Tag: nanny

Registering as a Nanny on the Voluntary Part of the Ofsted Childcare Register

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As a nanny, you’re not required to register with Ofsted, but doing so voluntarily can significantly enhance your professional standing. Being on the Voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register demonstrates that you meet recognized standards, making your services more attractive to parents who may also benefit from government childcare subsidies. Here’s what you need to know about the registration process, benefits, costs, and timelines.

Registration process

As a nanny, you may care for children from two different families in the home of one of those families. However, if care is provided to more than two families simultaneously, it is classified as childminding, requiring you to register as a childminder.

To register, apply online via the government’s official website and submit the necessary documents as outlined in further instructions.

Ofsted typically completes nanny registrations within 10 weeks of issuing your unique reference number (URN), though processing times can occasionally be longer.

If approved, you will receive a registration certificate and a URN. Ofsted will also publish your URN and any inspection reports online.

What you need

Before you begin your application, you’ll need to gather the following:

Enhanced DBS Check: This background check confirms your suitability to work with children. It includes a review of your criminal record against the Police National Computer (PNC) for both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Additionally, any relevant information held locally by police forces that may relate to the child workforce and the specific role is disclosed at the discretion of a Chief Police Officer. This check requires an annual DBS update service to maintain your status, and applicants should register on the update service within 30 days of receiving their DBS check.

Certificate of Good Character: This is required only if you’ve lived outside the country in the past five years to confirm your conduct while abroad. You’ll need to apply either in the specific country or through the relevant embassy in the UK.

Paediatric First Aid Certificate: Completing a paediatric first aid course is mandatory, and this certification must be renewed every three years. Please note that only courses delivered in person are considered suitable.

Childcare Qualification: A minimum Level 2 Childcare qualification is required. If you do not meet this standard, the Level 2 Common Core Skills and Knowledge qualification can be obtained to demonstrate essential childcare knowledge.

Public Liability Insurance: You must have public liability insurance before applying to register as a nanny or starting work as one. If you do not yet have this policy when submitting your registration application, you can still complete your application. However, Ofsted will need confirmation that your insurance is in place before they approve your application.

Once you have these documents, you can begin your application by setting up a government gateway account.

The application process is straightforward, and here is the specific link for nannies.

Costs Involved

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with registering as a nanny:

Time Scales

The timeline for completing your registration as a nanny is as follows:

Important Contact Details

For enquiries and help with registration, you can contact Ofsted here;

Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

Phone: 0300 123 1231.

Direct link to apply on the register:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-join-the-childcare-register-cr1

Insurance company: Morton Mitchel

Email: customerservice@mortonmichel.com

Phone: 0330 058 9861

Website: https://www.mortonmichel.com/

For further details, including specific exemptions, visit the government’s official website.

The London School of Childcare Studies offers all three essential training courses as a package, saving you money compared to buying each separately. This package includes paediatric first aid, common core skills and knowledge and a DBS check. Read more here: Voluntary Register with OFSTED Training Package

* correct at time of posting

Being a Nanny – the best job ever

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Working as a nanny, though it may have started as a random job, may become something much more serious, fulfilling and fun than you initially expected.

Some people think, or even say, that ‘working at home’ is not really a job that can be turned into a career – is that true?

Is a nanny only a second-best substitute for parents when they are not around?

Or is there anything more to their role?

Listening to stories shared by a great deal of nannies who completed various courses at London School of Childcare Studies it turns out that working as a nanny gives as many opportunities to grow, develop and achieve your career goals as any other job that the market has to offer.

The key questions that you need to ask yourself are:

  • Do you like looking after children?
  • What is your favourite age group?
  • Are you a proactive individual keen on using your creativity on daily basis?
  • Are you comfortable about working in somebody else’s home every day?
  • Finally, are you confident and assertive when it comes to discussing challenging issues with children’s parents?

There are no easy answers to some of those questions.

In particular when dealing with difficult parents or difficult children. But it is before you accept a nanny job offer (usually during your trial period) when you need to observe and learn all about the ‘chemistry’ with the family to decide if it is the right match for you. As long as you have a true passion and love for children and you are convinced that the parents will support you when dealing with difficult situations (tantrums, fights, fussy eaters, discipline issues and many more), the nanny job will give you a sense of real self-fulfilment and sheer joy.

