The Department for Education and Skills has launched a consultation on financial support for families employing childcare, including nannies.

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for children Annette Brooke said: "I welcome plans to introduce a voluntary accreditation scheme for nannies, as this will help to raise standards of quality and training within the childcare profession. These proposals will give families greater flexibility and choice in terms of what childcare they need, which is a positive step.

"However, in Britain we have started from a low base and there is still a lot more consistency of provision and funding needed for lower and middle income families."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Nursery Nurses

Tricia Pritchard, professional officer for  PANN (a division of the Professional Association of Teachers), said: “We  welcome this consultation. It doesn't go far enough, as we would still like to see a full National Register of all nannies and other childcarers, because we believe that this is the only way to protect children, parents and genuine childcarers. However, these  welcome proposals should encourage and enable nannies to have criminal records checks and to seek further training.