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REC Childcare- Government must act on the Nutbrown review

REC Childcare, the specialist sector group for recruitment agencies placing nannies, nursery staff and maternity nurses, met last week to discuss what the Nutbrown review could mean for the industry and the childcare workforce of the future. The meeting was joined by Sue Robb, Head of Early Years at 4Children, the lead strategic partner of the Department for Education for early years and childcare. Members were also informed of the latest developments in safeguarding and the joint campaign between REC Childcare and the British Association of Professional Nannies (BAPN) to overhaul the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register.

Sue Robb was recently part of the expert panel of Professor Cathy Nutbrown’s review into the training, qualifications and career opportunities of people working in childcare. The review has called for improved standards across the sector and recommended a revamp of qualifications to make them more rigorous and demanding, with a stronger focus on child development.

Members agreed that government must take action in this area and act on the review recommendations. I caught up with Judith Wayne, Chair of REC Childcare, after the meeting:

“The early years are an important stage in a child's life and central to their future development. We were glad to hear Sue Robb stress the importance of highly trained, professional staff in the childcare sector. Now it is up to government to act on the recommendations of the Nutbrown review and develop the skills and knowledge of the workforce.”

“Whether nannies in the family home or nursery workers, it is vital that staff have the right skills and experience to best serve the needs of young children and their families. Good recruitment agencies are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. We hope the government acts on the proposals to look more closely at quality assurance to improve the standard of workers across the industry. "