Salary

Nannies typically earn between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum although this will vary depending on each individual family, the geographical area and whether the nanny is employed through an agency or directly by a family.

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Responsibilities

A nanny’s responsibilities will vary according to the age of the children she (or less commonly, he) works with. If the children are babies or very young, the nanny’s responsibilities will be to provide for all of their basic needs. This will include:

• Dressing
• Feeding
• Changing nappies
• Bathing
• Winding

If the children are older and can feed and dress themselves the nanny’s responsibilities are more likely to include:

• Taking the children on outings
• Dropping the children at school or playgroup
• Helping the children with their school work
• Teaching basic social skills
• Playing with and entertaining the children
• Organising crafts and other activities
• Assisting with the mental and physical development of the children

Being a nanny could also involve more what are known as ‘nursery duties’ – any jobs which are associated with the daily care of an infant or child such as:

• Preparing meals
• Washing sheets
• Tidying the nursery
• Washing clothes

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Qualifications

It is possible to find work without a formal qualification, but most employers will look for a nanny with a relevant child care diploma or certificate of education such as:

• CACHE Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education – this provides knowledge and training on providing care for children under eight years old, including children with special needs.

• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare – this provides knowledge and training on providing care for children aged 0 to 16.

• BTEC Certificate or Diploma, levels 2 and 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development – this is a more general childcare qualification, providing knowledge and training on good practice in various childcare settings (not specific to being a nanny)

A first aid certificate specifically designed for those working with children is also a favourable qualification to have.

Relevant qualifications are offered by most higher education institutions but there are also a number of ‘nanny schools’ across the country which work to provide specialist training for nannies. Norland College is the most famous nanny school, a prestigious institution whose nannies are in very high demand.

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Skills

As well as having a love of children, nannies need to be well-equipped with a wide range of skills which will prepare them for the daily challenges of looking after children. These include:

• A specific interest in the personal and social development of children
• A trustworthy character
• The ability to establish good working relations with parents, children and other carers
• A responsible attitude to the job
• The ability to cope well under pressure
• The ability to stay calm in stressful or challenging situations
• A willingness to engage in domestic activities such as washing and tidying
• A creative approach and good imagination
• The ability to plan stimulating activities
• Good organisational abilities
• An awareness of potential dangers to children
• A basic knowledge of first aid for children
• Patience and tolerance
• A good sense of humour
• A commitment to the job and hardworking attitude
• Good interpersonal skills
• A range of practical abilities
• High levels of energy and stamina
• A reasonable level of physical fitness
• A flexible attitude and willingness to work extra hours at short notice

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Experience

Experience is very important for finding work as a nanny – even more important than having relevant qualifications as employers will usually require a good reference from a previous employer. Any experience working with children, even if it is not in a nannying capacity will be useful. This could include working in a school or youth group, babysitting or helping in a playgroup. Most relevant qualifications include a mandatory work placement but if not, it is useful to arrange a placement independently.

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Employers

There are various agencies which specialise in finding jobs for nannies, but families will often advertise privately through local or national newspapers or by word of mouth. It is worth noting that working through an agency is a good way to ensure employees' rights although it tends to be more lucrative to be employed directly by the family.

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Working Conditions

Nannies are based in a family’s private home so their working conditions are largely dependent upon each individual family. Some nannies live in, meaning their work will often extend beyond the standard 37.5 hour week. Others will work during the day time and live out or they might work part time hours, perhaps working before and after the school day.

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Career Progression

With a relevant diploma or childcare certificate, nannies can go on to do further training to improve their job prospects and progress into other areas of childcare if desired. Once employed, many nannies begin working towards an NVQ level two or three in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, or may even go on to do a BA Honours degree in childcare or similar subject. With an NVQ or similar qualification, nannies could go on to work as a nursery nurse or begin training in social work or other caring professions.

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