What do I need to register as a nanny at A Perfect Balance Nanny Agency?

A recognised Child Care qualification.

Two years relevant and paid Child Care experience.

A valid Enhanced CRB disclosure.

A valid First Aid Certificate.

2 recent passport size photos. (face only please)

Proof of address by form of two utility bills.

Three relevant references relating to child care.

An up to date CV.

A perfect Balance Nanny Agency accepts Nannies who have one of the following recognised childcare qualifications?

CACHE   (The Council for Awards in Childcare and Education), have recently taken over the conduct of this diploma and now also award a one-year certificate in Childcare and Education. What the course involves: 14 different modules covering both theory and practical areas of childcare.

An NNEB (DCE) diploma in nursery nursing indicates the holder undertook a full time 2-year course covering the ages of 0-7. This is probably the most widely recognised qualification and gives student's hands on experience in addition to the academic course which covers the physical, social, educational, intellectual and emotional needs of different ages. Other areas of study include health and hygiene, play and first aid.

GNVQ courses are seen as vocational alternative to A levels. They are administered by City and Guilds and are aimed to cover Childcare and related studies. GNVQ Levels 2, 3 & 4 can take up to two years to complete and are competence based. Students are given hands on experience and subject to assessment in the workplace. What the course involves:

Level 2: assessed in a range of competencies dealing with children's physical, emotional and social development.
Level 3: assessed across 15 units including ability to work and care for children without supervision and management and support for parents and family.
Level 4: assessed for the ability to run and develop a play area and supervise other staff.

NVQ National Vocational Qualifications are assessed within the workplace where students have to prove that they have achieved a certain level of competence and capability. Students have to complete 15 modules and courses can take up to two years to complete:                                                                                                 

NVQ Level 2: is a qualification obtained by a childcare worker in a supervised role, e.g. a nursery assistant. NRQ Level 3: can be obtained by professional childcare workers and could be considered the equivalent of a DCE . A child carer undertaking this training shows a commitment to learning about high quality childcare. An experienced childminder or mother's help could apply to be assessed at this level. NVQ Level 4 is undertaken by a childcare worker who would already be trained to management level - and tends to be more academically challenging.

ADCE (Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education). This is an advanced      course open only to experienced Childcarers. What the course involves: Advanced course work dealing with special educational needs and with appraisal and training methods of childcare and education.

A BTEC National Diploma in Child Studies (Nursery Nursing) indicates the holder studied for a full time course of a higher level than the NNEB diploma. The course places more emphasis on the academic work and includes modules for those interested in teaching, nursing, social work and childcare. This BTEC diploma is a full time two-year course .

The NAMWC Certificate (National Association of Maternal and Child Welfare) is aimed at 16-18 year olds and covers children from 0-Teenagers, whilst an advanced certificate is aimed at more mature students such as Childminders who wish to study for a Professional Qualification.

Private Colleges offering specialist training include the Norland Nanny College, The Princess Christian College and The Chiltern Nanny Training College. Courses are 2 years and are generally followed by a probationary period of 6-9 months. A wide range of subjects are studied and students are awarded the NNEB and Health Diploma.

Other Qualifications include the Pre-School Play-Group Diploma and The Montessori Childcare and Teaching Diploma . The Montessori Diploma is a privately run course which is taken either full time or by correspondence and covers children aged 2-7. The course promotes the philosophy of Maria Montessori who believes in Children's ability to teach themselves within a structured learning environment.

We have compiled a list of interview questions which can be used as a useful guide.

1. Family background, do you have any brothers or sisters.  
2. Why did you decide to become a nanny?"
3. What are your reasons for leaving your current nanny position?
4. Tell me about your experiences of being a nanny?
5. What is it about nannying that you enjoy the most?"
6. In your opinion what qualities make a good nanny?
7. Have you ever had a period of unemployment if so why?
8. If there is a gap in the CV, ask what the nanny was doing for that period of time.
9. Are you willing to work additional hours, baby-sitting evenings and weekends?
10. What are your interest in your spare time?  
11. What was a typical day as a nanny in your previous nanny position?
12. Why do you think you are suitable for this nanny position?
13. What are you qualities when caring for children?
14. How would you entertain my child (ren) on a day-to-day basis?
15. How would you keep them occupied on a wet day?
16. What artistic /creative talents do you have as a nanny?
17. At what level can you cook?
18. What nutritious children's meals can you cook for a chid aged (edit children's age)?
19. How do you feel children should be discipline? How do you see your role in disciplining my child/children?
20. What experience have you had with children and what ages were they?
21. As a nanny what your particular strengths and qualities?
22. What difficulties have you experienced as a nanny with parents or children and how were they resolved?
23. How many days have you had of sick in the last 12 months?
24. Are there any areas of your work that you want to improve?
25. What would you do if .....(make up a scenario)....?
26. What type of activities do you find valuable and enjoyable for children, are they free or expensive?
27. Why do you feel that routine is important for children?
28. Do you have any health related issues we should know about?
29. What do you consider are your nanny qualities with regard to looking after children?
30. What are you looking for in your next nanny position?
31. Are you trained in First Aid? What would you do in the case of:
    (a) a bad cut
    (b) a burn
    (c) a blow to the head
    (d) choking
    (e) high fever?
32. Remember to ask to see a driving licence.
33. When did you pass your driving test?
34. Have you had any accidents?
35. What type of car do you drive?
36. Does your car have rear seat belts?
    What type of car insurance do you have?
37. Have you got insurance for taking employers' children in your car?
38. When would you be available to start a new position?
39. Would you accept the position if it was offered to you?

Do I need a visa or work permit to work as a nanny?

You will need to have a visa or work permit if you are from any country outside the EU. This is something that you will need to arrange yourself directly with the Home Office.

What is an Enhanced CRB Disclosure?                                                             
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is an Executive Agency of the Home Office, which provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure Service. This service enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that involve children or vulnerable adults. The CRB was established under Part V of the Police Act 1997 and was launched in March 2002.
The current legislation does not allow the self-employed or individuals to apply for a CRB check on themselves. In addition, parents who employ a nanny/au pair/babysitter directly cannot apply for a CRB check; however, if an agency supplies the nanny/au pair/babysitter, the agency is entitled to carry out a CRB check.
For further information please go to http://www.crb.gov.uk

Are Enhanced CRB Disclosures portable?

Portability refers to the re-use of a CRB check (Disclosure), obtained for a position in one organisation and later used for another position in another organisation.
Please note: The CRB procedures no longer facilitate portability. Any organisations or individuals that choose to accept a previously issued CRB Disclosure do so at their own risk.