Requirements to work in the UK

Embarking on a career as a nanny in the UK isn’t as simple as landing and getting a position.

There are other considerations to factor in.

It starts with planning and being organised even before you leave.

You have your passport, travel insurance, visa and many other items checked off your checklist.

You need to look at other elements as well.

We recommend adding a National Police Clearance, First Aid certificate and good references to your list in order to secure a great nanny position.

Aside from a professionally presented resume, cover letter, certified copies of your qualifications and original documents and of course a professionally presented self you should have the following.

National Police Clearance:

In the Working With Children Check is required when working with children. If you have been working with children you will have this.

It is recommended to obtain a National Police Clearance before leaving  (in addition to your Working With Children Check) because in the UK there is the equivalent for UK nannies called the DBS Checks.

Parents who employ a nanny/Au pair/babysitter directly cannot apply for a DBS  (previously a CRB check). If you need to run a check on yourself, you can get a ‘basic disclosure’ with details of any unspent convictions from Disclosure Scotland (anywhere in the UK).

If you go through an agency they are legally bound to run an DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service check) on all their nannies to ensure that they have no previous convictions and are entirely suitable to work unsupervised with children.

There are 3 types of checks within the DBS:

1. Standard
2. Enhanced
3. Enhanced with list checks.

They can take between 2-4 weeks.

If you are able to provide an Australian document it may be sufficient or at least a good starting point.

First Aid Certificate:

All agencies will require this. Most families will ask for it.

It is best to have a Senior 1st Aid certificate or at the very least a nationally accredited.

We would recommended obtaining one from a well recognized organisation so there is no question over it’s validity.

References:

Up to date references with contactable details such as an email address or phone number will be required from a reputable agency.

A family may also request reference derails even if they go through an agency to speak with your referee personally.