Why?

Because what you do is not about beating sales records, dealing with endlessly pilling-up paperwork in an office or hanging on the phone with not-too-happy customers.

Being a nanny is about sharing love with children when their parents are not at home, being a part of their world and teaching them about truly meaningful things, learning to appreciate their hugs, kisses and cuddles that make your days really special. And there are also career prospects for ambitious nannies who want to become qualified child carers in the private sector – they can or even should expect a pay rise when having gained sufficient experience and completed relevant qualifications. The nanny job allows you to combine two very important elements that everyone expects from their ideal job – emotional satisfaction AND fair financial reward. And that is what makes it the best job ever!

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10 Ways to Ruin Your Nanny Interview

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Ten Ways to Ruin Your Nanny Interview

(and How to Avoid Them!)

You’ve got the qualifications and experience, but you didn’t get the job. Why? Sometimes small missteps during an interview can leave the wrong impression. Here are ten common mistakes that could cost you the position—and how to make sure you shine instead.

1. Being Late

Punctuality is essential. Arriving late signals disorganisation and unreliability—qualities no employer wants in a nanny. Employers are busy, often with demanding schedules, so being tardy may raise doubts before the interview even begins. Plan ahead, account for traffic, and aim to arrive early.

2. No Handshake or Eye Contact

First impressions count. Greet your employers with a warm handshake—it’s a simple courtesy that reflects good manners. Maintaining steady eye contact throughout the interview is just as important, and be sure to give equal attention to both employers if more than one is present. Avoiding eye contact can make you seem disengaged, while addressing only one employer may appear disrespectful.

3. Dodging the Parents

While your primary role will involve working with children, engaging with the parents during the interview is crucial. Asking thoughtful questions and offering well-prepared answers demonstrates strong communication skills. For example, mentioning relevant qualifications like sleep training certifications shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.

4. Ignoring the Children

Engaging with the children during the interview is just as important as connecting with the parents. You’re there as a potential carer for their children, so showing that you can bond with them helps build trust and demonstrates your suitability for the role.

5. Dressing Inappropriately

Striking the right balance between professional and practical is key. While it’s important to look polished, remember that nannying is an active role. Choose comfortable, season-appropriate clothing that allows you to get hands-on if asked to interact with the children during the interview.

6. Bad-Mouthing Past Employers

If asked about challenges in previous roles, stay professional and objective. Speaking negatively about a former employer’s routines or decisions can make you seem difficult to work with. Instead, focus on how you handled challenges constructively, demonstrating problem-solving skills and adaptability.

7. Mobile Phone Interruption

Few things disrupt an interview like a ringing phone. Make sure your phone is silenced—or better yet, switch it off entirely. This simple step shows respect for your employers’ time and underscores your professionalism.

8. Rambling On

Balance is everything. Listen attentively to your employers’ questions, and respond with clear, thoughtful answers. Avoid one-word replies, but don’t ramble or dominate the conversation either. A confident and conversational tone will help you leave a positive impression.

9. Asking About Salary and Holiday Times

While pay and time off are important, don’t bring these topics up unless the employers do first. Jumping straight to these questions can make it seem like you’re more focused on personal gain than fitting into their family dynamic. If the topic arises, be ready to back up your expected rate with your qualifications and training.

10. Failing to Prepare

Preparation is key to a successful interview. Take time to research the family and understand their expectations. This effort shows genuine interest in the role and respect for their time, while also helping you tailor your responses to align with their needs.

The Takeaway

Securing a nanny position goes beyond just having the right qualifications; it’s about making a positive, lasting impression. By being prepared, professional, and personable, you can demonstrate your reliability and suitability for the role. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll give yourself the best chance to stand out and show potential employers why you’re the right fit for their family.

For help writing a CV, see our nanny CV template

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CV

How To Write a Good CV

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How to Write a Standout CV

Updated Guidance for 2025

Your CV is your first chance to make an impression on a future employer—it’s the gateway to securing an interview and landing your next role. A well-crafted CV can make all the difference, so it’s essential to ensure it’s polished, professional, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to creating a standout CV, with tips to ensure your application catches the eye of potential employers.

