Why should I complete an OCN-London Certified Course?

The internet is a great tool for professional development with plenty of blogs, information sites, videos and even courses available. So if you are thinking about taking one of the International Nanny Institute’s courses designed specifically with nannies in mind, you might be wondering how being certified by OCN-London benefits you. Here are some of the ways that our accreditation by OCN- London benefits you as a student and as a nanny:

Quality assurance

All of the courses at International Nanny Institute are certified by OCN-London, a UK national not-for-profit awarding body that creates and awards qualifications. OCN-London qualifications are internationally recognised and ensure that you will receive recognition for your learning from a nationally recognised Awarding Organisation. OCN London quality assures the content and assessment of courses developed in this way and issues a record of achievement to learners who successfully complete the accredited bespoke course. This benefits learners in many ways, for example:

  • There is extensive quality assurance by a national awarding organisation of both course content and assessment
  • OCN London works with providers to ensure that bespoke course that are tailor made to meet learner requirements
  • Learners who successfully complete a course receive from OCN London a record of achievement.

Developed specifically for nannies

Whilst our courses are quality assured and accredited by OCN London, they are written by professionals in the field. OCN-London has partnered with us to develop qualifications that meet the specific needs of our students. The International Nanny Institute  courses have been written by a team of experts who are committed to maintaining high standards and staying up-to-date in the field of childcare. Having worked as nannies themselves, our experts apply their academic knowledge to your role as a nanny, which ensures you are provided with relevant, practical advice.  This means that the courses have been tailor-made for nannies and will also be well suited to their day-to-day work.

A record of your achievement

OCN-London makes sure that all students receive a meaningful certificate acknowledging the completion of the course they have attended. This ensures that you maintain a record of your achievement for yourself and to evidence your qualification to others.

Internationally recognised

OCN-London is an internationally recognised accrediting board, which means that wherever you go in the world, your qualification will be recognised and taken seriously. This is especially relevant for nannies who move or travel worldwide, but can be just as important for nannies staying in their home country too. With so many different qualifications available, having one accredited by an internationally recognised board like OCN-London can help to reassure employers that you have studied and earned a credible and worthwhile qualification.

If these benefits make you feel that studying with the International Nanny Institute to gain an OCN-London certified course is right for you, then find out more about our courses here.

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Why should I get certified by the International Nanny Institute?

The International Nanny Institute is a leading education centre that provides practical and comprehensive domestic childcare-related courses online. We design our courses to train and educate nannies, au pairs, babysitters and childminders. Maybe you have just discovered us, or maybe you have been considering enrolling in one of our courses for a while and are wondering what the benefits of being certified by the International Nanny Institute are. Well, here we list the reasons why  being certified by us is the right  choice!

Designed with nannies in mind

International Nanny

With an array of different courses available across the internet, it can be difficult to know which to choose. The International Nanny Institute  courses have been written by a team of experts who have worked as nannies themselves, this means that the courses have been designed with nannies in mind and will be well suited to their day-to-day work. Not only are our courses full of academic information from experts in child development, nutrition, paediatrics, SEN and more, but they are also directly applicable to your work as a nanny in a  way that more general childcare courses may not be.

Study online

All International Nanny Institute courses are easily available for study on your home computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, making it easy for busy professionals to continue their education and study at their own pace. This flexibility allows you to complete your studies during your free time in the evenings, on the weekends or even during your commute. 

Set your own pace

Our courses consist of 4 weekly, in-depth training sessions supplemented with a quiz for checking your understanding. We also offer an interactive group forum so you can discuss what you are learning with other students worldwide. Our forums can help foster understanding, learning and personal development on a deeper level. All of our courses are taught online and take about  60 hours to complete, but students are given an 8-week window for each course, leaving you in control of how and when you study. We don’t set the deadlines, you do!

Stay up to date

International Nanny Agency

We have produced a range of courses covering a wide base of topics, so there’s sure to be something you will find interesting and relevant.  We are passionate about keeping child care providers up to date with important topics and want to help them follow the latest best practice, so we’re always developing new courses in response to current needs. Checking back or subscribing to our email is a good way to ensure that you don’t miss out on new courses that could keep your professional knowledge up to date.

Build your career

The International Nanny Institute is passionate about empowering and raising the standards of domestic child carers as professionals in their fields.  We believe the nanny profession is a meaningful, worthwhile career and want to help nannies to develop and reach their own career goals. To help achieve this aim, we are constantly developing courses and programmes that will help you to take control of your career and meet your personal, professional and academic goals. Our courses also help you to stand out from other applicants, landing you more interviews, more often.

