Nurseries and Nannies why do both professions not qualify for 30 hours child care ?

Employing nannies

I’ve been reflecting on the government’s 30 hours of free childcare and how the scheme currently excludes families who rely on nannies. For many households, a nanny isn’t a luxury — it’s the only childcare model that genuinely fits their working patterns, especially when long commutes, irregular hours, or multiple children are involved.

A nanny can provide wraparound care that nurseries often can’t: supporting school or nursery drop‑offs and pick‑ups, preparing meals, and ensuring children are settled by the time parents return home. For families with two or more children, a nanny can even be as cost‑effective as multiple nursery places — with the added benefit of siblings being cared for together.

Given this, it’s hard to understand why Ofsted‑registered nannies aren’t included in the same funding framework as nurseries and childminders. Allowing parents to use their 30‑hour entitlement with a registered nanny — and pay any top‑up themselves — could offer families far more flexibility and help address the childcare challenges so many are facing.

Recent reports highlight that the current free‑hours scheme is already under significant strain, and many nurseries are struggling to deliver what’s promised. The BBC’s recent coverage sheds light on just how widespread these issues have become: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3z5n6l95eo

If we want a childcare system that truly supports working families, it may be time to rethink how funding can be more inclusive of the diverse ways parents meet their childcare needs.