BAPN calls for nanny recognition

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, especially during the spring of 2020 when the vast majority of childcare settings were required to close, nannies were often faced with difficult decisions. Unlike the rest of the childcare sector, they were permitted to continue working – and as employees, would only be eligible for furlough at their host family’s discretion. In the event, many found they were required to continue working right through the lockdown, taking risks with their own health to do their jobs.

Of course, many other providers did likewise, continuing to care for children of key workers throughout the period and the critical importance of childcare was recognised during the second wave of lockdowns when the vast majority of settings were able to keep working. The Prime Minister recently hosted a garden reception at 10 Downing Street to recognise the vital contribution of childminder and nursery workers during the pandemic. However, in an open letter, the British Association of Professional Nannies (BAPN) and Harmony at Home have jointly called on the government to recognise nannies too.

The childcare sector is rightly regarded as critical to the national good, both through its amazing impact on children’s lives and its impact on the economy through allowing parents to work. This was all the more important during the last 18 months and it is clearly right that all childcare providers in the sector are recognised, including nannies, out of school clubs, tutors and those like children’s activity providers who are now so vital to the country’s recovery.

BAPN and Harmony at Home’s Open Letter can be read here.

A small child playing with the First Minister’s shoes can be seen here.