Boost your confidence

When you feel up-to-date with your professional knowledge and skills, and in control of your career journey, you feel more confident. In a profession where you often need to take control and set your own goals, targets and schedules, confidence is key. Studying with the International Nanny Institute can help to raise your confidence allowing you to feel secure when performing your role.

If you think studying with us is right for you, find out more and register for a course or programme today. Come and visit our website at www.international-nanny.institute today! We can’t wait to have you on board!

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International Nanny Institute

We’re excited to announce that the International Nanny Academy has now become the International Nanny Institute. We pride ourselves for being  “an organisation whose purpose is to advance the study of a particular subject” which is how the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary defines an Institute, and so, we’ve decided to change our name to reflect our aim. In our case, the particular subject we are committed to advance the study of, is childcare in general, and nannying in particular.

The International Nanny Institute provides practical and comprehensive childcare related courses designed to train and educate nannies, au pairs, babysitters and childminders.  Our courses are designed by a team of experts including child psychologists, nutritionists, teachers, paediatric nurses and SEN specialists who are committed to maintaining high standards and staying up-to-date in the field of childcare. 

Other than our name, nothing else has changed; The International Nanny Institute is more passionate than ever about empowering and raising the standards of domestic child carers as professionals in their fields.

5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Nanny

After shortlisting suitable candidates for a position, the next step is to arrange interviews where you can get to know the shortlisted candidates a little better and ask all the necessary questions. Some parents find it challenging to come up with a list of effective questions when interviewing a nanny, after all it is a very specific role, and one that matters a great deal to the hiring family. Here are 5 important questions you should ask when interviewing a potential nanny.

1.      How long have they been in this profession?

This is a great starter question that allows a candidate some space to talk about their experience and a nanny, in childcare, or working in education. After this, you should ask about the age groups they have worked with. which age group they prefer to work with and why. You can also ask about any other experience they had that helps them understand children better, for example they may have spent some time working as a teacher, gymnastics coach, nursery nurse or have children of their own.

2.      Are they trained and educated?

It is essential that whoever you hire is well-trained in CPR and first aid because children tend to get hurt while playing, and should the worst happen you want someone who knows what to do. You can also ask them if they have taken any classes or have any qualifications in childcare, or if they are willing to do it if this is something you would find necessary. If you speak different languages, it is good to ask if they know any language besides English. 

3.      What was their previous position like?

This question is essential as it will determine the nanny’s working style. You can extend this line of questioning by asking questions like what their daily routine was, whether they faced any stressful situations and how they solved these and how long they stayed with that family. You can add the question of their reason for leaving, or the nanny may offer this information themselves. All these questions will give you a deeper insight into a nanny’s experience and working style.

4.      What do they expect from this position?

It is better to establish open lines of communication from the very start; in ther interview you can ask the nanny if they are willing to take up a flexible work schedule or to take on other house jobs, such as cooking or cleaning, and establish pay expectations. You should discuss your expectations of the successful candidate so that the nanny has a realistic picture of what the role will entail and can decide whether or not they would like the position based on this.

International Nanny Agency

5.      What do they like and dislike about being a nanny?

This question will help you get to know each candidate better and  understand where they might need support from your side and where they will be able to support you, or excel in their role. This question can also give you a clearer picture of a candidates personality and values.

Many parents come across this issue of what to ask when hiring a nanny. Which is why we want to help you as much as possible during your search. As well as performing a minimum of two background checks, we can help to prepare a set of interview questions customized according to the needs of the family and even stay present during the interview if any other help is needed. By doing this, we can make sure that families get the perfect nanny who meets their requirements.t

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Different Types of Nannies

When looking for a nanny, each family has different needs and each nanny fulfils a slightly different role.

Families have varied characteristics, such as the number of children, ages of the children, dietary restrictions, hobbies and activities, parenting styles and boundaries, as well as any special needs.

In all cases, quality childcare is always a top priority for both a family and a nanny because children must be in a safe environment at all times.

Below we describe some of the different types of nannies families hire to meet their requirements: 

Nanny

The nanny helps to develop the children’s potential through educational games, play and entertainment.

A nanny is someone who is fully invested in a child’s development and well-being. They are typically a daily fixture and are very involved in the children’s everyday lives.

It’s a nanny’s responsibility to create daily schedules and engage in activities to ensure the healthy mental, physical, and emotional growth of the children they care for.

