The first ever national register for nannies and maternity nurses will launch today in the wake of an abuse case which exposed the terrifying flaws within an entirely unregulated industry.
Backed by Conservative MP Robbie Moore, the professional database will improve safety, raise standards and strengthen the move for greater oversight within the sector.
Launched by the National Nanny Association UK (NNA) the voluntary register aims to prevent a repeat of the Emily Waters case which attracted national news attention earlier this year.
Waters was accused of inflicting 20 separate injuries on a set of newborn twins during a 12-day stint with the family. Twin X suffered a broken leg, a fractured skull, a bruise to the forehead and seven rib breaks.
Hospital x-rays also found twin Y suffered 10 separate rib fractures.
In a highly unusual move, Judge Judith Rowe KC took the extraordinary step of naming Waters because of a worrying lack of regulation within the industry that allows for nannies and maternity nurses to obtain employment without any qualifications.
Judge Rowe said at the time: “There is a powerful public interest in access to information in this case, where very young children were seriously injured by a child-care professional in the course of her work – a professional wholly unregulated by any professional body.
“It would be difficult to explain to the public why the name of the perpetrator was hidden, without a compelling reason.
“Beyond the question of the public interest, very significant in this case in itself, publication will significantly add to the safeguards against the risk posed to children by Ms Waters.
“The court has already implemented such safeguards as it is able, however they are far from complete.”
The NNA, founded by childcare advocates, Allie Bell and Maria Culley, has a clear mission: to support nannies, educate families, and bring visibility and value to the profession.
Allie and Maria are both professional nannies with years of experience working in across the UK. They have seen first-hand the gaps in support, the lack of regulation and the confusion families face when trying to employ a nanny safely and responsibly.
Allie said: “Our vision is a future where every child receives exceptional care and every nanny is equipped to thrive. The National Nanny Register is an ultimate milestone in raising standards and building trust in our industry.”
“We urge policymakers, childcare professionals, and families to unite in support of these necessary reforms. Together, we can build a safer and more accountable environment for our children, ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.’
Maria said: “Hiring a nanny can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it straightforward and reassuring. The National Nanny Register connects families with professionals they can trust, ensuring peace of mind and exceptional care for their children.”
‘In all other sectors of the childcare and education industry strick and robust safeguarding protocols such as mandatory DBS checks and Safeguarding must be adhered too. Why should the nanny industry be exempt.
All Children Deserve to be safegaurded. Children Deserve Better. Families Deserve Better.
The launch has received the backing of MP Robbie Moore, a long-standing advocate for early years care.
He said: “Nannies play an essential role in the lives of so many families. The National Nanny Register is a positive step forward in raising standards, recognising the contribution of nannies, and helping ensure all children receive quality care.
“I’m proud to support this initiative.”
The NNA continues to push for formal recognition and regulation of the nanny profession at the national level, campaigning for mandatory DBS checks and safer hiring practices across the sector.
For more information or to join the National Nanny Register, visit thenationalnannyassociation.co.uk or contact the NNA directly.
