Skills

As well as having a love of children, nannies need to be equipped with a wide range of skills which will prepare them for the daily challenges of looking after children. These include:

• A special interest in the personal and social development of children
• A trustworthy character
• Able to establish good working relations with parents, children and other carers
• A responsible attitude to the job
• The ability to cope well under pressure
• The ability to stay calm in stressful or challenging situations
• Willingto engage in domestic activities such as washing and tidying
• A creative approach and good imagination
• The ability to plan stimulating activities
• Good organisational skills
• An awareness of potential dangers to children
• A basic knowledge of first aid for children
• Patience and tolerance
• A good sense of humour
• A commitment to the job and hardworking attitude
• Good interpersonal skills
• A range of practical abilities
• High levels of energy and stamina
• A reasonable level of physical fitness
• A flexible attitude and willingness to work extra hours sometimes at short notice

Responsibilities

A nanny’s responsibilities will vary according to the age of the children she or he works with. If the children are babies or very young, the nanny’s responsibilities will be to provide for all of their basic needs. This will include:

• Dressing
• Feeding
• Winding
• Nappy changing
• Bathing

If the children are older and can feed and dress themselves the nanny’s responsibilities are more likely to include:

• Taking the children on outings
• Dropping the children at school or playgroup
• Teaching basic social skills
• Playing with and entertaining the children
• Helping the children with their school work
• Organising crafts and other activities
• Assisting with the mental and physical development of the children

Being a nanny could also involve ‘nursery duties’ – any jobs which are associated with the daily care of an infant or child such as:

• Preparing meals
• Tidying the nursery
• Washing sheets
• Washing clothes