How to Become a Nanny (UK)

If you have experience in childcare, or you simply enjoy working with children, you may have considered a career as a nanny. There are several factors to think through before you begin, including whether you want to work full-time or part-time, whether a live-in nanny role would suit you and the type of family home or early years setting you would feel most comfortable working in. Depending on your clients’ needs, you may also need specific training, certification or additional skills to work as a nanny at the highest standard.

A career as a professional nanny offers the opportunity to support children’s lives at a formative stage. Nanny roles combine child care, education and support, requiring knowledge of child development, safeguarding children and creating a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. Starting with the right qualifications, relevant courses and early years experience can provide a strong foundation for a long-term career, whether you remain in home based childcare, move into early years settings or pursue further education, teaching or a work placement abroad.

Here, Nannies Matter explains how to become a nanny in the UK, the qualifications and nanny courses that may support your career and the experience and training that families and employers often look for.

What qualifications do you need to become a nanny?

There is no legal requirement to hold formal qualifications to work as a nanny in the UK. Many people begin by volunteering, completing a work placement or gaining experience by becoming home-based workers for families.  Apprenticeships and entry-level roles can also help learners and students develop practical skills while working directly with children.

That said, completing relevant courses can strengthen your knowledge, improve job prospects and demonstrate commitment to professional development. Many families and agencies value candidates who have invested in training related to early years, child protection and health and safety.

College courses

There are several college courses that are suitable for those seeking a career in childcare and childminding. The UK government suggests that Level 1 awards in Safeguarding and Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings are both a good way to gain a foundational understanding of childcare.

There are also courses available at Level 2, including the Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce and the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, introduced by the UK government in 2019. While you do not usually need qualifications to become a nanny, these courses can help you to understand your legal responsibilities and many will combine classroom-based learning with work experience, so this can be a good first step into the industry.

The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework

Although there is no requirement to earn a qualification, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is mandatory for all educators, childminders and early years providers who are responsible for children from birth until the age of four years old. Introduced in September 2021, the EYFS framework specifies the learning, development, safeguarding and welfare requirements that must be fulfilled by early years providers.

As such, you should be familiar with the framework and the responsibilities you will have as a childcare professional. Your employer may also provide resources on this, but it is ultimately your responsibility to properly provide for the children in your care. The framework is a useful resource, as it can also help to identify developmental problems or other challenges that children may be facing.

DBS check

While not a qualification, it is very important that you pass a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before working with children. For most roles in childcare, you will need an enhanced DBS check and a children’s barred list check, which will review your criminal record to confirm that you are not banned from working with children or vulnerable adults. These checks can only be arranged through your employer, and are a legal requirement for certain types of regulated activity (including childminding).

As well as their employers, childminders can also apply for enhanced DBS checks through Ofsted. If you are self-employed, you must apply for roles through a recruiting agency or other organisation. They can apply for the type of enhanced DBS check you require on your behalf.
Depending on the role you are interested in, you may require other qualifications or be asked to attend training due to the varying needs of different roles. For example, you may need to obtain a first aid certificate, although it will be up to your employer whether you must achieve this yourself before starting the job, or whether they will pay for your first aid training.

Is prior experience necessary to work as a nanny in the UK?

Previous experience is not a legal requirement, but it is valued by families and nanny agencies. Experience may come from nurseries, schools, early years settings, babysitting roles or volunteering. This practical exposure supports understanding of children’s behaviour, learning needs and daily routines.

For those entering child care for the first time, volunteering or completing a work placement in a school or nursery can help build confidence and knowledge. Ongoing professional development through courses and workshops also demonstrates commitment to the role and supports long-term career progression.

What duties does a nanny take on?

Aside from formal training, working as a nanny involves a broad range of duties that extend beyond supervision. While responsibilities vary by family, most roles require a balanced approach to care, learning and support.

Typical duties include:

• Child development: supporting physical, emotional and social development through play, educational games and age-appropriate learning activities.
• Safety and wellbeing: maintaining a safe environment, understanding child protection procedures and responding appropriately to health concerns or emergencies, including first aid.
• Nutrition: preparing healthy meals and snacks that meet children’s dietary needs and support good hygiene and food safety.
• Routine management: managing daily routines such as school runs, naps, hygiene and bedtime.
• Educational support: helping with schoolwork, reading and learning activities that support development across different ages.
• Emotional support: providing stability, reassurance and a nurturing environment within the family home.
• Communication: keeping parents informed about progress, activities and any concerns.

Some roles, such as a nanny housekeeper, also involve light household duties related to the children, such as laundry, tidying play areas or preparing meals.

Building and maintaining family relationships

Strong relationships with parents and families are central to working successfully as a professional nanny. Trust, communication and consistency help support children’s wellbeing and create a positive working environment.

This includes maintaining open communication with parents, respecting privacy, demonstrating reliability around working hours, and adapting to each family’s routines and values. Families may also expect flexibility around extracurricular activities, school schedules and childcare costs, which should be discussed clearly during the interview stage.

Ongoing training, membership of a professional association and continued learning all demonstrate commitment to the role and support long-term relationships with clients.

What is the standard working schedule for a nanny in the UK?

The standard working schedule for a nanny varies based on the specific needs and preferences of the family you are working for. Typically, full-time nannies work between 40 to 50 hours per week, but this can be reduced depending on the agreement with the family. Live-in nannies might have a more structured schedule, which often includes early starts and late finishes aligned with the children's routine.
Part-time positions are also common and can range from a few hours each day to longer shifts on certain days of the week. It is important to have a clear contract or agreement that stipulates your working hours, any potential overtime, and expectations regarding flexibility.
Nannies may also be required to work evenings, weekends or overnight stays, especially when covering for parents' work commitments or social engagements. A successful nanny will maintain open and honest communication with the family to ensure that their work schedule is clear, manageable and respectful of their personal time and commitments.

Do you need a driver's licence to be a nanny in the UK?

A driving licence is not legally required, but it can widen job opportunities. Many families prefer nannies who can drive children to school, appointments or extracurricular activities, particularly in areas with limited public transport.
If driving is part of the role, appropriate insurance must be in place, whether using a family vehicle or your own.

Nannies Matter can help

If you feel like you have what it takes to deliver an exceptional standard of care, consider working with us. Nannies Matter can help you to understand the relevant qualifications for nanny work and how to make yourself more employable. You can browse our current job listings, or get in touch by calling us on 07736 337065 or filling in the contact form on this page.