London Nanny Jobs
Families and agencies across London are always looking to fill nanny jobs, though a range of skills and social attributes are often required to land one.
Far from being a glorified babysitter, the post of a London nanny usually encompasses a wide range of responsibilities.
These can include everything from chauffeur, teaching assistant, languages coach and occasional cook. In light of this, such extra responsibilities are often reflected in attractive salaries or perks.
Professional and Academic Requirements
A significant proportion of London nannies manage to land their job with no formal qualifications, with impeccable references often the most important piece of paper an employer is looking for.
That said, there are a number of qualifications that can help prospective nannies stand out from the crowd when seeking employment.
Specifically, a Diploma in Childcare and Education or Learning and Development, or else a BTEC or CACHE certificate in any of these areas, is likely to be seen as an attractive bonus by employers, though graduates of one of the many prestigious 'nanny finishing schools' are at an even greater advantage.
Alongside proven childcare skills, London families may also want to see evidence of first aid skills, while a driving licence is often highly necessary and many London parents may also want a bilingual nanny to help with their child's development.
Personal Attributes
Make no mistake about it, however, employers are just as concerned with a prospective nanny's social skills and demeanour as they are with their formal qualifications.
While the days of wanting a chirpy Mary Poppins figure around the house are long gone, the best nannies tend to display a keen interest in children, the ability to cope well under pressure, excellent organisational skills and a willingness to turn their hand to anything.
Additionally, the best nannies also tend to have a good sense of humour while being sensible, as well as being creative and able to think of stimulating ways in which to keep their charges entertained and educated on a daily basis.
Potential Rewards
For many, the prospect of working with children and seeing their charges develop is reward enough.
That aside, there are also a range of benefits that can come with nanny jobs in London.
With the added cost of London living in mind, employers in the capital tend to pay reasonably well, with salaries in the region of £20,000 not unheard of, though those working for wealthy families and taking on a range of responsibilities such as informal teaching and language training can earn considerably more.
Live-in nannies usually tend to benefit from free bed and board - though may then just get a relatively small wage equivalent to a bit of 'spending money' - with the use of a car and free holidays also relatively commonplace perks of the job.
Possible Drawbacks
Though most people go into a career as a nanny due to their love of working with people, should these people not be agreeable, then the work can be burdensome and far from enjoyable.
Aside from the relatively-low London pay, other potential downsides include having to take on everyday household chores not in keeping with a properly-qualified professional, having to work well outside of a standard 37-hour week and often having to move families on a semi-regular basis.
Biggest Employers
There are thousands of nannies employed by families all across London, with new positions opening up each day.
Going directly, then classified ads, or better still word-of-mouth, can be a good means of landing a position.
However, it's also possible to go through one of the many nanny agencies established in London, with this often the best means of enjoying steady employment or landing a plum job in Knightsbridge or Chelsea.
Among the biggest names in the capital are Imperial Nannies, the London Nanny Company and Simply Angelic.
