Most agencies and families looking to employ a nanny may expect them to have a childcare qualification although this isn’t a legal requirement. Years of experience is also invaluable. Listed below is a guide to the qualifications and skills you may expect a good nanny to have.
Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Educations (CACHE)
CACHE is the officially recognised Awarding Body for Early Years, Care and Education, and Playwork. Relevant qualifications awarded by CACHE include:
- Level 3, NVQ Level 3 and Diploma in Childcare and Education (this covers working with children under eight, including those with special needs).
- Level 3, NVQ Level 3 and Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development.
- Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare (created with the National Childminding Association, this course gives nannies the skills to develop children aged 0 to 16).
- BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Early Years (this course covers good practice in a range of childcare settings)
- NVQ Level 4 in Childcare Learning and Development. This level is for people working in technical, professional, management or developmental roles. The qualifications are equivalent to Certificates of Higher Education.
CACHE was formerly known as the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) and National Association for Maternal and Child Welfare (NAMCW).
Nannies with NNEB and NAWCW are equivalent to the NVQ Level 3 and BTEC qualifications of today.
Many nannies also hold degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Childhood Studies, Childhood and Youth Studies, and similar.