Nannies - qualifications and skills

Most agencies and families looking to employ a nanny should expect them to have a childcare qualification, although this isn’t a legal requirement. On this page you will find a guide to the qualifications and skills you can expect a good nanny to have.

Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Education (CACHE)

CACHE is the officially recognised Awarding Body for Early Years, Care and Education, and Playwork. Relevant qualifications awarded by CACHE include:

• Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education (this covers working with children under eight, including those with special needs)
• Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare (created with the National Childminding Association, this course gives nannies the skills to develop children aged 0 to 16)

• CACHE website
• Find your local centre - CACHE website

Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA)

NICMA, the Northern Ireland Childminding Association, works to support and develop registered home-based childcare. A voluntary organisation with charitable status, NICMA provides a range of services to support childminders, parents and children.

• Northern Ireland Child Minding Association (contacts section)

Other things to look for

A good nanny should:

• be able to plan and arrange safe, fun learning opportunities
• know how to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks
• have first aid training
• have driving experience if required
• show good organisational skills
• have an interest in children as individuals, and a confident and positive personality
• have experience of working with children of various ages, in a variety of different settings  

More useful links

• Choosing a school
• Getting involved with schools and your child's education