Exactly what qualifications can/should a nanny have?

[nellieellie]

I'm thinking of finding a naany for my DS. There is much talk about checking qualifications, checking what qualifications s/he has - but what exactly are these qualifications? Is there a common recognised qualification for a nanny or just a mish-mash - eg NVQs, First Aid etc? Any help appreciated!!

NNEB's were the qualifications usually held by Nannies I think. I would think NVQ level 3 or equivilent should be held as NVQ 2's are held by staff working under supervision in Day Nurseries.

Tempted to say none, if she's an "expert"

(But it wouldn't be helpful so I won't)

Generally it would mean an NNEB or NVQ3 in a relavant subject - A first aid cert runs out after a certain time (?3 years) so it's worth checking that they have one, and it's up to date.
I think the registration body 'childcare approval scheme' have a list on their website, of all the childcare qualifications which mean that the nanny would be eligible for registration, and therefore can save you some money, via tax credits or using childcare vouchers. Their website is www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk
Good luck

A CRB check would be good (i'd have thought)

I would say that a professional nanny should have relevant qualifications. While I appreciate that there are many nannies out there who do not have any qualifications, I do feel that by making the commitment to training, a qualified nanny is in a better position to provide care for pre-school child.

Qualifications wise, there are many available. I would suggest looking at the list of Level 3 qualifications available at Children's Workforce Development Council
By referring to the list of qualifications that Ofsted use as guidance for nursery room leaders, that with luck will result in you selecting someone with an understanding of child development and pre-school education. It won't alas guarantee that they know how to, or have ever changed a nappy!

What are these qualifications? Actual course content will vary from course to course. There is criteria set down for specific levels of courses, so this Level 3 Criteria may help give an idea of the type of thing that is covered in the course.

CACHE I feel are the largest examination board dealing with Childcare courses. Their website CACHE.org.uk gives information about their courses - the link in this case goes to Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, which would be most similar to the older NNEB I feel.

So in answer to your question: Is there a common recognised qualification for a nanny or just a mish-mash - eg NVQs, First Aid etc?
No there isn't really... once upon a time there was the NNEB, but now it is a mish-mash of NVQs.

First Aid however is separate to childcare and education qualifications. It is important for anyone caring for children (including parents) to know basic First Aid as children can be accident prone. There are alas several different courses available, so varying levels of compentancy. However, some training is better than none, so I wouldn't worry too much about the level of First Aid training, but more about if it covered Infant Casultaties and how recent the training was. Ideally it should be repeated every 3 years. If you intend to benefit from Childcare Vouchers, then your nanny will need to have done a First Aid course that meets criteria set out by CAS - First Aid criteria

Hope that is of help.

When I said "expert" I was referring to nobody, btw.

As bb said NNEB or NVQ3 which most of ours had over 22 years (I've spread children over a long period) but I really found no difference at all between someone experienced and good with children and whether they could pass or chose to take some reasonably easy exams to pass so I've never been at all hung up on qualifications. Check references. Call mothers. Do criminal records checks etc.

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