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
    Average age
    25 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Very strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    97% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    43 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $953
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Lower skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    23% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    8,500 workers
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
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