what is the OCR?

The Ofsted Childcare Register is an entirely voluntary register which covers childcare provided in the child's home. That means that nannies are eligable to be Ofsted registered. By allowing a greater number of parents to receive some financial support towards their childcare costs it aims to raise the standard of home-based childcare.

There are two types of financial support available: working tax credits and childcare vouchers. In order to take advantage of working tax credits the combined family income cannot exceed £59,000, so in most cases nanny employers do not qualify. Childcare vouchers are available to most employed persons in the UK, irrespective of income, providing their employer has a childcare voucher scheme in place.

To be Ofsted registered all nannies must have public liability insurance.

For more information on the Ofsted Childcare Register please call Ofsted on 0300 123 1231 or visit the Sure Start website. To regsiter online, please go to the Ofsted website.