1. Formatting Matters

The layout and design of your CV can leave a lasting first impression. A clean, professional look shows attention to detail and helps employers focus on your qualifications.

  • Use a clear, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10–12.
  • Limit your CV to two A4 pages, highlighting only relevant information.
  • Maintain consistent formatting throughout (e.g., bold all headings and use uniform bullet points).
  • Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
  • Avoid adding a photo unless explicitly requested.
  • Tailor your CV to the job, showcasing qualities and experiences that match the role.

2. Contact Details

Make it easy for employers to reach you with accurate, professional contact information:

  • Full Name: Include your first and last name.
  • Mobile Number: Ensure it’s one you can answer during the day.
  • Email Address: Use a professional email format, e.g., jane.smith@email.com.
  • Location: Specify your town or city rather than your full address for privacy.

3. Personal Statement

Place a short, well-written personal statement at the top of your CV. This brief section (no more than three sentences) should highlight why you’re a strong candidate, encouraging employers to keep reading.

4. Work Experience

List your professional history, starting with your most recent role. For each position, include:

  • Start and end dates (month and year).
  • Job title and employer’s name.
  • A summary of your key duties and achievements. Be specific (e.g., “Supported bottle feeding and managed daily routines for twins aged 6 months”).

If you’ve had numerous short-term roles: Combine them into an overarching summary to avoid repetition.

5. Education and Qualifications

Include your educational background in reverse chronological order, detailing:

  • Schools, colleges, or universities attended.
  • Qualifications achieved, including dates and grades (if relevant).

6. Additional Information

Highlight certifications or details that add value to your application, such as:

  • A valid, up-to-date DBS check.
  • UK full, clean driving licence.
  • Nationality and visa status (if applicable).

7. Interests and Hobbies

Give employers a glimpse of your personality by sharing hobbies and interests that reflect your character and dedication, such as volunteering or skill-based activities.

8. References

Simply state: “References available upon request.” Ensure your referees are prepared to provide a strong recommendation when needed.

Looking for Inspiration?

Explore our sample CV templates for Maternity Nurses and Nannies to see how these principles come to life.

Your CV is your chance to shine—make it count!

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Working hours for live-in nannies. What are your rights?

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Live-in workers and rest breaks

Although UK law gives employees certain statutory rights, domestic employees, including nannies (whether live-in or live-out) are exempt from some of the provisions relating to working time. In particular, they are excluded from the provision that limits the maximum number of hours worked each week to 48. This means that it is lawful for employers to advertise jobs that require a working week that is in excess of 48 hours. However, working hours must be agreed before the employment contract is signed. The employer cannot subsequently give notice of their intention to extend a nanny’s working hours without understanding that this is a renegotiation of contract that the nanny is not obliged to accept.
Despite this, nannies still retain certain rights relating to working time.

Rest breaks during the working day

Domestic workers are entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute rest break for every six hours worked. There is no obligation for this rest break to be paid, and it may take the form of a tea or lunch break. In reality, for nannies this right can be impossible to take up due to the need for the ongoing supervision of the children in their care. Consequently, most nannies recognise that they must be flexible when it comes to rest breaks.

Daily rest periods

For every 24-hour period worked, a nanny is entitled to a daily rest period of at least 11 consecutive hours.

Weekly rest periods

For each week worked, a nanny is entitled to one consecutive 24-hour period off work.

Holidays

A full-time nanny is entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year. This can include bank holidays.

What if it is not possible to take the prescribed rest periods?

Most nannies accept that it will not always be possible to take the rest breaks and periods to which they are entitled. However, there is provision for a worker who has been required to work during a rest period to take compensatory rest later. This should be the same length of time as the rest period that the worker was not able to take. Further information is available from Acas but sometimes it may be necessary to seek specialist legal advice or to look for a new position.

What happens if a nanny is asked to work longer hours than contracted for?

The employer cannot expect additional hours to be worked without agreeing either additional pay, perhaps at an hourly rate, or equivalent time off in lieu. Moreover, the nanny’s rights to rest periods remain applicable.

