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Nanny

Alternative titles for this job include

Nannies work in private homes caring for their employer's babies and young children.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

15 to 37 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

College

You may find it useful to do a college course before looking for work as a nanny. Courses include:

  • Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings
  • Level 1 Award in Safeguarding
  • Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Many courses include a work placement.

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an early years practitioner intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

It will help if you have voluntary experience working with children, for example in an after school club or holiday play scheme. This can often lead into paid work.

Direct Application

You may be able to start work as a nanny without any qualifications, though many employers and employment agencies will prefer you to have some training in playwork or childcare.

More Information

Further information

You'll find more details on working in childcare from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years and on the early years career progression map.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work on your own
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You could choose to register with Ofsted. This is voluntary for nannies but may help you to get more work.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

  • feed, bath and dress children, and change babies' nappies
  • teach basic social skills and hygiene
  • provide a safe setting for children
  • help children to learn through play
  • take children on outings to widen their experiences
  • do nursery and school runs
  • organise play opportunities to help children mix with others
  • prepare healthy meals and snacks
  • tidy up and clean rooms used by the children
  • keep records for the family

Working environment

You could work at a client's home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With qualifications and experience, you could become a childminder, nursery officer or teaching assistant. You might also work as an au pair, living-in with a family in this country or overseas.

With further training, you could become a children's nurse or early years teacher.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: MILL HILL, LONDON

Childcare Level 2 Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,563.20 a year Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

L3 Dip Childcare & Education

  • Provider: RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: WIDNES

Technical Certificate in Childcare and Education

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: NORTHAMPTON
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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