How to Become a Nanny in England

While you don’t need formal qualifications to start nanny work, having the right soft skills, qualifications and training can make you much more employable and give parents confidence in your skills. Other than a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, there are no legal requirements, but there are several steps you can take to build a better foundation for a career as a childcare professional.

This guide explains how to become a nanny in England, from gaining relevant qualifications and first aid training, to understanding your responsibilities and how a professional agency like Nannies Matter can help you find your next position.

What Qualifications Help You Become a Nanny?

There are a few courses at the college and foundation levels that can provide you with the qualifications and experience required to become an employable nanny:

• Level 1 Safeguarding and Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings: this foundation course covers core principles of child protection, wellbeing and supporting families.

• Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce: a qualification that helps you build knowledge of daily activities, educational support, and the legal responsibilities of working with children.

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner: this childcare training course is ideal for those planning to work with pre-school age children, as it provides essential insight into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• First Aid Training: up-to-date paediatric first aid training is strongly recommended. Most families expect nannies to be prepared to handle minor injuries or sudden illness confidently.

If you’re planning to work with children under the age of five, it can be helpful to learn about the Early Years Foundation Stage. This framework sets out standards for supporting young children’s learning, development and safety. Nannies working in private households aren’t required to hold a formal EYFS qualification, but it can help you to structure care and activities, and is often attractive to parents.

If you’d like to specialise in a certain area, such as caring for children with additional needs, you might consider courses in newborn care, sleep support or SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).

What Is a DBS Check?

Before you can work as a nanny, you’ll need an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. This criminal record check confirms you’re not barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Employers must arrange DBS checks for their employees. Depending on their preferences, they may arrange a private DBS check or go through Ofsted. Becoming an Ofsted-registered nanny may help you to be more employable in the eyes of future employers who are familiar with Ofsted. This rule still applies to self-employed nannies, who must organise their DBS checks through an agency.

The process varies slightly depending on whether you are self-employed or applying through an agency like Nannies Matter. We will provide you with a free DBS check upon a job offer to the successful candidate.

Skills and Qualities Families Look For

Professional nannies should bring a combination of training, experience and personal qualities that make them stand out. While each family’s expectations are unique, some qualities are valued in almost every household:

• Organisation: taking on the role of a carer in a household means planning activities thoughtfully and managing time effectively. You may need to make sure meals are ready and that nursery, school and extracurricular drop-offs all run on time.

• Adaptability: you’ll need to be able to adjust plans at short notice and come up with something new, as it’s not always possible to predict what challenges you’ll face. Each family will also have their own standards and routines, meaning every placement will be different.

• Communication: parents need to feel they can rely on their nanny to step in confidently and take responsibility when needed. Being able to communicate in a clear and open way with both parents and children is an important way to build this kind of trust.

• Commitment: families value consistency. A professional nanny should be someone they can rely on over the long term.

Most importantly, great nannies genuinely care about the children they look after and take pride in supporting their development. Read more about how to be a good nanny

What Does a Typical Nanny Role Involve?

While every role is different, there are common aspects of nanny work you should be prepared for:

• Looking after children in the family’s home, often supporting a consistent routine.

• Preparing healthy meals and snacks.

• Managing nursery and school runs.

• Creating safe, engaging activities that suit the child’s age.

• Supporting learning and development through play and conversation.

• Helping with light household tasks related to the children’s care.

Some roles are live-in, while others are live-out, where the nanny travels to the family each day. Your working hours, pay and duties will depend on what each family requires and what you agree together. Learn more about what’s expected of a nanny.

How Can You Gain Experience?

Many people looking to be childcare professionals start by working as teaching assistants, nursery workers or even volunteering with children to gain experience in this field. Work placements and part-time positions can help you develop your skills and demonstrate your commitment to potential employers.

Hands-on experience in a family’s house can often be just as valuable as formal experience. Many families seek nannies who can demonstrate a genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing, along with a proven track record of helping them thrive. Good references and examples of situations where you’ve supported a child’s development or managed a busy household can make a strong impression on prospective employers.

Ongoing Support and Career Development

The most respected nanny agencies understand that working with children is a profession and that nannies need support to be effective at their jobs. At Nannies Matter, we provide guidance to our nannies on:

• Finding the right position with a family who shares your values.

• Understanding employment terms, including pay and working hours.

• Preparing for interviews and presenting your experience confidently.

• Securing ongoing support as you settle into your new role.

If you’re committed to making a difference in children’s lives, we’ll help you build a career you can be proud of.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact Nannies Matter today to find your next nanny role. Call us today on 07736 337065, or fill out an online contact form and we will get back to you.