Role of a nanny

First and foremost a nanny’s job is to keep the children in your care (often called your charges) safe, well nourished and happy.

Beyond this key element of keeping the children in your care safe, happy and well cared for there is no typical nanny position job description.

Each family and family situation is different. Each nanny role will be different.

Having said that, being a professional nanny is paramount. With that comes some non negotiable elements of a nanny position regardless of which family you do work for.

The everyday basics of being a nanny generally does not change from family to family.

Although each family has different expectations, circumstances and specific requirements that they are looking for in a nanny, such as age, qualifications or being able to drive, previous experience and so on the responsibilities of the role of nanny remain the same.

On the whole nannies are responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day care and well-being of the children in their care.

It is also true that many nanny positions and job descriptions also include tasks that are not specifically related to the children. It is important to keep an open mind when deciding whether or not to include this type of position into your list of potentials.

Every nanny will have their own set of knowledge, experiences and skills based on their past positions and/or qualifications and only you and the family can determine if they are the right fit.

It is key to know and be clear about what you are willing to do in a position and what you are not willing to do in a position.

Your contract should clarify what the family’s expectations are but as we mentioned there is a more general basic role and set of responsibilities when you choose to become a nanny.

The actual make up of the day is reflected by the individual family and child and their routine and age/s, but you need to be prepared about what you expect in a position, and what is expected of you, to be able to make the informed decision that that family is the right one for you.

As with any job not all types of people can work well together, the same applies for a nanny position.

Despite the fact you are primarily caring for the children you will need to have a good relationship with the parents.

Not all nanny jobs fit every nanny, so it is best to find out all the nitty gritty before you accept an interview to see if it does somewhat suit you so as not to waste anyone’s time.

If the family have had a nanny before it is a good sign as they have experienced this situation before. Although it can also mean that they have already established a clear idea of what they are looking for and the level.

If it is offered it is a good idea to speak to the previous nanny (this isn’t always possible and that does not automatically mean it is a bad sign). It allows you to get a clearer picture of what they did and how they liked the position, what was expected and so on. It is not a opportunity to discuss any private family issues, gossip, etc.

Families and/or agencies will have a rough nanny description for each position as it is their expectations.

Finding the right nanny not only depends on the individual candidate but it also depends on the job description.

A good job description determines the role and ultimately if a potential nanny is interested in the position or not and whether they are suitable for what they are looking for.

A job description covers what a family is looking for in terms of:

• Qualifications.
• Benefits.
• Hours.
• Salary.
• Specific role and responsibilities including tasks, etc.

What are the general responsibilities of a nanny?

Nannies duties generally include the everyday tasks of caring and educating children such as:

• Care and attention.
• Maintain safety.
• Most families will request the completion of a communication diary which shares the child’s day including the what they ate, toileting, sleep, developmental milestones, what they did, their temperament for the day, concern’s, etc
• Feeding the children.
• Bathing the children.
• Organisation and co-ordination of activities (planned and spontaneous) and interaction within the activities and playtime.
• Helping with homework.
• Driving children to activities.
• Arranging play dates.
• Household tasks related to the children such as washing and ironing, cleaning their room, maintaining play areas, stock levels such as nappies, etc. Most nannies will agree that housework directly involving the children is usually your responsibility.

As each job is slightly different don’t assume anything.

What was in one position may not be in another so it is wise to discuss in your interview any questions you may have to clarify everything and make sure it is determined before signing the contract or commencing employment.

There are expectations that a family may have of a nanny that form part of your role and responsibilities.

Parent expectations:

• The nanny is punctual.
• The nanny is respectful and maintains confidentiality and privacy.
• The nanny is kind, caring, patient and considerate.
• The nanny is flexible.
• There is open communication.
• The nanny completes all tasks required.
• The children are happy and well cared for.
• The children are safe.
• The nanny is professional.

It is important to ask and discuss any concerns, issues and questions you may have before signing the contract or commencing employment.

The interview phase is a great point to be able to establish all the ins and outs of the position and the family’s expectations and whether it will work for you.

Some families are a novice at employing a nanny or have been guided by an agency so it is well worth a look and if you like the family then you could discuss the particulars before a commitment is made if they are interested in you and you them.

As most families will agree that the primary focus is the children some are willing to be more flexible on the other things, some are not, and so then it comes down to your preference of the positions.

It is best to be honest about what you will or won’t do upfront. This leaves no question about the position you are able to do and they can make the final decision about whether the other things are that important.