Becoming a nanny

What do nannies do?

Nannies care for children within the child's home and are employed by the parent. Duties will vary between families but you will need to consider the services you can offer a family. These can include:

• Being responsible for babies (including dressing, feeding, nappy changing, comforting and playing as well as looking after their safety)
• Assist children with learning new skills, such as reading and writing
• Take babies and children on trips and outings
• Be aware of, and provide for, children's individual needs and interests
• Assisting the family with household duties such as cooking and cleaning

Qualifications

You do not need formal qualifications or experience to become a nanny but parents will sometimes see these as essential for someone who is going to care for their child or children. Therefore you may wish to consider some formal qualifications such as an NVQ level 2 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. You will need to contact local colleges and training providers to find out what is available for you.

Registering with Ofsted

You also do not have to register with Ofsted when working within a family's home however you may again find that parents wish for you to do so. As a nanny you would register on the Voluntary Chlidcare Register.  This provides parents with re-assurance that you have received an enhanced CRB check, first-aid and basic childcare training.

The local authority can provide you with the following childcare training, which covers the core skills you will require. 

• Passport to childcare - Run at the Redbridge Institute (RIAE) this session will include a basic skills assessment to check that you have the skills required to progress to the Pre-registration Course. They will then provide further information on training in childcare available to you and if they feel that your basic skills are not at the required level they can refer you to relevant training. There is a £10.00 fee for this session. If you are at the required basic skills level to continue you will then have an opportunity to apply for the course...
• Pre-registration course - run by the Early Years and Childcare Improvement team (EYCIT) who are part of the Early Years team within the London Borough of Redbridge. This course is usually about 7 weeks long with 1 session held each week. The course is designed to give you the knowledge and tools to run a successful childminding business. There is a £115.00 fee for this course.

Please contact the Childcare Development Team for further information on the training available.

For further information that you may find useful please follow the links provided.