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So, you would like to become a nanny?

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Being a nanny can be a very fulfilling job and indeed a vocation. A nanny is an extremely important and influential part of a family’s life and is trusted by the parents with the most precious things they have – their children.

Qualifications and Training

  • There are no legal qualifications required to become a nanny.  However, parents will want to be as sure as possible that you can cope with the job, they will be looking for qualifications and experience.
  • There are courses such as CACHE or NVQ but although they are very useful, they often concentrate on childcare within a nursery, pre-school or educational setting rather than a private household.
  • Nanny colleges (Chiltern and Norland) are fantastic, but can be very expensive and last for up to 3 years, so you must be prepared for the cost of fees, uniforms, books and the loss of earnings whilst you are studying. The London School of Childcare Studies (formerly HATAcademy) offers the following practical and great value courses:
  • One way you can show you are serious about being a nanny is to join the voluntary section of the OFSTED Childcare Register.
  • Additional courses or workshop attended will also help to show your capability and willing to a new employer and excel your CV ahead of others.
  • And many more on our website childcarestudies.co.uk

What kind of personality do you need to become a Nanny?

There are certain traits that are expected from a nanny, outside of experience and skills.

If you are thinking about becoming a nanny, ask yourself following questions and take time to contemplate how you would address them:

  • Am I responsible?
  • Am I trustworthy?
  • Am I a good communicator?
  • Am I fit and healthy?
  • Am I good listener and do I get on with people well?
  • Do I have a sense of humour?
  • Am I interested in what is happening around me, do I enjoy learning?
  • Am I safety conscious?
  • Am I empathetic and caring?
  • Am I confident?

Parents will seek many attributes when employing a nanny next to excellent references and experience. If your answers to the questions above will help you in your career – talk about yourself in your CV.

What next?

There are three things parents who are in search of a suitable Nanny will expect:

  1. Your CV
  2. References
  3. A good Interview

 Your CV

Your CV is your first chance to present yourself and parents will be asking themselves questions like:

  • What is your experience so far?
  • Have you looked after the children the same age as theirs?
  • How far did your responsibility extend?
  • How long did you stay in the job?
  • Why you have left?
  • Have you worked in their area?

To improve your CV and experience if you have none:

Contact babysitting agencies, put an ads in local newspapers or newsagents,  post an advert in a local school, ask a neighbour, visit the local playgroup, or after school club and offer to help –  do it for free or for very little money – your objective is to get experience and references

Salary: None or very little

Aim: Gain references and experience

If you have some references and experience or experience with your own family or volunteering as above:

Okay so you enjoy working with children and you are getting a good response from them and those you have worked for. You are confident that you would like to be a Nanny or Childminder.

At this stage considering you may have some references – keep getting babysitting jobs, voluntary work and enrol yourself on our course, or another suitable course.

If you are able going abroad as an Au Pair is a great opportunity to test your ability to work closely with children or a family and gain and good reference.

Salary: Minimum wage £7.50 net for live out if you are over 25. If you are 21 to 24  is £6.95 and 5.55 if you are 18 to 20. Those figure are from April 2017 till March 2018.

 For live in: £120 – £200net ( 25 -35 hours per week)

Aim: Gain references and experience

If you have over 200 hours of experience with good references:

You now understand what working with children involves and can demonstrate this confidently to a future employer both in your CV and in person.

At this point you can really start looking for something more permanent and progress your career. There is always huge demand for live in help, and if you have no commitments I would strongly recommend you go and live with family. You can have an arrangement where you are working and living there and on the weekends you go home.

The type of the position you should be looking for is called Parents Help and is where you are either working alongside the parents or with older children.

If this is not an option, and you only are looking for live out position, it might be slightly harder to find, but it is not impossible. There is a huge demand for after school nannies, where you drop children to school and pick them up after. You do homework with them and prepare their dinner, babysit and so on.

Salary: Junior Parents help – Live out: £7.50 – £8.50, Live in: £ 200 -300 (45- 55hours + babysitting)

Aim: Gain references and experience

After working as a parents help for at least 1 year ( sometimes even 2 years), and having excellent references you will be ready to go out and start to look for a job as a Nanny.

