Expansion of childcare in the budget. It is good news for those who want to work in this profession
Photograph from the BBC website link below
Child care is a necessity in today's society most families needing two incomes. In all the years I have helped families previously in the capacity of recruitment and now training nannies I have seen the costs rise beyond recognition. This has forced some families to have to give up going back to the work place as it is not financially viable.
These measures coming in will be good news. The delay may be hard for some but it is necessary for the industry to have sufficient staff or childcare personnel to meet this demand. If we are seeking Nursery Nurses/ childcare practitioner this will mean a 2 year training programme. For those who decide a nanny is more affordable and convenient I would urge parents to insist on some formal training. Now with Ofsted compliant training nannies can complete a good foundation course in 13 hours. If it a valid programme it will cover the 6 common core training skills. There are other courses that will take a candidate up to level 3 and this will be a full time course for two years giving the qualification to work in nurseries or as a nanny.
Costs vary with nurseries and nannies, so please check out your local establishments or nanny agencies to check on the costs. A nursery charges each child, a nanny earns a salary irrespective of the number of children in the family. Often with 2 or more children nannies can work out cheaper for the family. An ofsted registered nanny families can claim vouchers to help with the cost. T&C apply
I hope many more people will look at this wonderful, valuable, responsible and enjoyable career, caring for children and helping them develop in all their areas. It is a great vocational role.
News on the budget:
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been giving interviews to the media, following Wednesday's Budget.
We've looked at some of his claims.
Delivering a 30% rise for childcare payments
Mr Hunt was quizzed on BBC Breakfast about payments for nurseries providing government-funded childcare.
Presenter Nina Warhurst said nurseries were complaining that the increase to £5.50 an hour to cover free childcare for three- and four-year-olds was not enough.
The chancellor replied: "What the sector asked for before the Budget was a 30% rise and that's what we've delivered."
The 30% that he was referring to was the increase in funding for two-year-olds, which is going up from £6 to £8 an hour.
But what he was asked about was the funding for three- and four-year-olds, which is going up from £5.29 to £5.50 an hour - that's about 4%, not 30%.
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