Becoming a Nanny: How Do I 'Qualify?'

Author: Beth Morrisey

Ms Meghan Donohue asks

I am interested in looking into an overseas, live-in position as a nanny for a family. I have not had consistant childcare experience since babysitting as a teenager, and therefore have little "experience" to include in a resume. I do, however, work in the healthcare field, and my past experience with working with children, is flawless.

I'm just afraid that since I'm not a "professional" nanny, that it may work against me. What can I do to "qualify" myself to be considered for a possible position?

Working in a healthcare field is a great start for a potential nanny, so including this relevant experience in your CV and selecting a reference who will be able to discuss how your employment will help you guard the health and safety of children in your care are great first steps towards making yourself a viable nanny candidate.

At the moment there is no formal, legal qualification for nannies in the UK which means that you will need to assess your own employment history and history of working with children to decide what you are strong on and what you are lacking. For example, if you lack consistent experience with toddlers then you might try to gain employment working with this group before looking for a full time nanny position. Similarly, if all you lack is some form of certification then you may want to investigate child care certifications available to you.

There are some online and distance learning courses available for those interested in learning more about childcare, though it can be hard to find out who accredits these courses and what they actually mean. City & Guild courses are also available in childcare related subjects, as are university courses, Montessori courses and even full programmes at recognised nanny schools such as Norland College and Chiltern College.

Acquiring a certification from a recognised programme such as City & Guilds, Montessori, a university or nanny school is often part of what separates sought after nannies from those unable to find a full time, live-in position. Another part is excellent references.

If you already have references that can attest to your healthcare experience, experience with children and experience as an employee then you'll want to concentrate on finding a reference who can discuss your education as it relates to childcare. This means that if you do decide to gain a formal certificate in childcare you'll want to target an individual to act as your reference when applying for nanny positions in the future. Asking this person if they will act as your reference is imperative so that you can confidently give his or her details to a prospective employer.

You are well on your way to becoming a professional nanny. Ask around to find out what the employers that you would like to target generally want in a nanny and then set out to get it. Good luck!

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

15 questions

Ask A British Nanny a Question

rozsa 10/01/2021 at 8:14 pm

Hi there,

I am looking to go self employed as I don't feel I receive any benefits such as job security or sickpay with the agency I work for, and when I looked into asking for a raise, I found out that they will just ask the family I work for to pay more.
The family are happy for me to go self employed however I primarily look after a toddler. When I looked into this I found out that a nanny can't join the childcare register to look after a child under 5, however I am currently able to do this with my Agency.
Also both parents are never more than a few metres away, I'm just there to keep the child busy whilst the parents work from home.
Would it still be possible for me to go self employed?

If you have any advise I would appreciate it greatly!

ABritishNanny Editor 19/08/2015 at 2:14 pm

We cannot give specific advice without knowing what you need etc. However, the articles on this site should be a really good start for you.

KarlaAly 18/08/2015 at 7:23 pm

Hi,

I'm looking at setting up a small business (for tax purposes) as I nanny for a few families a week. Can you give me any advice?

Thanks

ABritishNanny Editor 08/06/2015 at 2:43 pm

@Sexy. The answer is in the article really. You could also take a look at the guide on childcare training which may help.

SEXY 04/06/2015 at 11:57 pm

what id needed to be does to become a nanny?
And what qualifications for being a nanny ?

sarah. 25/06/2014 at 7:08 am

I would like more information on how to become a nanny.. What qualifications do I need?. And how long does it take to qualify?

Thanks

denise 12/01/2013 at 4:59 pm

i would like information on how to be a nannie, what qualifications do i need?

annie 21/06/2012 at 6:31 pm

could you please send me any information on how and what i need to do to become a nanny please,

jw 15/01/2012 at 8:46 pm

Hey i currently work in a private day nursery and have been level 3 qualified for nearly 6years and now looking into nannying. I have crb, first aid adult and baby, I have advanced baby practitioner etc. What do i need to do to become a nanny? Do i have to register with ofstead and get nanny insurance? I do not drive but this shouldn't be a problem should it?

amw 01/11/2011 at 9:20 pm

if i am becoming a nanny are the parents able to use the childcare vouchers?

Hanka 22/09/2011 at 8:55 pm

Hello to British Nanny, is there a chance to get in touch with somebody who would advise here and there how to develop a nanny course, and e-learning course in the Czech Republic? There is the formal proposal for the project and there is a big need for an experience person for this project. We would need to be here and there advised what is good, and what is not. We offer part time distance positon and regular salary. I can not get in touch with Jane Marshal, so I appologise to approach you this way. Thank you for the answer.

CY 16/08/2011 at 8:06 pm

I've recently been asked to look after a child for 10-15 days per month as a "nanny", as they live overses but will be coming back to the UK as they have a business here. Do I Need to be registered with ofsted? Or can you be a nanny without any qualification as such? I'm very confused about the whole and what is legal etc. Another thing would be tax and national insurance. Working a random 10-15 days a month, would I be self employed and need to sort out my own tax and N.I? Please help!!!

Lola 02/08/2011 at 6:56 am

Hi, im looking at becoming a nanny in the uk to save money. I have been accepted into university to study to become a primary school teacher and I have worked in a primary school for a week as part of a work experience programme. I also have done occasional baby sitting for friends of the family etc. but im just unsure as to how i become one, and whether i will be 'qualified' enough for it. I love working with children and i love everything about the job description but i dont want to sign up if im not going to be able to cope with difficult parents and/or child. thanks.

saltcell 14/06/2011 at 10:28 pm

I am just confused on difference between childminder and nanny. I have been told if you look after children and not registered with ofsted you can be reported and fined. But if your a nanny can you not still be reported to ofsted? My friend has just started going back to work and i have offered to look after her children but i dont want to get into any trouble for it. What do i need to do so i dont get into trouble? I understand that have to be self employed

G 21/03/2011 at 10:03 pm

What steps are needed to become a nanny? is there any requirements you must have i.e crb check, insurance, ofsted registered? thanks

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