becoming a nanny

[blacksheep2014]

Hi there everyone,

I'm just looking for some opinions from those of you who employ nannies. I am in a senior position in a private nursery atm and I'm seriously considering returning to nannying. Would you be put off employing a nanny who had a high level of childcare qualification? I'm 27 and I would be looking for a full time, live out role as I have a house, partner and a dog :-)

I worked as a nanny for twins and their older brother for three years previously, I then took a job as a nursery nurse when the position ended as the family moved abroad. I was then promoted from nursery nurse and gained further qualifications and lots and lots of experience managing a small setting. My problem with my current role is mainly that I don't spend enough time with the kids!

I'm looking to study for a degree in the evenings and loved working as a nanny but a few agencies have said they won't register me as I'm over qualified?!

You sound like you would be a fabulous nanny, but my concern would be that you'd want to move on quickly if a better job presented itself. You say you are looking to study for a degree in the evenings - does this mean once you've got your degree you'll want to move on? If so, if I was a mum looking for a 'long-term' nanny it would put me off; however, if the time you predict you wanted to nanny for matched the period I wanted you for I'd see it as a bonus.

What qualifications have you got and where are you? I'm struggling with the over qualified concept, unless that means that they don't think that you'll be happy with the average wage for the area?

I would positively seek out someone well-qualified.

Speak to the agency about precisely why they think it could put employers off; you may be able to deal with the issue in your profile.

Eg if, as ItMustBeALime suggests, the implication is that you'll want to move on quickly, you could emphasise in your profile that you are looking for a settled, long term position etc.

I wonder if your experience as a nanny vs your qualifications makes them wonder if you'll be happy accepting a wage that reflects your experience in nannying, iyswim? Do talk to them and find out what they're thinking though, as it seems strange that they won't consider you.

How long ago was this previous nanny job? Twins experience is well sought after and one longer term position is better than a few shorter term jobs.

Hello again, thanks everyone, very helpful so far.

I'll try to answer some of your questions and that may help me fill out applications and give me inspiration for my covering letter.

I'm in Scotland so the qualifications may seem a little odd but I'm not sure what their english equivalents are. I have an HNC in early education and childcare, I qualified and immediately went to work in a busy city centre nursery for 18 months, I was based in a large baby room and worked within a team of 7 under a room senior, I was key worker for 7 families.

I left that role to travel and did some kids rep work as well as nannying on cruiseliners for 6 months, just to broaden my experience. On my return to the UK I was a nanny for twins from birth primarily but also with some sole charge of their older sibling. Mum stopped working and the family moved so the job came to a natural (if slightly tearful!) end two and a half years ago. Since then I've been with my current employers where I manage a nursery and Out of School club. I've also completed my SVQ level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development, as well as lots of CPD short courses.

In terms of the length of time I would need to commit (and study!) it would take me around 4 years to complete the qualification I'm after in the evenings so it would only be after that time that I would be looking to move on. Would that put you off? The only other issue is that I don't drive but I'm working hard on recitfying that.

Thanks again.