Are you caring and compassionate? Do you love being around children? Then a career as a Nanny could be just what you’re looking for. For parents, being away from their children can be tough – and Nannies understand this. A good Nanny will bridge the gap between children and their families, making their time apart as pleasant as can be. If you’re looking for a highly rewarding new role, then find out how you can get started below…
Nannies look after people’s children whilst they’re away or at work. They usually work in the children’s own home to provide as little disruption to their regular routine as possible. Depending on the needs of the family, Nannies will either live in their own home and visit the household to look after the children (on either a part-time or full-time basis), or they may live with the family long-term.
As a Nanny, a typical day could include tasks such as:
Nannies will also work closely with parents and other family members to ensure that the children get the best all-round care.
Nannies who work on a full-time basis are usually heavily involved with the majority of a child or children’s daily routine on at least five days a week whilst the children’s parents or carers are at work. They often become like another member of the family (and sometimes live in the household out of convenience).
If you like the idea of working with children but you don’t want a full-time commitment then you could consider working as a Nanny part-time instead. Nannies who work on a part-time basis will look after children on a less frequent basis – perhaps a couple of days a week and the occasional evening, or maybe just for a few mornings a week. They act more as childminders; called in to cover for parents who work part-time or who have planned to go out for a few hours in the evening.
The right person will:
As a full-time Nanny, you’ll earn an estimated salary of £30,000. Additional benefits e.g. the provision of food, will be decided upon on an individual basis depending on the family you’re staying with.
People often look for a Nanny with the hope that it will be a long-term arrangement that will give their children as much stability as possible. Progression normally comes in the form of getting to know a family inside out and getting as attuned to their needs as possible.
But the more experienced you become, the more in demand you will be if you do decide to look for a position with a new family. There may also be opportunities to go and work abroad depending on the family’s circumstances.
“Here’s a job that I’m qualified to do and that I could enjoy. The hours suit me too! I had worked in a primary school and previously cared for my grandsons. Koru Kids introduced me to my family. We are getting along really well, and I’m even learning about horses!”
– Grandmother of two, via Koru Kids
Good news – there are no formal qualifications needed to work as a Nanny, but most families will feel more comfortable employing you if you have the following:
You can achieve your first aid certificate by completing a short course that will teach you what to do in an emergency when a child is injured or unwell.
You can register for your DBS certificate online by filling out an application form. The certificate usually takes a few weeks to come through so it’s best to do this earlier, rather than later.
It’s best to talk to your local council about council-run courses available in your area. These can be cheaper and will guarantee that you find the courses most relevant to you.
Once you’ve obtained a Pediatric First Aid certificate, a UK criminal record (DBS) certificate and completed an Ofstead approved child care training course, you can apply to register as a Nanny on the Ofsted Register. This will increase your employability as families will feel more reassured that you are equipped to provide the best care possible for their children. The skills you learn along the way should also give you more confidence in your ability.
If you want to build up some confidence in your ability to care for children, then it’s worth contacting nurseries or local schools in your area to see if you can help out as a volunteer. Schools are usually grateful for an extra pair of hands in such a busy environment and it’s a great way to decide whether you want to work with children in the long-term.
If you’re within easy reach of London and looking for part-time work, then, it’s worth applying to Koru Kids – a London-based childcare service that takes on Nannies of all ages, with the aim of training them up (including First Aid) and placing them with a suitable family. You’ll be given plenty of support the whole way through from staff at Koru Kids and other soon-to-be Nannies who are going through the same process as you.
Koru Kids are very supportive of people who are looking to start a new career as a part-time Nanny and they recognize the value that age and experience can bring to the family home.
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