Novice nanny employer - help, please?

[AspirantPirate]

We are in the process of trying to hire a nanny for the first time. Can anyone clarify what all the different qualifications / registrations are?

I know that technically you don't need any qualifications to work as a nanny, but there are a lot of different things listed (NVQs, Degrees in childcare, BTECs etc etc). Also some are saying they are Ofsted registered - is there any advantage in this?

Can anyone clarify for me?

Ofsted registered means you can pay them using childcare vouchers.

Qualifications vary, ask applicants about their training. Some may have done college based courses with a couple of days a week on placement, others may have done training whilst working, others may have done distance learning. Course lengths vary and there are various levels.

If it helps:
a nursery assistant may have a level 2 / certificate course
a nursery room leader may have a level 3 / diploma course

Nannies don't need any qualifications. Some may have many many years experience, which may be worth more to you than someone without experience.

Thanks, that's really helpful, especially the Ofsted / childcare voucher info!

Some nannies don't have any qualifications but loads of experience, some have high quailfications (degrees etc) and these will be more expensive.

Myself, I have a CACHE diploma in Childcare which I took just to give me the edge as it can be quite competitive. I have been reassured by agencies that my expereince is valued too so it's really what you're looking for.

Have a look around some nanny job sites to see what is currently being advertised to see what the general standard is.

try: www.greatcare.co.uk

Hope this helps!

What you should be looking for is a valid first aid certificate (lasts 3 years from issue) and a valid full CRB disclosure (again, every 3 years). Qualifications are only really relevant for OFSTED registration as a level 2 NVQ in childcare is needed to apply.
I had one particular applicant who had all sorts of certificates for courses she'd done. She was a good applicant, but at the end of the day, her experience was more important than whether she had an adult literacy certificate. The best way to gauge a nanny's experience is to ask questions relating to the role they will be assuming - e.g. managing meal times, tantrums etc and hypothetical situations the nanny may come across, which could be based on real experiences you've found tricky.

In my opinion, I didn't have to take any tests to become a mum, I don't have any NVQs in childcare etc, but I have learnt from experience. When I hire a nanny, I want to be sure my child will be safe with her (never had any male nannies apply!) in terms of common sense, first aid training and whether it's generally safe to leave a child with that person (i.e. CRB).