How to become a Nanny
Nannies care for children as employees in private households.
Personal requirements for a Nanny
- 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
Education & Training for a Nanny
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 and you may like to consider a VET course. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a nanny through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
To work as a nanny you must obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate and a Working with Children Check. You will also need extremely good references.
Duties & Tasks of a Nanny
Nannies:
- 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.
Tasks
- Supervises children in recreational activities.
- Supervises the hygiene of children.
- Supervises the daily routine of children.
- Entertains children by reading and playing games.
- Manages children's behaviour and guides children's social development.
- Prepares and conducts activities for children.
- Assists in the preparation of materials and equipment for children's education and recreational activities.
Working conditions for a Nanny
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.
Employment Opportunities for a Nanny
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.
Specializations
Governess
A 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
A 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.
Nanny
Nannies care for children as employees in private households.
Average age
25 years
Future Growth
Very strong
Gender Share
97% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$953
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
23% Full-Time
Employment Size
8,500 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.1%
NSW: 37.3%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 18.1%
SA: 5.1%
TAS: 0.8%
VIC: 27.1%
WA: 8.9%Age brackets
15-19: 19.1%
20-24: 27.9%
25-34: 23%
35-44: 9.7%
45-54: 9%
55-59: 5%
60-64: 3.9%
65 and Over: 2.5%Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 13.5%
Bachelor degree: 14.6%
Certificate III/IV: 14.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.3%
Year 10 and below: 10.7%
Year 11: 4.9%
Year 12: 38.3%