LITTLE TIP: Please note that any ‘good’ Nanny vacancy advertised will receive over 200 replies. So it is extremely crucial that you give yourself the very best start possible!

Nanny CV Template

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Your CV is the very first introduction of who you are as a potential employee and it’s from this that employers will decide on whether to invite you along for an interview.  So, it’s important to make sure that your CV is well written and includes all the key information that employers will need.  This blog post provides a sample nanny CV template and should be read in conjunction with the blog ‘How to write a good CV’ 

 

Nanny McPhee           North West London        07869 596870/nancymcphee@gmail.com

Personal Statement
I am a qualified Ofsted registered Nanny who has completed highly accredited childcare training courses provided by the London School of Childcare Studies.  I have ten years combined experience of working with families with babies and children aged between 0-8, including twins.  I am very passionate about my work, and am always seeking opportunities to provide added value, so that I can play an active role in supporting babies and children’s development and meeting the different needs of families.

Work Experience
To note: as per the guidance provided in the blog ‘How to write a good CV’, this section provides two layout options to choose from (a) listing longer-term roles and (b) providing a summary where you have a high number of similar short-term work experience placements.

Option A – layout option to use when you have several distinct (including longer-term) roles.

March 2015 – Aug 2018                      Brown Family             Nanny
General Duties.  I looked after a boy and girl set of twins from six months until they started pre-school.  Duties have included: general care such as the preparation of healthy meals and snacks, bathing and dressing children, and changing nappies; providing development opportunities such as taking children out on trips to broaden their experiences, encouraging children to learn through play, and providing opportunities for the twins to mix with other children through play dates; doing nursery and school runs and taking children to appointments; tidying up and cleaning rooms used by the children; and record keeping.

Jan 2014 – Feb 2015                          Cedar Family              Live-in Nanny
General Duties.  I looked after two siblings from the ages one and three.  Duties included: xxx; xxx; and xxx.

August 2011 – Dec 2013                  McLeod Family          Live-in Nanny
General Duties. I looked after xxx

Option B – layout summary option to use when you have multiple similar short-term roles.

 Sept 2016 – Feb 2018 Night Nanny working for various families
General Duties. I have worked with various families as a Night Nanny with babies and children ranging from six months to five years old.  The length of roles have ranged from one night through to several weeks, depending on the needs of individual families.  Duties have included: overnight care for babies and children; night feeding by either bringing the baby to the parents for feeding, or feeding the baby with a bottle; changing nannies, clothing and bed-linen; helping babies and children to get dressed in the morning; and keeping a detailed log to help parents keep track of their baby’s routines, feeding times and sleeping patterns.

Education and qualifications
March 2018 Common Core Skills and Knowledge Course – Ofsted voluntary registration, London School of Childcare Studies.
Jan 2017 – Oct 2017 –  CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Workforce, London School of Childcare Studies.
June 2007, Ofsted compliant paediatric first aid certificate, London School of Childcare Studies.
Sept 1997 – July 1999: G.C.S.E’s  in Maths (c), English (c), Biology (b) and Sociology (b).

Additional relevant information
I am Ofsted registered; hold a UK Driver’s Licence (Clean Record); have an up-to-date DBS check; and hold relevant insurance.

Interests and Hobbies
Reading, knitting, baking, and sports.

References available on request

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Hermit Nanny

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‘ Are you a hermit Nanny?’

Being a Nanny is a fantastic and rewarding career choice. People decide to embark on this type of work because not only do they love taking care of children, but they also love the idea of being able to take those children on adventures.
Picnics, trips to the park, the zoo, playdates. There are plenty of opportunities for children to explore the world around them with their Nanny.
However, for some Nanny’s this really isn’t something that is possible. They may find that they have taken up work in a family that is not suitable to what they are looking for. It may be that they feel uncomfortable about allowing someone else to take their children out, or they may just out and out not trust you to be able to monitor their children whilst they are away from the home.

As a Nanny this can be incredibly demoralising. After all, your main hope is always that the person that employs you trusts you. But there can be some other reasons why it may not be ideal to become a hermit Nanny.

