Local MP Robbie Moore has backed a grassroots campaign by Nannies Maria Culley and Allie Bell.
The "Road to Nanny Regulation" is advocating for the regulation of Nannies, aiming to ensure the safety, well-being and development of children across the UK.
The campaign aims to push for further regulation across the nanny industry, preventing those who are unsafe, untrained or qualified from caring for children.
The Road to Nanny Regulation Campaign would encourage a reform of the Ofsted Register, which requires nannies to be officially registered and undergone background checks, as well as mandating that they receive a minimum amount of training and knowledge in childcare safety and knowledge. We would propose a 6 week minimum course, which would include training on the Early Years Framework, and the importance of play in learning.
Maria Culley, co-founder of the Road to Nanny Regulation campaign, said:
“With little to no oversight or regulation, there is literally no guarantee that all nannies right now are qualified or properly trained to care for children”
This means that almost anyone can become a nanny, without receiving any formal training or qualifications, putting the safety of children at risk. Luckily, our campaign has been set-up to solve this issue, and we plan to push the campaign forward until we receive a positive outcome.
In addition to strengthening policies, The Road to Nanny Regulation will also provide resources and support to families and nannies to ensure full compliance with any new regulations. Working closely with politicians, industry experts, as well as families to raise awareness of the importance of nanny regulation, the campaign aims for meaningful change in order to provide families with peace of mind."
Nanny Allie Bell, also a co-founder of the campaign, said:
“Employing a Nanny is a popular and viable choice for parents, and offers that flexibility which is essential for many families. We believe that every child deserves a safe and high-quality childcare experience, as they do in all other early years provisions, which are all regulated by Ofsted, so why should Nannies be any different? says
“The fact is, a tradesperson, nurse or teacher wouldn’t be able to work if they didn’t have the right qualifications or training, and so why aren’t we placing an even higher need for checks on those who are ultimately becoming responsible for the safety of our children? Shockingly, there is also no available system in place to hold nannies accountable for any negligence or harm caused to children under their care.”
“We hope that the campaign will encourage politicians and the Department of Education to take action and implement regulations that protect our children and support the growth of the nanny industry. We would also like to consider proposing some sort of tax relief for working parents that employ nannies, to help the childcare infrastructure in the UK, alongside nurseries and childminders.”
Both Maria and Allie argue that once nannies are regulated and licensed, it will provide parents with another viable and flexible option – whilst keeping families around the UK safe from harm.
Giving his support to the campaign, Robbie Moore MP said:
”It is imperative that nannies have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide high-quality care for our children. We also need to ensure that the people we entrust with the care of our children are properly vetted.
That's why I wholeheartedly support the Road to Nanny Regulation campaign, led by Maria Culley and Allie Bell, in their efforts to advocate for greater regulation and standards within the nanny industry.
The current lack of oversight and regulation within the nanny industry is concerning, with little to no guarantees that nannies are qualified or properly trained. The Road to Nanny Regulation campaign is aiming to change this by advocating for reform in the Ofsted Register, requiring nannies to undergo background checks and receive a minimum amount of training in childcare safety and knowledge.
I am committed to supporting this campaign in Parliament to make sure that the nanny industry is safe, fair, and of the highest standard for everyone involved. We must work together to ensure that our children receive the best care possible, and that starts with implementing proper regulations and standards for nannies. I will do all I can to push for meaningful change and provide families with the peace of mind they deserve when entrusting their children's care to a nanny.”
