to complete another first aid course which is accepted by OFSTED.

These complaints may seem minor but when the combined cost of registration can come to over £400 (including Common Core Skills, first aid, OFSTED registration and insurance) it is a big factor for many nannies. If they don’t feel that OFSTED registration is improving their qualifications and professional standing the cost outlay seems worthless.

On the upside, many of our clients would say OFSTED registration is worth persevering with. Significant savings have been reported over the first year and parents feel reassured that nannies have up to date first aid and insurance. Most parents are aware of the cost and happy to absorb the cost of registration, or part of it, in order to help the nanny get through the process.

So, in its first year OFSTED voluntary registration has certainly proved a talking point within the industry. We do support the scheme and hope that as it continues into its 2nd year the benefits will start to outweigh the costs.

With some improvement in efficiency nannies will find the process easier and as they move from one job to the next, they should see the benefits of holding registration. Whether OFSTED will improve its inspection record is another matter, but it seems as long as clients reap the tax benefits, registration will continue to be in demand.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7461696.stm