Different types of nanny training

If you would like to talk to someone about nanny training, or to find out which nanny agencies are in your area, please contact the Association of Nanny Agencies on 07513 702091.

Working in childcare should be a great honour to those who choose to follow this as their career choice – being given the opportunity to help, support, encourage the children in their care, having that position of trust from the parents, being that good role model for children as they grow up, giving them the best possible opportunities to do the best they can. Working in childcare can be very rewarding, it can also be very hard work.

Whilst some may see working with children as playing around all day – there is so much more to it than that! Whilst some families may choose nursery or a childminder as their childcare provision, others would prefer to have a home-based provision such as a Nanny.

A Nanny will provide one to one care and interaction with the children in the comfort of the families own home, taking care of their daily needs, planning the day for the children with age appropriate activities to encourage learning and development. A Nanny should offer more flexibility to parents, especially those who work unusual hours.

Every nanny is different, this could be in the way they have trained in childcare, their approach to working with children, as well as their personality which may be perfect for a family environment. One thing is certain, a nanny will provide the very best care and support that they can, understanding that their own continuous learning and development is extremely important in keeping their own skills, knowledge and experience up to date.

Training Development Courses and Qualifications for Nannies are numerous and varied, and can be confusing, some agencies will offer training courses, whilst others will work with third party companies who specialise in specific training.

Nanny Training options include:

Professional Nanny Training Course (CACHE approved) this 6 module training course is run by Project Action London and covers elements specific to the working as a nanny in a family home environment. The modules include:

  • Understanding the role of the nanny;
  • Introduction to Early Years Foundation Stage;
  • Child development;
  • Providing healthy meals;
  • Maintaining professional relationships;
  • Health and safety and secure environment.
  • Paediatric First Aid for Nannies, Au Pairs and Maternity Nurses (Ofsted approved)
  • Managing Challenging Behaviour
  • Sleep Training Course
  • NSPCC Safeguarding of Children
  • NSPCC Child Protection Awareness
  • Basic Food Hygiene Level 2 CIEH
  • Babysitting Course

For those who have already completed some training, qualifications may include:

(CACHE) Council for Award in Childcare and Education There are qualifications on a wide range of topics from Entry Level through to Level 5.

  • Entry Level and Level 1 – caring for children; introduction to early years settings; preparation for childcare.
  • Level 2 – child care; child development; children and young people’s workforce; babysitting; responsibilities of parenting; paediatric first aid; nutrition; food safety; supporting individuals with learning disabilities. These do not qualify someone to work with children but does support them in preparing for their “next steps” either in training or moving towards work.
  • Level 3 – children and young people’s workforce; home-based childcare; pre-school practice; speech, language and communication. These qualifications are suitable if individuals are working or will be working unsupervised. They will either qualify them to work with children & young people or will complement a wider program of training, such as apprenticeships.
  • Level 4 – managing quality standards; obtaining additional finance.
  • Level 5 – leadership; managing finance; safeguarding.

Visit the CACHE website to see the full range of CACHE qualifications, designed for people wanting to work or who are already working with children or young people.

The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) and BTEC Higher National Diploma – An initiative to give people with experience, but no formal qualifications, the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification. This is not an academic qualification but based on practical experience in the work place where students have to prove that they have achieved a certain level of competence and capability.

  • NVQ Level 2 in Childcare and Education and NVQ Level 2 in Child Care and Education (Work with Babies – level 2) – These are qualifications obtained by a childcare worker in a supervised role, e.g. a nursery assistant, playgroup worker a childminder, or a mother’s help.
  • NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education – This can be obtained by professional childcare workers and could be considered the equivalent of an NNEB. A childcarer undertaking this training shows a commitment to learning about high quality childcare. An experienced childminder, nursery nurse or mothers help could be assessed at this level.
  • The NVQ level 4 – Undertaken by a childcare worker who would already be trained to management level.
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing) – A full time course that is the equivalent of the first year of a degree.
  • BTEC National Diploma Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing) – A full time course covering all aspects of the care and development of children aged 0 – 7yrs. This course involved two day a week placements on a variety of settings – schools, home and preschools. This course is on a par with NNEB but is of a higher academic level.
  • BTEC National Certificate Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing) – A part-time course which is equivalent to two A-levels, NVQ level 3, Advanced GNVQ, or relevant work experience.

Montessori – The Montessori Method is an internationally renowned qualification. It is a method and philosophy that gives much more individual attention to the child and his/her needs and encourages him/her to develop at his or her own pace. It is a holistic curriculum that aims to develop the child socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Maternity Nurse Training – A Maternity Nurse provides care for newborn babies in the baby’s home, undertaking all work associated with caring for the baby during its first few months of life. Courses offered by third party providers:

Any Candidate applying for a place on any Maternity nanny course must have proven experience working sole charge with new-born babies in a home environment.

The NNEB Training is no longer taught, however those who have completed a NNEB diploma in nursery nursing indicates that the holder undertook a full time 2-year course covering the ages of 0-7. The course covered the physical, social, educational, intellectual and emotional needs of different ages. Other areas of study included health and hygiene, play and first aid.

College Training

Norland Training – BA (Hons) in Early Years Development & Learning with the Norland Diploma – The Norland early years degree is unique. It is a 3 year full time course that combines degree level study with practical sessions and experience with children, enabling you to put the theory into practice. Running alongside the degree, and for one year after you have left the college, you will work towards achieving the prestigious Norland Diploma. It is this qualification that sets you apart from other early years professionals and adds an even greater array of practical skills and experience to your early years toolkit.

Chiltern College Nanny & Childcare Award – a 2 year course incorporating the Level 3 CACHE Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)