Nanny Salaries rise for third year running

A new survey released today by Nannytax, the UK's original and leading payroll support service for employers of nannies, and Nursery World magazine, showed that gross annual salaries for nannies across the UK have risen 7.4 percent in 2007. Nannies now have the realistic potential to earn solid salaries that compare favourably with other professions.

The survey, published in Nursery World 24 January 2008, questioned nanny agencies across the UK. The largest increase was in Central London, where the average salary for daily nannies rose above 30,000 for the first time. Although this was an increase of 14 percent, it is only nannies with professional qualifications and extensive experience that can expect salaries in this range.

ìIt has become clear to us over the past few years that parentsí attitude towards their child care has changed and they are now demanding fully qualified professionals to look after their childrenî, said Andrew Myers, Managing Director of Nannytax. ìBecause of this demand we are now seeing a much higher calibre of nannies that have had specialist training and experience ranging from behavioural management through to caring for children with disabilitiesî.

In addition to training and experience, the survey shows that there are other qualifications and earnings that can help nannies demand a higher salary and also help put parentsí minds at ease. Nannies can get a first aid certificate, a criminal records bureau (CRB) check, get public liability insurance, and also sign up to the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR).

The survey shows that 93 percent of nannies in the UK now hold a CRB check. However, only 26 percent of nannies in the UK have public liability insurance and although it is fairly new and voluntary, only 28 percent are Ofsted registered.

Liz Roberts, Editor of Nursery World, said, ëThe Ofsted Childcare Register is a step forward in recognising nannies as a professional childcare option, and in giving parents some financial help to pay for childcare. However, better information is needed to encourage more to sign up, and in the longer term, registration should be mandatory.í

With the introduction of the OCR, falling subsidies and rising nursery fees, the survey indicates that a nanny is no longer such an expensive option, especially for a family with more than one child. In addition, the increasing trend of sharing a nanny will also make it a more affordable option for childcare.

Regardless of whether salaries continue to increase in 2008, Nannytax believe that more and more parents realise that a nanny can be an affordable childcare option, and they are willing to pay a good salary, providing the nanny has suitable qualifications and training alongside plenty of experience.

For more information about Nannytax please go to www.nannytax.co.uk, and for more information about Nursery World go to www.nurseryworld.co.uk.

For full results of the survey, including rates across the UK, contact sa Nilsdotter, Marketing Manager at Nannytax on 0845 226 2205, or email asa@nannytax.co.uk or Liz Roberts, Editor of Nursery World, on 020 8267 8409 or liz.roberts@haymarket.com