Looking to become a Nanny?

[Cornish100]

Hi Everyone!
I have recently lost my job. I have been thinking about a career change. What's nannying like? I've heard you can do it without any qualifications - is this true? Any suggestions?
Daisy

Hi Cornish,
Sorry to hear about your job, we've moved this thread for you as you had posted it in the blogging section. We're sure the people here can advise on qualifications etc.

Hi Cornish

Don't know much about nannies, but there's loads of knowledgable nannies here ... Somewhere.

Not a nanny but a nanny employer. TBH I would be very reluctant to hire a nanny with neither qualification (NVQ level 3 or equiv) or experience in childcare. I've hired nannies who have been nursery nurses but no nannying experience and that's been fine (taking a training-up approach). Do you have childcare experience?

In my experience employers regard experience higher than qualifications.
If you have a lot of experience in sole-charge care of other peoples children then you should be able to get a job even if you have no formal qualifications.
The one qualification you do need is pediatric first aid. If you want to become Ofsted registered (which lots of families require) then you will need at least a level 2 qualification (equivalent of a gcse) in a childcare related subject.
The more qualified or experienced you are then the more jobs you will be wanted for, it's not impossible to become a nanny without having training, but you will have to start at the bottom and work your way up until your experience levels speak louder than your lack of qualifications.

Nannying is fantastic.

It can be very well paid.
Hours tend to be long 10-12 hours a day normally.
There isn't a huge amount of job security, most jobs only last 2-5 years.
It can be difficult to find work outside of major cities.
It's key to find a family that you get on with/have a similar approach to.

You don't need qualifications, but many nannies are qualified so you'll be competing for jobs against people with qualifications. You'll need something else to offer. If you have any extra skills e.g. music, sport, languages etc. this will be valuable.

Experience and good references are essential. I doubt you will get a nanny job with no childcare experience at all. If you have worked in a nursery/school, been an au pair, have your own children or done lots of babysitting you will be able to get a job as 'junior' nanny.

Ofsted registration is important to many families. To register with Ofsted you will need a current paediatric first-aid certificate, a basic childcare qualification (this can be done via home learning), a DBS check (Oftsed will do this for you) and nanny insurance.

It's not an easy job..

Normally 11 hour days with no break!

Any experience caring for children?

Experience can be better than training but it is a tough market so the more you have to offer the better - a nanny with many years experience and who has training could have a better chance of getting the job.

Saying that though, it is about relationships. Parents have to get on with their nanny and trust them. So gut instincts play a part in the recruitment process, someone who is a natural with children could be exactly what the parents are looking for and they may not have any formal qualification. Someone who is a natural with children though will have various experience, from babysitting to youth work.

Former nanny here, I sort of fell into it. I had been working as an au pair during my gap year and eventually had enough full time experience to market myself as a nanny. It is possible to find work without a formal childcare qualification but I am educated to degree level (which most employers were keen on). It is a very demanding job as you have to keep the children and the parents happy!
Unless you are passionate about child development/teaching I wouldn't consider it as a career.

It's a long day, often 10-12 hours without a break. But if you love kids it's rewarding :)

You need to be super organised, patient, have lots of common sense, be sensible, be able to have fun and play with the kids, have good imagination, be reliable, punctual and responsible.

As others said, not such security, no 'promotions', often no bonus, sometimes cannot choose your holiday dates, your contract can be terminated at any time.

You really can only do it if you're passionate about children - otherwise you'll hate it. Personally, I love it! I get to play, laugh, have fun, go on day trips, cook, bake, paint all day :) but when the tantrums strike, my god it's hard work!

I started with no qualifications and just babysitting experience and have worked up from there. You could get a job as a mothers help first.

You don't need qualifications in any legal sense but the market out there is very tough right now, a lot of qualified nannies and experienced ones at that are struggling to find work. It depends a great deal on what your previous career was.

when i was looking for a nanny for our baby, i was more concerned about experience than qualifications.
Having done a first aid course, even that doesn't bother me (leave them alone and call 999, was all i remember being taught)