Job Description

A Nanny will work with a family and take responsibility for the health, safety and development of the children. They will prepare meals, wash their clothes, make sure their rooms and equipment are clean and maintained, drop off and collect the children from school or playgroup and generally promote their social and educational development. Nannies may be employed on a live-in or live-out basis and may be expected to work evenings and weekends.

Entry Requirements

There are various routes to get into this job:

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship in any of the following which will give you experience to help you to get a job as a Nanny:

Childminding
Childcare
Nursery Assistant

You will usually need some GCSE's including English and maths for a level 2 apprenticeship and usually 4 or 5 GCSE's grades 9-4 (A*-C) including English and maths for a level 3.

College Course

You may find it easier to become a Nanny if you have a college qualification such as:

Early Years Education & Childcare (Level 3)
Caring for Children Diploma (Level 1)
Children and Young Peoples workforce (Level 2)
Childhood studies (Level 2)

Entry requirements for the courses can vary.

The following colleges offer relevant courses:

or you could try your local sixth form.

Direct Application

You may be able to start work as a nanny without any qualifications, though many employers and employment agencies will prefer you to have some training in playwork or childcare.

Career Tips/Further information

It will help your applications if you have voluntary experience of working with children.

You’ll need to be aged 18 or over.

You’ll also need an enhanced background check

You could choose to register with Ofsted. This is voluntary for Nannies but may be beneficial

You can find further details from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years

Career Path and Progression

With qualifications and experience, you could move into childminding or nursery work.

With further training, you could become a children's nurse or early years teacher.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Childminder
Nursery manager
Nursery worker

Although you may be able to get into this role without formal qualifications, we highly recommend that you try to achieve at least a grade 4 (C) in English & Maths. Achieving this minimum grade in these subject will increase opportunities in the future and help with your career development and prospects.

If you don't achieve the minimum grades, you will be supported to continue to study English and Maths throughout your full-time education or an apprenticeship.

Required Skills

The ability to stay calm under pressure
Creativity and imagination to plan activities that are fun
lots of energy and stamina
the ability to communicate effectively with both children and parents
Able to cope with unexpected situations
Reliability

Salary Range

£15,000 to £50,000

Nanny