Nannies with false documents on Ofsted childcare register

The organisation, which represents recruitment agencies, says its members have found a number of cases where nannies are providing false documents when applying for jobs or working in the UK illegally, despite being on Ofsted's voluntary childcare register.

This voluntary register is for children's professionals where registration is not compulsory such as nannies, sports coaches and crèche workers.

REC says it has approached Ofsted on several occasions calling for them to toughen up their checking procedures for the voluntary childcare register.

Judith Ivers, chair of REC's childcare group, said: "We don't want to have to wait for a child to be harmed before Ofsted acts on the flaws in its current system. Despite recruiters turning these nannies away, they are still able to work and independently advertise their services online and could still pose a threat to child safety."

A recent survey of 1,000 parents by REC and Mumsnet found that two-thirds believe Ofsted's voluntary childcare register is a thorough stamp of approval.

An Ofsted spokesperson said: "Some childcare providers, such as nannies, are not required to register with Ofsted but may choose to register with us through the Voluntary Childcare Register.
 
"Registration requires the applicant to make a formal declaration to confirm that they will meet the requirements of registration. In addition, nannies and other providers wishing to register voluntarily must undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check obtained by Ofsted, which, in line with the CRB's procedures, includes a photo identification check. Ofsted also ensures that the applicant or other person who is to work in the setting has a valid First Aid certificate.
 
"We take very seriously any allegations that someone has obtained registration with Ofsted through fraudulent means. Any organisation that believes this is the case, and that children may be put at risk, has a duty to inform us about the individual circumstances of their allegations so we can investigate them thoroughly."