Thinking About Starting a Career as a Nanny? Read This First
Working as a nanny can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it's important to understand that it's much more than just playing with children. As a nanny, you're responsible for supporting children's development, managing routines and building professional relationships with families.
Whether you're considering nannying as your first career or looking to move into childcare from another role, here are a few things worth knowing before you get started.
Understanding the Role
No two nanny jobs are exactly the same. Some nannies work with one child, while others care for multiple siblings. You might work as a live-in or live-out nanny, and responsibilities can vary depending on the family's needs.
Typical duties may include:
• Planning activities and outings
• Preparing meals and snacks
• Supporting homework and school projects
• Managing routines and organising children's schedules
• School runs and nursery drop-offs
• Helping with children's laundry and keeping play areas tidy
If you're just getting started and need help putting your experience into a childcare-focused format, you can download my free Nanny CV Template.
Understanding Employment Rights
Before accepting a role, it's important to understand how employment works in the UK.
National Minimum Wage
As of April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Most professional nannies earn considerably more, with pay varying depending on experience, qualifications, duties and location. London and specialist roles often attract higher salaries.
Tax and National Insurance
If you're employed directly by a family, they are responsible for paying tax and National Insurance through PAYE. If you're self-employed, you'll need to manage your own taxes and may need to complete a Self Assessment with HMRC.
DBS Checks
Most families will expect you to have an enhanced DBS check and it's important to keep this up to date.
Ofsted Registration
Many nannies choose to register with Ofsted. Although it's optional, registration allows parents to use certain childcare schemes and can make you more attractive to some employers. To register, you'll need paediatric first aid training and a relevant childcare qualification.
Build a Professional Portfolio
Having a professional portfolio can help you secure better opportunities.
Consider keeping copies of:
• Your CV
• References
• DBS certificate
• Paediatric First Aid certificate
• Childcare qualifications
• Relevant training certificates
• Written testimonials
• Photos of activities you've planned (without children's faces visible)
Continue Learning
You don't need to have every qualification under the sun before becoming a nanny, but ongoing training is always worthwhile.
Some popular courses include:
• Paediatric First Aid
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Food Hygiene
• SEN Training
• Baby and toddler development
• Autism awareness
Many excellent courses are available online and don't have to cost a fortune. Check out my list of recommended qualifications here.
Set Expectations Early
One of the biggest lessons many nannies learn is that clear communication matters.
Having a written contract, discussing duties from the beginning and checking in regularly with families can prevent a lot of misunderstandings later on.
Being flexible is important, but so are boundaries.
Is Nannying a Good Career?
Absolutely. Many nannies spend decades in the profession and build wonderful relationships with the families they work with. No two days are the same, and there are opportunities to specialise, travel, work with HNW families or move into related areas of childcare.
If you're thinking about becoming a nanny and would like some support, feel free to download my free CV template or explore my coaching and CV services. You don't have to figure everything out on your own.