Information for Families on Benefits of Hiring an Ofsted Registered Nanny

In the UK, childcare settings like Nurseries, Childminders and schools, are regulated by Ofsted. Nannies are not regulated as they are employed by families in their own home, and therefore do not have to be inspected by Ofsted. However, Nannies can opt into being on the voluntary register. Let’s see how this benefits a family.

What is Ofsted Registration?

Ofsted, short for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, is a non-ministerial department of the UK government. It is responsible for inspecting and regulating services that care for children and young people, including nurseries, schools, and childcare providers. Nannies can voluntarily register with Ofsted, which involves meeting certain criteria and undergoing thorough checks to ensure they meet the required standards of care.

The Benefits of Hiring an Ofsted Registered Nanny:

1. Peace of Mind for Parents:

One of the primary benefits of hiring an Ofsted registered nanny is the peace of mind it offers to parents. Knowing that your chosen caregiver has undergone rigorous background checks and meets high standards of childcare can alleviate the stress and worry associated with leaving your child in someone else’s care.

2. Professionalism and Accountability:

Ofsted registration signifies a commitment to professionalism and accountability. Registered nannies adhere to a code of conduct and are required to maintain certain standards of care. They are also subject to regular inspections by Ofsted, ensuring that they continue to provide quality childcare.

3. Access to Government Support:

Families employing Ofsted registered nannies may be eligible for financial support through government schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit. These schemes can help ease the financial burden of childcare costs, making it more affordable for working parents to access high-quality care for their children.

4. Slight Enhanced Child Development:

Ofsted registered nannies must take the Ofsted Common Core skills course to be eligible for registration. This is only a 6-hour course covering the basics though, it is not a formal childcare qualification. A formal qualification would take at least 1-2 years to complete with practical experience in a nursery. Please see our other blog on how to understand childcare qualifications.

5. Continuity of Care:

Unlike daycare centres where children may interact with different caregivers on a rotating basis, hiring an Ofsted registered nanny can provide continuity of care. This consistency in caregiving can promote a secure attachment bond between the child and the nanny, fostering emotional well-being and stability.

Ongoing Checks:

The Ofsted Registration will renew each year, which costs £104. However, Ofsted only does their checks when first registered, so it will be up to the employer to check the nanny’s DBS, First Aid and Nanny insurance are all in date going forward, as well as the nanny’s responsibility to keep their courses and checks up to date.

Being Ofsted registered is seen to be of no use or benefit to the Nanny as it is mainly used for the families to pay with tax-free childcare. I tend to disagree. As I have outlined above, I think the main benefit for nannies is to show families that they are professional and taking their responsibility of a Nanny seriously, by getting their background check done, keeping up to date with First Aid, insuring themselves and hopefully taking other courses to continually grow with knowledge and keep up to date with all guidelines with looking after young children.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Nanny in London

At the Nanny Connection, we understand the importance of finding a Nanny that ticks all the right boxes for you and your family. The Nannies available for hire through us will have all studied the relevant and mandatory training, including the NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education, BTEC L3 in Children’s Play, Learning and Development, and others. While some may well be Ofsted-registered, it’s not a prerequisite as far as we’re concerned.

Find out how we find the right Nanny for you via our successful recruitment and placement process. Alternatively, if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.