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nannies nanny conference 2011 best job in the world
nannies nanny conference 2011 best job in the world
| The best job in the world by Katy Hayden |
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My name is Katy Hayden, I am 27 years old and I am the current Professional Nanny of the Year, and love my job as a full time nanny. I completed my NNEB Diploma in childcare and qualified in June 2000 when I was 18 and I started full-time work straight away and have never looked back. I truly love my job as a nanny. I have worked with children from birth to 10 years, both boys and girls and even twins. I am currently doing a nanny share with three separate families in Hertfordshire. All three families have one child under the age of two and I always care for two children at any one time. I can’t express how much I love my job. I always knew this was right for me. I love the caring aspect of my profession; watching babies grow into children and knowing that I have contributed to them being who they are. It’s a rewarding, challenging and exciting job. Every day is different, and I can plan the days to suit the children. So there is no need to have every Monday morning the same. It’s an amazing feeling when toddlers say your name for the first time, or they learn something new, it makes me feel really proud of them and that I am fulfilling their needs. I really wouldn’t be in any other job. It’s lovely to be part of another family and be able to help parents bringing up their children, using my experiences and knowledge. Through nannying I have met so many people, families, other nannies and made some long term friendships. There are many great aspects of being a nanny but you do have to be hard working and work from your own initiative; of course you must also be professional, honest, trustworthy, warm, and consistent in your care and approach to your work. You must also be able to communicate with adults in a mature manner. I also believe you have to be able to build relationships with the parents as working with them to provide a safe, secure and caring environment for the child is a must as a nanny. You also have to be aware of the parents’ needs along with those of the children, because although we are the trained ones they are not our own children and as a professional nanny it is important not to step on the parents’ toes or undermine their views. The award I was nominated for the Professional Nanny of the Year Award by my current employers Mr and Mrs Costin. I work five days a week for them, caring for their daughter Jemima. It is important for nannies to feel established with in the childcare industry but also to feel recognised and valued by their employers. It was an amazing feeling to know that Mr and Mrs Costin felt so strongly about me and my contribution to their little girl’s life, that they would take the time to nominate me for such a prestigious award. I can’t thank them enough for giving me this opportunity, and I am so proud not just to have won, but also to have been nominated. The Professional Nanny of the Year Award is a national award and I was short listed to the final four and had to attend an interview at Chiltern College in Reading in September 2009. After this it was a long two weeks until the Professional Nanny Conference 2009, which was also held at Chiltern College. This was a day of seminars and a chance to meet other nannies. At 3pm the Professional Nanny of the Year winner was announced. I was totally shocked when my name was announced as the winner, this is an absolutely amazing achievement for me and I feel a great recognition for the job I love. It was especially nice as the Costins were at the seminar along with Jemima, my parents and my sister to see me receive the award. Afterwards my husband joined us and we all celebrated with champagne at the Costin’s house which was lovely. It was lovely to receive so many telephone calls, voice messages and texts from friends and family that evening I never realised how proud people were of me. I am now working with Voice the Union and Nannytax to raise the profile of nannies and to make people aware that nannies are professionals. Nannies work hard to gain our qualifications and we need to be recognised for our skills and work that we give to children and their families. How to become a nanny For anyone who is thinking about becoming a nanny contact your local college, where you will be required to complete the current childcare course. Once you qualify it is important to register with nanny agencies in your area. They will provide you with help and advice on how to find work. It is also good to get public liability insurance (something Nannytax can help with); and a CRB check and a paediatric first aid certificate is a must. I also believe it is a good idea to join a union such as Voice, they will provide you with support and advice through your working years, and are able to help if any problems occur. |