Career Growth for Nannies

For nannies, career advancement is not only possible but increasingly valued as families look for highly qualified, specialised childcare providers.

Today, nannies can carve out rewarding careers with a range of specialisations—from newborn care to educational roles—while increasing their marketability and earning potential.

PURSUE CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Obtaining professional certifications and training is a powerful way for nannies to advance their careers and command higher pay. In the UK and EU, several training options are highly regarded, including:

- Paediatric First Aid Certification: This is an absolute must requirement for nannies! Regularly updating first aid skills ensures that nannies can provide safe, responsive care.

- CACHE Diploma in Early Years Education: This diploma, awarded by the Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education (CACHE), is well-respected in the UK. It provides a foundation in early years care and education, enhancing a nanny’s understanding of child development.

- Newborn Care Specialist (NCS): For those interested in infant care, completing NCS training provides knowledge of newborn development, sleep routines, and feeding, which are essential for nannies looking to specialise in this area.

Several organisations, such as Norland College in the UK, offer internationally renowned training programmes. Norland graduates are highly sought after due to the college’s rigorous curriculum, which combines practical nanny skills with broader child development and household management education.

SPECIALISE IN NEWBORN & INFANT CARE

Specialising in newborn and infant care is a growing trend, where Newborn Care Specialists (NCS) are in high demand. Many families seek specialists who understand the nuances of infant care, such as sleep training, lactation support, and infant safety.

Becoming a recognised Newborn Care Specialist can offer opportunities to work on a consultancy basis, with roles often more flexible and higher paid. In the UK, nannies can complete NCS training with institutions like Babyem, which offer courses tailored for those looking to specialise in newborn care.

TRANSITION INTO GOVERNESS OR PRIVATE EDUCATOR ROLES

For nannies with an educational focus, transitioning to a governess or private educator role is a great option. Governesses typically work with school-aged children, providing support for academic learning, and language development, and sometimes overseeing homeschooling curriculums.

In the UK, qualifications such as a degree in Early Childhood Education or certifications from organisations like Montessori Centre International can be advantageous. Nannies in EU countries with similar education-focused certifications also have a distinct advantage in securing governess roles.

These positions tend to offer increased earning potential, particularly with families who prioritise structured learning or prefer private education tailored to their child’s needs.

TRAIN IN A SPECIALISED EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Many families are seeking nannies familiar with educational philosophies like Montessori and Reggio Emilia, which promote child-led learning and creative problem-solving. Nannies can enhance their appeal by completing training courses specific to these approaches, which are available both in-person and online.

Language skills are also highly valued, especially in international cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. Bilingual nannies or those certified to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) can often command higher salaries. Knowledge of a second language, particularly French, Spanish, or Mandarin, is a major advantage in many UK and EU roles.

ADVANCE TO FAMILY ASSISTANT OR HEAD NANNY ROLES

With experience, many nannies move into broader, senior roles as family assistants or head nannies, especially within larger families or busy households. Family assistants manage a blend of childcare and household tasks, such as coordinating children’s schedules, arranging travel, assisting with errands, and supporting family routines. Head nannies, meanwhile, take on a leadership role within the household’s childcare team, often supervising junior nannies or other household staff and ensuring that all aspects of childcare run smoothly.

In large families, head nannies can be invaluable for overseeing the day-to-day care and education of multiple children, providing continuity, and acting as a key liaison between parents and the childcare team. For nannies passionate about mentoring, some may also consider transitioning into nanny trainer roles, where they support, train, and mentor other nannies on best childcare practices.

This type of career progression can lead to higher salaries and greater responsibilities, especially for nannies who have established a strong, trusting relationship with the family. For those in the UK, institutions such as the British Butler Institute and Norland College offer courses and workshops in advanced childcare skills and household management, equipping senior nannies to thrive in these expanded roles.

CONSIDER CONSULTANCY OR COACHING ROLES

For experienced nannies, offering consultancy or coaching services is an exciting way to leverage expertise in a new capacity. Consultants might guide parents in creating routines, designing developmental play, or managing sleep training. Similarly, nanny coaches offer mentorship to less experienced nannies, helping them navigate the challenges of the profession and develop career paths of their own.

This type of work is often flexible and can be done remotely or as a freelance business. It’s particularly appealing for senior nannies who want to transition away from direct childcare while still contributing to the field. In the UK, groups like Nanny & Child Consultancy provide platforms and training for nannies looking to enter this field.

TRANSITION INTO A SLEEP TRAINING SPECIALIST OR CHILD DEVELOPMENT COACH

Sleep training is a significant area of demand, where many families seek professionals skilled in creating sleep routines and addressing sleep issues with young children. Certified sleep consultants often work on a per-client basis and can specialise in newborns, infants, or toddlers. Training in sleep consulting, such as those offered by institutions like the London School of Childcare Studies, enables nannies to specialise in this much-needed service.

Child development coaching is another growth area, where nannies work with families to support children’s social, emotional, and physical development. This type of specialisation requires in-depth knowledge of child psychology and development, making it ideal for nannies with a strong academic background or those interested in consulting on child growth.

The career of a nanny offers ample opportunities for growth, with pathways leading to higher pay, greater responsibility, and more specialised work. From pursuing certifications in newborn care to transitioning into roles like governess or household manager, each step represents an investment in skills that can bring both professional and personal rewards.

For nannies committed to developing their careers, the options are as diverse as the families they serve. By choosing pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, and the specific demands of the UK and EU markets, nannies can shape rewarding careers that go beyond childcare, impacting families in deeply meaningful ways.