Classroom to Playroom: Discovering the Role of a Nanny
If you’re a teacher feeling stretched too thin in the classroom, or a childcare student wondering where your studies might lead, nannying could be a path worth exploring. Perhaps you’ve reached a point where the joy of working with children is still there, but the systems, class sizes or endless admin are wearing you down. Or maybe you’re just beginning your journey in early years care and you’re wondering ‘how to become a nanny’. If this is you, then this blog post will give you a clearer picture of what the nanny role really involves.
Nannying is so much more than playing with children or keeping them safe. It’s a skilled, varied, and often deeply fulfilling career that allows you to build real connections with families, support children’s development one to one, and bring your creativity and expertise into the home environment. Whether you’re drawn to the calm pace of family life or the idea of working closely with children across all areas of their development, nannying can be a brilliant fit.
In this post, I’ll guide you through what nannying actually looks like day to day, the skills and qualities families look for, and why both teachers and childcare students are uniquely positioned to thrive in this role. We’ll also explore how nannying can be the start of a long and rewarding career, whether you stay local or one day take your skills abroad.
My First Step into Nannying
I first discovered the joy of nannying in between supply teaching roles. My very first stint was as a holiday nanny, and I quickly realised how much I loved the one to one connection, the flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact in a family setting. It was the beginning of an entirely new direction and it might be for you too.
What Does a Nanny Actually Do?
Nannying might sound simple on the surface, caring for children in a home setting, but the reality is far richer and more dynamic. A professional nanny wears many hats, often acting as a carer, educator, activity planner, cook, and trusted companion, all rolled into one.
At the heart of the role is the child’s daily routine. This usually includes getting little ones up and ready for the day, doing school or nursery drop-offs and pick-ups, preparing healthy meals and snacks, planning activities to support learning and development, and creating calm, nurturing environments for rest and downtime. For younger children, nannies are often responsible for nap times, nappy changes, and early milestones like weaning, potty training or first steps.
You might be working with babies, toddlers or school-aged children, and in some roles a mix of all three. That’s why a good understanding of developmental stages is so important every day offers new opportunities to support language, fine motor skills, emotional regulation and independence.
In some households, a nanny works independently and manages the day entirely solo. In others, there’s more of a shared-care approach, where parents might work from home or be more involved in certain parts of the day. Both setups require a calm, flexible presence and strong communication skills to keep everything running smoothly.
More than anything, the role is built on trust. Families rely on their nanny not just for safety and care, but for consistency, warmth and reliability. Over time, you become an important figure in the child’s life, someone they look forward to seeing each morning and someone parents turn to for advice or support.
If you’re a teacher…
Your background gives you a unique advantage. You’re already skilled at planning learning activities, observing progress, and adapting to children’s needs. All of that transfers beautifully into nannying. In fact, many families specifically seek out former teachers because they value that educational input, from helping with reading and homework to creating a stimulating home learning environment. Being a qualified teacher helped me to land my first nanny role.
If you’re a childcare student…
You’re likely already learning about the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) safeguarding, and child development. Becoming a nanny is where those theories come to life. It’s a chance to apply what you’ve learned in real settings, building close relationships with children and families while growing your confidence and skills. Many students begin part-time or as after-school nannies before moving into full-time roles.
Nannying isn’t just about keeping children entertained or out of trouble, it’s about supporting their whole development, building a secure base, and helping them thrive in a calm, personalised environment. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you might be closer to your future career than you think.
My First Nanny Job: Straight in at the Deep End
I didn’t ease into nannying gradually. I jumped straight into a travel role, supporting a family on holiday. One minute I was doing supply work in schools, the next, I was on a plane helping settle children into a different time zone. It was exciting, intense, and a huge learning curve, but I loved it. That first experience showed me just how varied nannying can be, how different to teaching it was. It showed me how much families truly value someone who can adapt, stay calm, and bring structure and care to their children’s days.
What Makes a Great Nanny?
Nannying is a role that calls for more than just a love of children, though that’s certainly important. Great nannies bring a unique blend of personal qualities and professional skills to their work. Families are trusting you not only with their children but with their home, their routines and often their peace of mind.
