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 course before looking for work as a nanny. Courses include:
- introduction to health, social care and children's and young people's settings
- awareness of safeguarding
- children and young people's workforce certificate
- preparing to work in home based childcare
Many courses include a work placement.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This can take around 1 year to complete and combines on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Volunteering
It will help when looking for jobs if you have voluntary or paid experience of working with children, for example in an after school club or holiday play scheme.
Direct Application
You may be able to apply for jobs as a nanny without any qualifications, though employers and employment agencies will usually prefer you to have some training in playwork or childcare.
You will also need a paediatric first aid certificate for most jobs.
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Career tips
Pay and conditions can vary, for example if you work as a live-in nanny, your accommodation and meals may form part of your salary. It's important to check details with any potential employer, so you're clear about what's included in the contract.
Further information
You can find out more about working in childcare from Coram PACEY.