LOCAL politicians are supporting a Keighley-based campaign to give much-needed rights to nannies.

District councillors Julie Lintern and Owen Goodall spoke of the importance of regulating nannies who work in their clients' homes.

They are backing the UK Nannies Matter Campaign run by support group UK Nannies, whose leaders include Silsden nanny Maria Culley.

Maria said there had recently been mounting pressure on the nanny industry with more families needing childcare so they could work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: "This has left the nanny industry in crisis. The lack of clarity for nannies working during these unprecedent times has left many feeling they are not supported by the industry.

"There is clear confusion to what people believe a nanny and childminder is, their roles, and which regulations do and do not apply to nannies."

Cllr Julie Lintern, who represents Keighley West ward on Bradford Council, said childcare was an industry and should be regulated in the same way as other industries.

She said: "Regulating the profession creates a standard requirement for the role. Ensuring all nannies have a recognised childcare qualification, valid DBS, and paediatric first aid will help to safeguard children."

Fellow Bradford councillor Owen Goodall, who represents Craven ward, said: "For too long nannies have been calling for changes to be made, but they still are yet to be acknowledged by governments past and present.

"Regulation is needed so that children are safeguarded, and parents have confidence that their children are receiving quality care and that nannies are fully protected and are safe while working in the industry."

Maria said childminders were required to be regulated by Ofsted, undergo inspection, complete a 12-week course, have liability insurance, and follow regulations for health and safety, first aid, DBS and safeguarding.

But she said: "Nannies are not required to hold any form of qualifications or training, first aid, DBS, safeguarding or insurance. Many parents presume that nannies are regulated, educated and vetted, and are shocked to learn that this is not the case. Nannies are given access to families' homes and have responsibility of children. Anyone can call themselves Nanny."