Government Proposals for Maternity Nurse Regulation and
Nursery Nurse Title Protection
In 2025, the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, announced proposals to protect the title Nurse, extend protection to the title Nursery Nurse, and introduce regulation within the Maternity Nurse sector.
These proposals were welcomed by many childcare professionals who have undertaken recognised training, assessment and qualification pathways and who work directly with babies, children and families throughout the United Kingdom.
Since those announcements were made, many professionals have been left wondering what progress, if any, has been made and whether the Government intends to continue with these proposals.
The NNEB Old Collegians has written to the Department of Health and Social Care seeking clarification but, at the time of writing, has not received a response.
We believe it is important that childcare professionals, families and employers receive clear information regarding:
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The future protection of the title Nursery Nurse.
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The proposed regulation of the Maternity Nurse profession.
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Who will be entitled to use these professional titles.
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What qualifications, standards and professional requirements may be recognised under any future framework.
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How families will be able to identify appropriately qualified childcare professionals.
To support colleagues across the childcare profession, we have prepared a template letter that can be sent to your local Member of Parliament.
We encourage Nursery Nurses, Maternity Nurses, NNEBs, childcare practitioners, nurses, midwives and other interested professionals to contact their MP and ask them to seek clarification from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the Government's intentions.
This issue is not simply about professional recognition. It is about public confidence, transparency, safeguarding and ensuring that families can make informed choices when selecting individuals to care for their babies and children.
The template letter is provided as a guide only. We encourage professionals to personalise it with their own qualifications, experience and reasons for supporting greater clarity in this area.
As and when further information becomes available, we will continue to update our social media and this page.