Being a hermit can be lonely

Working as a Nanny can lead to a touch of loneliness. Whilst you will have the children to talk to, that is about your limit, which means that you can feel all alone and that you have no-one around you. A great way to combat this is by heading out and about. Not only will it allow you to escape from the house, and those feelings of being pent up, but it will also give you the opportunity to speak to people and be social.

Is it good for the children?

Another reason why being a hermit Nanny might not be the ideal approach is because it isn’t entirely great news for the children. Just like adults, kids don’t like being stuck in at home. They need to let off steam and escape from the four walls of being indoors.

If you don’t get the chance to head out and about with them then you may find that their behaviour isn’t the best, which can make the job that little bit harder for you!

Make sure that you check the terms before you agree to the work

If the idea of being stuck at home with the children is not one that you like. Then you really need to avoid any situations whereby you could become a hermit Nanny. Make sure that you check with your prospective employers before you agree to take up the job. The last thing that you want is to find that you are working with kids that you love, but in an environment that isn’t one that you want to be.
Working as a Nanny is great, particularly if you love kids. However, it can be a lonely job at times. Rather than find yourself getting disappointed in your career choice, and considering making a move, try to change your habits to make it work better for you!

5 Reasons Why being a Nanny is an Excellent Career Foundation

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Negotiation Skills

Anybody who has had to negotiate a three-year-old out of a tantrum will know that it can make the G8 summit look like a walk in the park. No seriously. As a nanny not only will you have to negotiate your days off, job perks and the petty cash for your charges, but also how to convince the little ones that greens are the new sweets.

Whether you develop your future career upward into a management role in childcare or whether you take your skills with you into an entirely new sphere, those nannies that have experienced the world of daily negotiation can potentially become excellent sales and marketing executives, lawyers or mediators.

Flexibility

Being a nanny means being available. Changes in working hours can happen overnight. Most full-time nannies also go on holiday with their charges and employers and may need to change their personal plans last minute because of changes in the family.

This kind of flexibility shows an ability to adapt and grow, and is an exceptionally valuable trait in most professions that require progression.

Employers, particularly in environments where there is rapid growth and change truly value people with the capacity to manage change without copious amounts of fallout. Having been a nanny for several years will certainly illustrate this valuable asset that you bring to the table.

Taking orders diplomatically

Nannies have to be able to take instructions, even ones they don’t like. Combining this with the diplomacy of the first skill mentioned above, negotiation, you will have a very powerful set of skills. Being able to take orders, negotiate and advise at the same time, makes an excellent face of the business staff opportunity and future employers won’t miss this.

Confidentiality

Nannies are often the gatekeepers for the privacy of the families they care for. How well you do this, both by not spilling the beans about what really goes on in your employer’s household or by what you find out about their working lives, will build you a reputation of trustworthiness that is akin to golden goose in todays world. Whether you are climbing the ladder to become a celebrity nanny or aiming to move into the world of finance or law, this single trait will make you a star choice.

Leadership

Looking after children means having to make decisions all the time. Many of those decisions are split second and have to be calm and rational. These decisions also impact on the wellbeing of others, not simply the children in your care, but also your employers and others around you. A CV illustrating a successful career as a nanny shows your ability to manage people both children and adults, situations both domestic and business and a combination of the other traits make you perfect as a candidate into almost any other industry.

Training as a nanny could well be the first step on the ladder to greatness you could never have imagined. Get trained now. HATA provides training and placement services for nannies and childcarers in the UK, and also for Nannies coming to the UK from abroad.

Visit our courses to find out more.

Top ten ways to mess up your nanny interview!

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You fit the criteria, but you don’t get the job…Why?

Being late

Obvious one I know, but this immediately tells the parents that you are disorganised as you haven’t left yourself enough time to find their address. Also showing up late demonstrates your unreliability and the one thing parents really need is reliability. They are busy and also have demanding jobs of their own which is why they are interviewing for a nanny. Showing up late simply throws doubt into their minds before your interview even begins.

No handshake or eye contact

Greeting parents with a handshake is just a common courtesy and immediately says a lot about your manners which will reflect how you influence their children. It is also important to maintain good eye contact throughout the interview and to give equal attention to both parents. Avoiding eye contact can make you look a little shifty. Also by only addressing one parent with your eyes as you speak, may come across as rude.

