Press Release

REC AND PANN TAKE FORWARD JOINT STATEMENT ON CHILDCARE POLICY

29 July 2005

The two leading organisations representing childcare workers and childcare agencies recently launched a joint-campaign to promote the effective provision of childcare services in the UK. 

In a joint letter to Beverley Hughes, the Minister for Children, Young People & Families, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) and the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN) have called upon the Government to really deliver on its promises to enhance and facilitate childcare support. 

In particular, it is essential to enhance childcare provision through the extension of tax relief and tax credits so that more parents are able to return to work.  The other key issue is to ensure that that there is a choice of high level childcare suppliers and a sufficient pool of qualified and properly vetted childcare workers. 

Major concerns include the ongoing difficulties in obtaining the necessary Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, which REC and PANN are currently discussing with the CRB and the Home Office.  The key priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of children, which is why both the REC and PANN have welcomed the accreditation scheme for nannies as the first step towards a full registration scheme.  

Enhancing access to affordable childcare for parents is absolutely essential, as are practical measures for evaluating and enhancing the quality of the childcare services provided.  The REC and PANN support the Government’s commitment to effective childcare and we are keen to help deliver tangible progress in this area.  In particular, both organisations will be working with their respective members to ensure that the increasing demand for quality childcare provision is met.

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