Qualifications required to work in the UK

Whilst there is no legal requirement to have a qualification to be a nanny in the UK you may find entering the UK nanny sector agencies and /or families may request a nanny with qualifications.

Working as a nanny in the UK you will predominantly need a qualification and experience.

Some families prefer to look for a nanny with qualifications.

Having some form of formal qualification tends to demonstrate a dedication to a career in childcare rather than just a job fallen into.

A professional nanny in the UK generally does hold some qualification.

Additionally holding a first aid certificate and any other traditional childcare regulated requirements.

Yes.

Not all positions available specify that the nanny hold qualifications but they are generally not the norm.

Employment as a nanny in the UK differs from Australia and other countries.

Agencies and families have refined exactly what they are looking for and their expectation’s.

You may find that if you don’t hold formal childcare qualifications it may be quite hard to secure a position, although not completely impossible.

If you don’t have qualifications but have plenty of experience with looking after children you may be viewed more favourably than someone without the experience.

If you are a brilliant nanny, love and have an easy rapport with children and have experience but no qualifications, don’t give up altogether. Common sense and on the job practical experience can often be just as good as a paper qualification. It just may be a little harder to ‘crack’ the market.

Be aware that some agencies will not register you unless you have a qualification and you may be competing for the position against someone with a qualification. It depends on your presentation and the family fit with each candidate.

If you have not worked as a nanny before you can still find work but generally more likely work as a Mother’s Help. This involves looking after the children while the mother is at home and perhaps for short periods alone, plus helping with housework.

Babysitting experience is an advantage and again references will be required. A Mother’s Help position can be more restricting and the pay is much less but is a foot in the door.

Alternatively you could look into enrolling into a short course that will enable you to have a certificate which may help.

I have qualifications but no experience?

It is not impossible to find a nanny position. We all have to start somewhere. Generally you will find that the preferred nanny is one with experience of at least 1-2 years.

Alternatively you may be able to secure a position:

• That has less sole responsibility.
• A single child position.
• With older children.
• Part time.
• You may be employed as a Mother’s Help to build the experience.
• Crèche may be another option.
• Volunteer and/or work at your local child care centre to gain experience.
• Start doing as much babysitting regularly as possible to build experience and references.

The pay rate is generally reflected in the experience.

If you have a positive mature attitude and can portray professionalism you may be able to secure a nanny position with no experience.

Yes.

You should always be prepared to show your qualifications.

It is a good idea to have copies (certified) so that you can provide immediately upon request.

When a family are choosing a nanny they have every right to ask to see proof of your qualifications, even if you have presented them with the agency.

References are vital as well.

Your prospective employer will want to see references as will all nanny agencies.

A nanny who drives is often very highly desirable.

If possible provide as many points of contact for them to be able to get in contact with the referee.

As it is most likely that the referee is not residing in the UK a phone number is not always enough based on time differences so email and other alternative contact methods are advised.

If you have just started out and have no work related references we recommend providing character references.

If you have references from previous employers within another industry have them available. They demonstrate work ethic.

You may find that there are a variety of qualifications that are relevant and accepted.

You may also find that there is no straight cross over from Australian qualifications to a UK equivalent (just as the reverse happens).

We suggest to do your homework.

Being able to provide the agency/family with the UK equivalent qualification to yours (perhaps with proof to back up the claim) can save time and perhaps change the positions you are able to apply for.

It is important to ensure you are obtaining the correct recognition for the qualification you hold.

CACHE is the officially recognized Awarding Body for Early Years, Care and Education, and Playwork.

Relevant qualifications awarded by CACHE include:

• Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education (this covers working with children under eight, including those with special needs)
• Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare (created with the National Childminding Association, this course gives nannies the skills to develop children aged 0 to 16)

Or other accepted qualifications can be:

• Level 3 BTEC National Certificate
• NVQ  Early Years Care and Education  (level 1-3) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• SVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education (Scotland)
• LCCIEB NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education
• Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Early Years Care and Education
• NVQ Level 3 Certificate in Work with Children APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning).
• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Practice

In Australia nanny qualifications are:

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