Being a nanny is an amazing occupation that can be quite versatile.
Ideally, the specified job role of a nanny will depend mostly on the family involved and their needs.
The main role of a nanny is to assist parents and children, often to the point where they become a part of the family.
But always remember that Nannying is a professional occupation that has the same obligations and entitlements as any employment arrangement.
Before moving on to job descriptions and benefits, what exactly is a Professional Nanny?
Nanny Job Description and Responsibilities
For any family seeking a great nanny, you should look for a qualified and experienced nanny with references.
Nanny Qualifications and Skills Required
- A Working with Children Check (WWCC) or Blue Card is a legal requirement for any person involved in caring for children.
- A CPR or First Aid qualification
- Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience.
- Degree or studying towards a degree in education or similar fields.
- Experience or qualification in dealing with the needs of children.
- Good communication skills.
- Child-focused mindset.
- Compassionate towards children.
- Health and Safety conscious.
- Valid Driver’s licence is also really helpful.
The Basic Duties of a Nanny
Being a nanny can cover lots of different duties, but a few duties you can expect and discuss are:
- Assisting parents and children.
- Providing after-school care.
- Providing personalised care for children in their homes.
- Tidying and organising the children’s rooms and play areas.
- Basic nursery Care and tidying.
- Doing the children’s laundry.
- Feeding and preparing meals for children.
- Helping with homework and schoolwork.
- Providing educational and creative stimulation.
- Children’s safety must be the number one priority.
- Bathing and putting children to bed as needed.
- Taking part in Outdoor activities with children.
- Accompanying children to school and social events.
- Organising and keeping a calendar of children’s social and school events.
- Transporting children to and from school, and other events.
- Light household tasks such as preparing meals, doing dishes, and laundry.
Additional Responsibilities and Duties
Nannies are occasionally asked to perform additional and specialised duties, such as:
- Accompanying families on trips and vacations.
- After-hours care if needed for an emergency or outing.
- Doing Household tasks as far as accepted by the nanny.
- Newborn Care and assisting new mothers.
Recommended Work Hours for a Nanny
Work hours can either be set or more flexible for a nanny position. Most nannies work a full week, from Monday to Friday with set work hours.
Work hours will often start when parents leave for work and end when the parents return from work, but every family is different and it’s important to discuss a suitable arrangement for both the family and the nanny.
Nannies are entitled to paid leave and sick leave. Employers can request additional hours, or after-hours, in an emergency. However, it is not an expected duty and will carry additional costs.
How Should a Nanny Conduct Themselves
Besides the stated duties and responsibilities, there should be a professional respect between the nanny and the family.
Behaviour and Professional Conduct from the Employer
- Parents must respect their nanny and respectfully speak to them.
- The nanny’s privacy and personal time must be respected.
- Employers should not pry into the personal lives of their nannies.
- Nannies cannot be expected to do domestic housework and cleaning. This is unless these tasks are discussed and agreed to.
- Wages must be paid consistently, on the specified date, and in full.
- Employers cannot make deductions from wages.
- Employers are not to constantly disturb, or phone their nanny during off times. Only when it’s an emergency.
Behavior and Professional Conduct Expected from a Nanny
- Respectful conduct and communication are vital.
- The nanny must respect the employer’s privacy and personal time.
- The nanny must respect and take care of the employer’s belongings.
- Children must be treated with compassion and understanding.
- Never argue in front of the children.
- Avoid any harsh language or cuss words.
These are just a few basic principles, but the key is understanding the home becomes a workplace and both parents and nannies need to engage in a professional environment.
The aim is to have a happy and well-cared-for home and family. Working together as a unit, while still respecting each other’s space and boundaries is indispensable in a work and family relationship.
Last Thoughts
A few last thoughts to leave you with.
Families become very attached and close to their nannies, and vice versa. Though, keep in mind it is still a professional relationship.
To build a good relationship, make sure the expectations and rules are agreed to up front, and that both sides conduct themselves professionally during the engagement.
