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Nanny

Nannies care for children as employees in private households.

Nannies employed full time may be required to live in their employers' homes.

They may also be required to work in the evenings and on weekends.

TASKS

Nannies may perform the following tasks:

care for babies or young children by feeding, washing and dressing them, as well as by supervising their play and learning activities
plan creative play and learning activities and organise meal and sleep times
develop and/or maintain appropriate routines
communicate with parents to ensure their preferences regarding child care are maintained
safeguard children against potential dangers, such as swimming pools, kitchen utensils, poisons and stairs
take children to school, kindergarten and other activities
plan and prepare nutritious snacks and meals for children and possibly the family
care for and maintain children's belongings, bedrooms and play areas
take sole charge of children for extended periods while parents are absent from home
arrange and supervise outings
apply first aid and take appropriate action in cases of accident or emergency
perform light housekeeping duties when applicable, such as laundry or meal preparation

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

patient and mature with a willingness to accept responsibility
good organisation skills
able to work with young children
able to work unsupervised
good communication skills
reliable
able to multi-task
flexible and resourceful

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Governess - supervises and tutors children (including school-age children) in educational programmes within private households. These positions are usually in remote locations.

Mother's Helper - assists new mothers with the additional work involved with the arrival of a new baby. They also care for other children, clean and cook meals.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a nanny without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in early childhood education and care or school age education and care. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a nanny through a traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care or School Age Education and Care.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

To work as a nanny, you must obtain a Working with Children Check from the Office of the Children's Guardian. To work with children in the ACT, you need to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People Check from the Office of Regulatory Services. A National Police Certificate may also be required.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Employers and agencies have a strong preference for applicants with recognised qualifications and references. Opportunities for qualified Australian nannies are available overseas, especially in the United Kingdom, Europe, the USA and Canada.