A nanny will be responsible for a variety of tasks relating to the children, including but not limited to choosing the clothing, dressing, bathing and washing, preparing healthy and nutritious meals, scheduling play dates, organising age-related outings and general supervision at all times to ensure the children are safe.

The nanny also helps to develop the children’s potential through educational games, play and entertainment.

Rota Nanny

Rota nannies are usually required to work 24/7 when on duty on a rota system. For example, 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.

Rota nannies might have different work hours depending on the family’s needs, but it is most likely to be 24/7 and the rota can extend between 1 week and 4 weeks. Rota nannies usually start after having previous experience as live-in nannies 

Live-In and a Live-Out Nanny

Being a live-in nanny does not mean working longer hours or days than the law allows.

Live-in nannies are those who live with the family in their home for part of the week or can live with the family full time.

Live-out nannies are those who commute to work each day and, after finishing their duties, return home each night. The family must provide a suitable room and usually full board to a live-in.

Being a live-in nanny does not mean working longer hours or days than the law allows. This is, sometimes, a misunderstanding.

Nanny-Guard

A nanny-guard is an individual with training and experience in security.

A nanny guard is a nanny with added security training and skill to protect a child from acts of harm that may be intentional or unintentional.

They undergo rigorous training and testing to be able to act in certain situations.

Nanny-Housekeeper

A nanny’s duties can include light housekeeping relating to children.

A nanny-housekeeper covers both housekeeping chores and nanny duties. The housekeeping chores are done whilst the children are in the nursery or school.

However, the most important aspect of this position is to ensure the children’s well-being and safety at all times.

A nanny-housekeeper usually works with school-aged children and can work live in or live out.

Whereas a nanny’s duties can include light housekeeping relating to children, a nanny-housekeeper goes beyond the mere children’s duties and does all the housekeeping chores. 

Holiday/Travelling Nanny

Some families tend to travel a lot and require an experienced full-time nanny to accompany them and carry out nanny tasks when travelling.

A travelling nanny is required to travel with the family, depending on the family’s needs. Some families tend to travel a lot and require an experienced full-time nanny to accompany them and carry out nanny tasks when travelling.

Parents may need to work, they may want some free time, or they may need some extra help, so they need the nanny to take over or lend an extra hand.

A travelling nanny usually works on a 24/6 or 24/7 schedule, and it is usually temporary. A travelling nanny can work either with the parents or sole charge. 

International Nanny

An international nanny has extensive experience working with different families in different countries.

An international nanny is experienced in living in and has the competencies and resources to relocate easily.

This nanny can work full time, live in or live out and, in other cases, on a rota. 

Maternity Nanny

Nanny helps the mum in introducing new milestones.

A maternity nanny tends to take over a maternity nurse. They are hired to continue helping with the habits and routines that were set by the previous maternity nurse.

They help the mum in introducing new milestones, such as weaning and sleep coaching. A maternity nanny has training and extensive experience working with young babies.

Nanny-Governess

This position entails covering all the nanny duties and implementing educational elements to help children thrive in academic matters.

A nanny-governess works as a nanny and a governess, this means that apart from the general duties and tasks a nanny has to carry out, they work with the child/children and family with an emphasis on education.

Whereas a nanny-governess covers more duties and a governess, this position entails covering all the nanny duties and implementing educational elements to help children thrive in academic matters.

A nanny-governess, as governesses do, has an educational background and the ability to teach. 

Nanny-PA (Personal Assistant)

A nanny-PA takes on additional duties to the general nanny tasks. This is usually done to support the parents or children when the nanny is not actively caring for the children.

PA’s duties usually revolve around the personal and social needs of the parents or children.

This position requires organisational, administrative and time-management skills, as you are caring for a child/children and managing the day-to-day aspects of the home.


International Nanny helps families identify the best childcare set-up for their family and works hard to find the best homes for the best nannies.

We have a broad range of profiles and strive to recruit professional and career nannies.

We are committed to raising the standards in domestic childcare and have a thorough application and recruitment process because we work with candidates who are vocational and see this profession as the career it truly is.

Besides the agency, and to better equip candidates with the interest and vocation to grow and develop as successful nannies, we also offer training and accredited courses through the International Nanny Institute

For more information, visit our website at https://www.international-nanny.com/ to find out about our open vacancies and more about International Nanny.

Feel free to visit our institute at https://www.international-nanny.institute/ to learn more about becoming a professional nanny.


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