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As the renewal process is likely to take longer than 4 – 6 weeks, we are writing to approved carers giving 15 weeks advance notice to re-apply. For parents to retain continuous entitlement to tax credits ⁄ employer supported childcare vouchers, it is necessary for their nanny or carer to remain approved or registered. Many carers are not applying for renewal until close to the expiry date of their current approval, with no realistic prospect of completing the process in time. This notice is to alert people to the length of time renewal can take and advise them to apply immediately they are prompted. Those who follow this advice will be more likely to achieve a seamless renewal starting from the date their old approval expires.

Important changes to the Childcare Approval Scheme

Through the Childcare Act 2006 the Government are changing the regulation and inspections regime for childcare. These changes will simplify the currently complex arrangements and provide greater clarity to parents and providers.

The Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR) will register provision for school aged children receiving wrap around or holiday care. Nannies will not be required to register but can apply to be registered on the voluntary part of the OCR.

Applications can be made to this register from 16th April 2007. Registration on the voluntary part of the OCR will provide the same benefits as the CAS, i.e. it will demonstrate to parents that essential standards of childcare have been met and will mean that parents employing registered carers will be able to claim working tax credits and employer supported voucher schemes if they are eligible.

Applications for approval on the Childcare Approval Scheme (CAS) can still be made until 30 September 2007. After this point all applications should be made to the OCR. Between April and September 2007 carers can apply to either the CAS or the voluntary part of the OCR. Once approved on the CAS carers will continue to be approved until their approval expires (one year after it was received). Approval on the CAS will continue to mean parents will be able to claim working tax credits and employer supported voucher schemes if they are eligible until their nannies approval expires.

The Governments response to the OCR consultation gives further detail on the OCR. This can be viewed on the consultation page of the Departments website - www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations

Further details on registration will be available from Ofsted from 16th April.