We have provided a summary of the qualifications that you are most likely to encounter. To get more information on these, visit the relevant websites of the awarding bodies as well as government facilities such as Direct Gov or OFSTED advice. Also bear in mind that most professional nannies will have voluntarily registered with OFSTED – this will help you with voucher payments, as well as providing reassurance that the nanny takes her profession seriously.
Not all nannies are inspected by OFSTED, but those that register do need to meet certain minimum requirements, such as regular First Aid training. Families should always double check what those requirements are at any given time, and if those requirements meet their own.
CACHE – CACHE is the Government recognised qualification 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 from birth to 16). This was previously known as the NNEB.
- BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Early Years (this course covers good practice in a range of childcare settings).
GNVQ
- The NVQ levels 3 & 4 are equivalent to the CACHE Diploma but are based on experience-led training, such as working in a nursery.
- Independent nanny training colleges, which award their own diplomas.