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.

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

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.

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.

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• be over 18 years of age

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

As a nanny, 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
• record children's progress for the family

You could work at a client's home.