Dodging the parents

It is of course important to engage with the parents not just the children. This demonstrates to the parents your communications skills which is essential for a working relationship to be successful. Also on that same note, it’s important to come along with some sensible questions and with some well thought out answers appropriate for the position. This demonstrates to them that you have done your homework and are serious about the position.  Remember to speak about any courses you may have been on like the LSCS Sleep Training for Babies course for that might help them to understand why you would be a great asset to their family.

Ignoring the Children

Engaging with the children is as crucial as it is with the parents. You are there as a potential nanny to their offspring, so show them that you can interact with them. It also demonstrates your ability to build up a connection with their children which will give parents confidence in your skills as a nanny and show off your training

Dressing inappropriately

Remember that this isn’t a night out and if it’s winter or summer, you should dress appropriately for the seasons. Keep it professional yet practical, this isn’t an office job. You will be required to play with their children and they may ask you or often expect some interaction with their children at the interview.

Bad mouthing about the past employer

The parents may ask if you can name any difficult experiences in your past roles and how you dealt with them. This is not a cue to then relay how you couldn’t stand the routine that Mrs X set out. Try to be objective, professional and use your common sense. It’s never appropriate to bad mouth your previous employers.

Mobile phone interruption

Put your phone on silent. There is nothing more annoying than a phone going off in an interview. This again demonstrates a lack of professionalism.

Rambling on

Avoid talking too much. It’s important to listen to what your employers are saying and at the same time avoid long breaks or speaking quietly, use a clear voice and show confidence when responding to their questions. Also don’t make it feel like your employers have to try hard just to get an answer, so avoid one word replies! The interview gives you an excellent chance to show your personality but it is important to get the balance right.

Asking about salary and holiday times

This should only be brought up when the employer brings it up, otherwise it can make you look like you are only interested in what you can gain. There is nothing wrong with having an expected hourly rate but be sure to back it up with references to your nanny training and the credentials of your training agency such as the London School of Childcare Studies. Remember as a nanny you are most likely to become part of their family. Therefore coming across with a clinical approach on your very first meeting isn’t going to be appealing to your future employers. Again this reinforces how important it is to do your homework before even agreeing to an interview to avoid wasting yours and the employer’s time.

Nanny survival guide – 5 top tips for travelling with families

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Be prepared

Before you go have a proper chat with your bosses about what they expect, where you’re going, what there is to do with the kids and in your time off, when you’ll be working (and when you’ll be free), and what you need to take! The more information you have ahead the fewer questions you’ll need to ask when you’re there and you can just get on with it. Earn uber-nanny points for preparing easily portable activities for the plane/train/car ride.

Lend a hand

Keeping with the theme here (Brownie points if you spot it) muck in if you find you’re standing idle. Your bosses will appreciate it and you’ll reap the rewards later. Besides if you’re at a villa in the middle of nowhere or on a desert island you don’t have anything better to do. Great nannies don’t always just take the fun jobs like playing in the pool with the kids though – they let the parents do that and prepare lunch/tidy up or let the parents finish their meal in peace while everyone else goes back to chill out and get ready for bed.

Let it go, let it go….

Not your circus, not your monkeys. Your bosses are going to do things differently when they’re in charge so let them. It’s not worth winding yourself up over anything. What happens on holiday stays on holiday for the parents (sadly not for you!) so you probably won’t see their best parenting. They’re going to give in to demands for ice cream and bedtime will be way later than you think reasonable! But unless they’re expecting you to uphold the rules you need to shrug and plan a week of getting back on track when you get home.

Take 5

Sometimes you need space. Go have a nap, go for a walk, lock yourself in the loo (just make sure there’s more than one before you do this). Taking a break before it all gets too much preserves everyone’s sanity. If you’re not used to living in then having a bit of headspace is even more important for everyone. Just let your boss know that you need a bit of time away for your own sanity and you’ll come back refreshed.

Enjoy!

It might not be your holiday but nobody wants a Moaning Minnie along so make like Pollyanna and see the positives all around. Sun and a pool or even a beach beats staying at home!