How to become a nanny

How to become a nanny

Nannies are home-based childcarers, aged 18 or over, working in a family’s home to care for their children from tiny babies to school-aged young adults. They can either live in or live out. They are employed by the family or families – as part of a nanny-share – they work for and, unlike childminders, they are not self-employed.

There are no obligatory entry requirements or any compulsory training to work as a nanny but most nannies do have childcare qualifications, paediatric first-aid and safeguarding training. In fact, it would be hard for you to find employment without these. (See the section on training here for more information.)

There is no compulsory registration for nannies, but you can join the Ofsted childcare register in England or the Care Inspectorate Wales. In Scotland, the onus is on the nanny agency, rather than the nanny to register with and be inspected by the Care Inspectorate.

It is mandatory to have public liability insurance to join the register as a nanny.

Once initial training is complete, you have taken out insurance and completed registration, you are ready to look for work.