Having spent almost 10 years of my career working as a Professional Private Nanny, I always felt so privileged and rewarded by my responsibilities of being entrusted with parents most precious possessions, their children. I continue to feel extremely passionate about the reputation of the Nanny industry, keen for it to be identified as a viable Professional Career option to those who find Childcare as their calling.

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with the very enthusiatic Norland Nanny in training, Amelia Thomas-Sloley. I took the opportunity to ask her professional and personal opinion on what it takes to be a Professional Career Nanny.

Having worked part time as a Private Nanny before successfully joining set 42 at the Prestigious Norland College in Bath and with the knowledge that the Nanny industry is unregulated (thus meaning you can be unqualified and hold no experience of caring for children and still find yourself in employed Nanny role) why did you decide to undertake further studies in Early Years before formally beginning your journey as a career Nanny? 

”My heart was set on going to Norland after my Grandma introduced me to the College when I was twelve years old. I wanted to continue to study in order to gain a better understanding of the Early Years.  Because of Norland’s amazing reputation, I knew that if I trained with Norland I would be training to become the very best. ”

How do you believe your studies will help you prepare for your future career as a Private Nanny? 

” Studying both the BA Early Years Degree and the Norland Diploma will equip me with both the academic knowledge and practical skills that I will need for the future. One of the modules at Norland is based around our ‘professional development’.  This module encourages Nannies at Norland to continually work on their own knowledge and skills.  We are constantly preparing for our future career, which will allow me to be prepared to do the best job I can when working with children and families.  ” 

Do you feel Nannies should undertake formal qualifications in childcare before undertaking a Sole Charge position and why?

 ”Yes! Nannies, along with parents, help to create the foundation of a child’s life. A child is constantly learning from the environment around them and also from the nanny that is in sole charge of them. Based on that I believe that nannies are teachers and if teachers must have a degree in order to work with children – why shouldn’t nannies? ”

How do you think your studies have prepared you to Implement National Government Standards for Early Years (EYFS) in the field of work? 

” Studying at Norland, is definitely preparing me to use the EYFS in my work. One of the ways that I am achieving this is through the many placements that I am experiencing during my time at Norland. So far I have completed placements in more than one family setting, at a nursery school, pre-school and a special educational needs school. Whilst on placement at these settings I have been able to see the way in which the EYFS has been implemented within their policies and procedures. While attending the placements I also carry out observations and activities on children that link to development milestones; this can only serve to strengthen my own practice. ”

I have always been utterly astounded by the innovation and multifaceted approach that Norland College Early Years training offers to its very fortunate and hardworking students. I can only praise their teaching excellence and achievement of providing families a world class Nanny; who is prepared to nurture and educate children in an ever changing world. The fact that they have been able to achieve this for over 125 years is even more of an amazing feat. Now in your second year of studies at Norland College, what lesson has been your most enjoyable? 

”I feel so lucky to be studying at Norland so naturally I enjoy everything we do. If I had to choose one area I most enjoy I would say food and nutrition. I really enjoy learning and making new recipes along with learning the nutritional value of foods. We are taught how to wean a child and other skills such as batch cooking. Here are some pictures of some things I have made to date. ”

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of applying to undertake further education at Norland College?

”To anyone thinking of applying to Norland, I would highly recommend attending one of the open days. I attended when I was twelve years old and it gave me a focus and reason to work hard at school. I was determined and uncompromising in what I wanted to become. For that reason, I would highly recommend that potential candidates should attend one of Norland’s open days. Future Norlanders would be able to view the amazing facilities, speak with our knowledgeable and supportive lectures and even question our current students about their own experiences. Here is the link to book to visit on an open day https://www.norland.ac.uk/college/visit/ .”

I’d like to thank Amelia for offering me her precious time during her studies and Norland for their support on this blog.

To follow Amelia’s Norland Nanny Journey Find here on Instagram click here

Dominique x

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