What qualifications would a nanny have?

Nannying is predominately an unregulated industry and as such there are no laws requiring a nanny to hold qualifications in childcare.

Whilst it is possible to secure a nanny position without any formal qualification it is not the norm as most families will be looking for particular skills and knowledge when choosing the candidate to care for their children.

Therefore it is more than likely a professional nanny will most likely hold some qualification. They will also hold a current first aid certificate and  ideally any other traditional childcare regulated requirements such as Asthma and Anaphylaxis training.

Additionally, you may find that many nannies that don’t hold formal childcare qualifications may have plenty of years of experience looking after children.

When choosing a nanny (with qualifications) you should ask to see proof of their qualifications. If you’re not sure how credible their qualifications are or if they are still current with all the changes in the field then we recommend contacting the organisation that they studied with. For a qualification to be recognised it needs to be studied at a nationally accredited registered training organisation.

When employing a nanny, with or without qualifications, it is best to do a trial period as it ensures you are happy with their level of care and attention as you are going off their reference checks, their resume, interview and your gut instinct.

If you trial a nanny it is good practice to pay them for their trial period.

In Australia:

• A National Certificate III in Children’s Services OR
• A Diploma in Children’s Services OR
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).

In the UK:

• BTEC national Certificate or Diploma in children’s care, learning and development OR
• NVQ in children’s care, learning and development, ranging from level one to five OR
• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education OR
• Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate OR
• NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education (England, Wales & Northern Ireland) OR
• SVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education (Scotland).

• Hold a first Aid certificate
• Have a WWCC
• Have a Police Clearance
• Be over 18 years of age
• Provide contactable referees.