Nanny
What is the work like?
Nannies work in private homes caring for their employers’ children. They are responsible for all aspects of childcare, however, their duties will vary depending on the number and ages of the children in their care.
As a nanny, you would often care for babies and very young children, and your duties would include:
- dressing
- feeding
- bathing
- changing nappies.
When working with older children, you would be involved in teaching basic social, reading and writing skills. You would also take children on outings and keep them entertained through play.
You could also work as a maternity nanny, helping families care for newborn babies. This would usually be for a short period, during the first few weeks of a babies life.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to start work as a nanny without any qualifications. However, many employers and employment agencies will prefer you to have a childcare qualification.
There is a number of full- and part-time courses available that can help you prepare for work as a nanny. Many courses include a placement, but where this is not the case it will be helpful for you to gain some experience as a volunteer working with children.
Relevant qualifications include:
- CACHE Certificate or Diploma in Child Care and Education (this covers working with children under eight, including those with special needs)
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare (created with the National Childminding Association, this course aims to give you the skills to develop children aged 0 to 16)
- BTEC Certificate or Diploma, levels 2 and 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development (this course covers good practice in a range of childcare settings).
Course entry requirements will vary, so you need to check with individual colleges for details.
You could increase your chances of getting paid work as a nanny if you have a certificate in First Aid For Those Caring For Children, or Paediatric First Aid.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are employed as a nanny you can work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development, awarded by City & Guilds, the Open University, BTEC or CACHE. Check with individual colleges for entry details.
The Early Years and Playwork Qualifications Database website gives you further details of course recognised by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) as meeting the national occupational standards for under-eight day care.
Where can I go for more information?
Beaufort HouseGrosvenor Road
St. Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3AW
Tel: 0845 347 2123
81 Tweedy Road
Bromley
Kent
BR1 1TG
Tel: 0845 880 0044
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Full-time nannies can earn between around £9,000 and £16,500 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £18,000 and £28,000, depending on the factors mentioned below.
Salaries will vary depending on the nannies' geographical location, qualifications, and whether or not they are employed directly by a family or through an agency.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work in a private household and your hours could be longer than a standard working week.
You might live with your employer and their family. However, there are opportunities for day only positions.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in the social and personal development of children
- the ability to establish close and trusting relationships with parents, carers and children
- a good imagination and the ability to plan and organise stimulating activities
- a responsible attitude to work
- the ability to cope with unexpected situations
- an awareness of potential dangers to children
- patience, tolerance and a sense of humour
- the ability to stay calm under pressure
- energy and stamina.
What opportunities are there?
You can find job opportunities throughout the UK and overseas. Vacancies are advertised through agencies, as well as in the national and local press.
As a qualified and experienced nanny, you may be able to move into childminding or nursery nursing. With additional training, you could go on to become a children's nurse.
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