When considering a career as a nanny, the most important requirement is that you genuinely enjoy children, have patience with children, be well organised and look forward to making an important contribution to them and their families.

What is a nanny?
Nannies care for children in private households. Nannies may be employed full or part time, evenings and/or weekends. Most nannies in South Australia do not live in the home although if you are planning on being a governess this may be live-in. All positions vary from one family to the next. You are required to provide one on one care to the children, planning creative activities and proving a safe environment. Your role will also include having good communication skills to discuss with families regarding the child’s routines along with organising meals and sleep times.

The nanny’s role is to provide support to the family by serving as a loving, nurturing and trustworthy companion to the children. A nanny offers the family convenient, high quality care to meet each child’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs.

What does a nanny do?
A nanny is responsible for the complete care of babies and young children. Duties include tending to each child’s basic physical needs, meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, providing behavioural guidelines and disciplining when appropriate, intellectual stimulation, language activities and provide transportation when required. Housekeeping responsibilities are kept to minimum, although primarily child related. Flexibility and reliability are essential skills for every nanny, along with being able to work unsupervised. Nannies become an essential part of the family, and many become part of the family.