Patience and Creativity
Working with children means meeting them where they are, emotionally, developmentally and sometimes even physically. Rolling around on the floor mid-tantrum for example. A great nanny remains patient and understands that children are still learning how to manage their feelings and behaviour. Creativity comes into play when you’re finding ways to turn a rainy afternoon into a fun memory or helping a reluctant child engage with learning through play.
Initiative and Flexibility
Every family is different, and no two days are ever quite the same. A great nanny knows how to take the initiative, whether that’s preparing dinner before the parents get home, noticing when a child is feeling unsettled, or coming up with a spur-of-the-moment sensory activity. My years of working as a supply teacher in that ever changing environment really prepared me for the unexpected and spontaneous nature of nannying. Being able to adapt to changing routines, travel plans, or even just a tired toddler’s needs, is key.
Emotional Intelligence and Staying Calm Under Pressure
Children thrive when the adults around them model calm and confidence. Great nannies are emotionally aware, they can tune in to a child’s moods, support them through wobbles, and offer reassurance in a gentle but grounded way. Whether it’s managing separation anxiety, sibling squabbles, or a stressful airport transfer, staying calm and collected makes all the difference.
Activity Planning That Meets the Child’s Needs
The best nannies don’t just “keep children entertained” they create experiences that support development, spark curiosity and build confidence. That might be through messy play, storytelling, nature walks or role play. Tailoring activities to a child’s age, interests and stage of development helps them thrive and shows parents that their child is in thoughtful, capable hands.
Discretion and Professionalism
Nannies often become part of the family’s inner circle. In some roles, particularly those with high-profile families, you may find yourself travelling, attending events, or working in very private homes. Professionalism, confidentiality and good boundaries are essential. Discretion means knowing when to speak up and when to stay respectfully in the background.
From Experience: Themed Days That Build Bonds
One of the ways I’ve built trust and connection with both children and parents is by planning simple, themed days at home. For example, I once worked with a little boy who was fascinated by space. So we had a “Space Day” complete with moon rock play dough, a cardboard rocket we built together, and a bedtime story about astronauts. His parents were delighted, not just because he had such a great time, but because they could see I’d taken the time to understand what really lit him up.
These moments might seem small, but they’re what set great nannies apart, the thoughtful touches, the calm under pressure and the ability to turn everyday moments into something meaningful.
Teachers: Why Nannying Could Be Your Ideal Next Step
If you’re a teacher feeling drained by the demands of the classroom but still passionate about working with children, nannying might just be the fresh start you’re looking for. It’s a chance to do what you love, teaching, nurturing, supporting development, but in a much calmer and more focused environment.
I remember the feeling well. I was juggling supply work at the time, darting between different classrooms and schools. No two weeks were ever the same, and I was constantly adjusting to new routines, behaviour policies, and staffrooms. While I enjoyed the variety, I never quite felt settled.
Working with children was still the part I loved most; that never changed. But the unpredictability of my income, the lack of continuity, and the sheer size of some classes gradually began to wear me down. My energy dipped. The spark I once had for teaching started to fade.
Then came an unexpected opportunity. A family needed a holiday nanny. I said yes, not entirely sure what I was stepping into. But it changed everything. That one experience opened my eyes to a different way of working with children. It gave me a glimpse of what life outside the classroom could really look like. I had time, space, and the freedom to connect with one child at a time. The following summer, I found myself nannying again… and this time, it felt like coming home.
Use Your Teaching Skills in a Calmer, More Personal Setting
As a teacher, you’re already equipped with so many of the skills that make a fantastic nanny. You know how to plan engaging learning activities and manage behaviour in a positive way. You can spot early signs of development needs, and communicate clearly with parents. The difference is, that in a nanny role, you can use those skills one to one. Sometimes, with a small sibling group, rather than in a crowded, busy classroom.
I once worked with a five-year-old who was struggling with early reading. Because we had time and no pressure, I was able to bring phonics into our everyday routine. Spotting letters on signs, using magnetic letters on the fridge and playing rhyming games in the garden. It wasn’t just effective, it was joyful, for both of us.
