Qualifications & Courses

Recommended Courses for Nannies
At the National Nanny Association UK, we encourage learning to help nannies excel in their profession and ensure the highest quality of care. While the UK nanny industry remains unregulated, and you do not legally need anything to become a Nanny, completing relevant courses and qualifications can give you a competitive edge and provide families with peace of mind, as well as set a professional high quality base level, which we would like all Nannies to have in the UK. The courses below are the minimum courses we feel a professional Nanny should have.
Recommended Courses to Help You Build and Strengthen Your Skills
Paediatric First Aid (12-Hour Course)
Why it’s important: This course is essential for any nanny or child carer, equipping you with the skills to handle emergency situations and provide immediate care to children in your care.
- Certification: Recognised by Ofsted and required for nannies on the voluntary childcare register. 12 Hour Paediatric Course.
- Topics Covered: Infant CPR, managing injuries, choking, burns, and allergic reactions in children and infants.
- Where to Take: British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Mini First Aid, Daisy First Aid, Tiger Lily, Child Matters, Riverside Training or other accredited providers
Early Childhood Studies Degree
Why it’s important:
A BA in Early Years Childhood Studies is an undergraduate degree that provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with children and their families.
This course covers a range of topics, including education, health, social care, and early childhood development. Learners often develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and learn how to apply theory and research to real-world situations.
This qualification can be topped up to Early Years Teacher status with studying for a further year.
Many universities cover this qualification, as well as Norland College.
Safeguarding Children (Child Protection)
Why it’s important: Safeguarding training teaches you how to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, and other risks, and how to act appropriately to protect the children in your care.
- Certification: Often mandatory for childcare roles, especially in regulated settings, we feel Nannies also need to have this training. Abuse can happen anywhere.
- Topics Covered: Identifying risks, reporting procedures, child welfare laws, and ensuring a safe environment.
- Where to Take: Free Courses in England, NSPCC, Childcare.co.uk, London School of Childcare, Riverside Training, and other trusted providers.
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home based Childcare-The Nanny Route
Why it’s important: This qualification is highly regarded in the childcare industry, providing a deep understanding of child development and the principles of early years education.
- Certification: Nationally recognised and suited for those aiming to work as a professional nanny or as a childminder.
- Topics Covered: Child development, play-based learning, health and safety, and working with families.
- Where to Take: City & Guilds, CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education) London School of Childcare, Oxbridge, Pacey, Open Study College.
Food Hygiene for Childcare
Why it’s important: Preparing healthy meals and snacks for children is a core part of a nanny’s role. This course ensures you understand food safety regulations, how to store food properly, and how to prepare meals in a hygienic manner.
- Certification: A Level 2 or 3 Food Safety certificate is ideal for nannies.
- Topics Covered: A Level 2 or 3 Food Safety certificate is ideal for nannies.
- Where to Take: Online providers such as The Food Hygiene Company, Caredemy, Childcare.co.uk, PACEY.
Maternity and Newborn/Postpartum Training
Why it’s important: For nannies working with infants or planning to specialise in newborn care or branch into maternity nursing, this course provides critical knowledge about newborn development, feeding, and sleep routines.
- Certification: Level 3 or 4 Maternity Practitioner Course.
- Topics Covered: Infant care, breastfeeding, sleep training, and supporting new parents.
- Where to Take: NEST (Newborn Education Services & Training), Babyem, or other specialist providers.
Behaviour Management Courses
Why it’s important: Understanding how to manage children’s behaviour in a positive and constructive way is crucial for creating a calm and nurturing environment.
- Certification: Some courses offer CPD points.
- Topics Covered: Positive discipline, understanding child psychology, dealing with tantrums, and promoting emotional well-being.
- Where to Take: Online platforms like PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) Childcare.co.uk, High Speed Training, Free Courses in England, Learn Direct.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Awareness Training
Why it’s important: This course prepares you to work with children who have special educational needs or disabilities, ensuring their individual needs are met with care and respect.
- Certification: Lots of different courses on SEN.
- Topics Covered: Understanding different types of SEN, strategies for inclusion, working with parents and specialists.
- Where to Take: Local education authorities, CACHE, or SEND training providers such as High Speed Training, Free Courses in England, The Open University, Futurelearn, Creative Education.
Nanny Insurance
Why it’s important: Protecting both nannies and the families they work with.
Accidents and unexpected events can happen, and having appropriate insurance—such as public liability and professional indemnity coverage—ensures that nannies are safeguarded against potential legal or financial risks. By securing insurance, nannies demonstrate professionalism and commitment to providing a safe environment for the children in their care. Recommended providers like NannyInsure, Morton Michel, and PACEY offer tailored insurance packages designed specifically for the needs of nannies
The cost of nanny insurance in the UK typically ranges from £59 to £150 per year, depending on the level of coverage and the provider.
Continuous Professional Development
Why it’s important:
CPD) is essential for nannies who are committed to providing the highest standard of care.
At the National Nanny Association, we encourage our members to embrace CPD as a pathway to maintaining up-to-date knowledge, enhancing confidence, and ensuring personal well-being.
CPD not only strengthens a nanny’s skill set but also ensures they are well-prepared to handle the evolving challenges in childcare with professionalism and care.
One fantastic way to engage in CPD is by attending NannyCon, an annual event led by childcare expert Shada Lambert. NannyCon 2025 will offer a diverse range of workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities, keeping nannies at the forefront of best practices and fostering a supportive community of professionals.
To secure your spot or learn more,visit NannyCon’s official website.