Creative Freedom Without the Admin
One of the things that struck me most when I transitioned into nannying was how much freedom I had. No schemes of work, data tracking or targets. Just the opportunity to plan days based on the children’s interests and needs. Pirate-themed treasure hunts in the park, baking biscuits to work on measuring skills and building a bug hotel in the garden. I once spent an entire week inside a small tent in the playroom. When nannying, creativity can flow more naturally as it’s not boxed in by curriculum constraints.
No Marking, No Meetings, No Behaviour Logs
You still work hard as a nanny. Nannying is a full-on role, but it’s the kind of tired that comes from play and connection, not spreadsheets and politics. There’s no marking to take home, no after-school meetings, and no pressure to hit Ofsted’s latest priorities.
Real Bonds, Real Impact
The relationship you build as a nanny is incredibly special. You become a consistent, trusted adult in a child’s life, often over months or even years. You’re not just there for the school day, you’re there for birthdays, wobbly moments, first words, and proud milestones.
I still keep in touch with the families I’ve worked with, both in the UK and abroad. I’ve helped children prepare for starting school in the UK and supported the younger children through toilet training. Supported first time sleeping in a big bed, through to riding a bike for the first time. You become woven into the fabric of family life and that’s a privilege.
Flexible Lifestyles and Travel Opportunities
One of the bonuses of nannying, particularly in private households, is the variety it can offer. Some families need help during the school holidays, others are looking for term-time support or full-time live-in care. There are even roles that involve travel. I’ve had the chance to work in Europe, packing up learning materials and settling children into completely new environments. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s certainly memorable.
Whether you’re feeling burnt out or simply ready for a new kind of challenge, nannying could be the perfect bridge. A bridge between what you know and what you truly want. A child-centred role that values your skills, your calm presence, and your heart for helping children thrive.
Still unsure if you’re ready to leave the classroom behind?
You might find my post on child-centred roles helpful. It explores five signs that you’re ready for a career change, especially if you’re craving more connection, calm, and creativity in your working life.
👉Read it here: Leave Teaching For A More Child Centred Role- 5 Signs You’re Ready
Students: How to Explore Nannying as a Career
If you’re studying childcare, early years education, or a related field, you’re already on the right path towards a career working with children. But what if the nursery setting doesn’t appeal to you? Or perhaps you’re looking for a more personal, flexible route that still puts your skills and knowledge to good use?
Nannying might be the perfect fit and you don’t have to wait until you graduate to begin exploring it.
What Kind of Experience Do You Need?
You might be surprised by how much relevant experience you already have. Families aren’t always looking for long lists of formal roles. They want to know you’re confident, responsible, and genuinely enjoy being around children.
Here’s the kind of experience that can help you stand out:
- Babysitting for friends, neighbours or relatives
- Voluntary work at playgroups, after-school clubs or community events
- Nursery or school placements as part of your college course
- Helping with younger siblings or cousins
- Holiday clubs or sports camps
Even casual or unpaid experience helps to show that you’re proactive, reliable, and understand the basics of children’s routines and needs.
What Are Families Really Looking For in a Nanny?
Many students worry they don’t have “enough experience” but for lots of families, attitude is just as important.
Here’s what parents often value most:
- A warm, friendly nature
- Good communication skills
- A genuine interest in their child’s wellbeing and development
- Punctuality, reliability and common sense
- Confidence around children of different ages
- Someone who’s studying childcare or early years (yes, that’s a bonus!)
If you can show that you’re engaged, thoughtful and trustworthy, you’re already halfway there. Mention any creative skills too. Parents love nannies who can paint, sing, tell stories, or think up rainy-day activities!
Nannying offers more than just a part-time job during your studies. It can become a rewarding, long-term career in its own right. Whether you dream of working locally or one day travelling with a family, starting early gives you a head start. And remember, every school pick-up, puzzle played, or nappy changed is experience that matters.
Curious about what type of nannying role might suit you best?
In my next blog post, I’ll be breaking down the different types of nanny jobs, from live-in and daily roles to travel nannying and VIP positions. So whether you’re looking for something local or dreaming of jetting off with a family, stay tuned, there’s a role for every kind of nanny.
