Applying for Childcare Roles
When applying for roles, whether through Pembury Partners or elsewhere, it is always necessary to provide clear, concise information about yourself. This is especially important with childcare roles, for example nannies and governesses, where your experience and vetting is paramount. With any roles involving children, a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is absolutely necessary – without it, we very likely will not be able to help you find a job. We can, however, assist you in obtaining a DBS if you’re eligible but do not have one.
The information you should provide about yourself essentially breaks down into these categories:
About yourself
General information about yourself, your likes/dislikes, strengths and abilities is always necessary in order to match you with likeminded families. Some families live mainly in the city, others have a rural lifestyle, some might require someone who can drive, or those with yachts or waterfront residences might require a strong swimmer.
Those applicants who love to travel would match well with a family with property in multiple countries, or who take frequent business or leisure trips abroad. If you’re a nervous flyer this might not suit you well at all.
Polyglots can be well suited to families with an international footing, or who desire multiple languages to be taught or encouraged. Someone who loves to be active might suit a family with sporty kids, and a book-lover could match well with a more intellectual family.
It’s vital for us to understand you and your personality so we can introduce you to the right family, and ensure a good fit for you and for them.
Qualifications
Some families will always want specific qualifications. For example, some might only consider those who have studied at Norland, and others might want some specific educational qualification, depending on the age and education of their children.
The specific requirements vary a great deal from role to role – again, a good fit is necessary for both parties.
Experience
Without exception, all the nanny and governess roles we assist with require valid experience. Whilst this is always essential, the level and nature of experience varies between roles. For example, a Royal Household might require someone with a very formal background and/or previous experience of Royal protocol. An UHNW (Ultra-High Net Worth) family might prefer someone familiar with the UHNW lifestyle.
Somewhat less glamourous, but altogether necessary whether Royal, UHNW or otherwise, families with toddler-age children might well want relevant experience such as potty training, and any family with infant children will expect experience with these delicate diminutive individuals.
Parents of children with SEN (Special Educational Needs) will most likely require a nanny or governess with a background, experience and qualification in this area.
Vetting & DBS
As mentioned earlier, vetting and DBS is absolutely vital – in fact, it’s the single most important aspect of placing a nanny or governess.
Being in a household with children will definitely require a valid and up-to-date DBS certificate or equivalent, depending on the country the role is in. We can assist you in obtaining this, but without it we’re not going to be able to help. Five years’ historic vetting is also essential to ensure suitability.
Code of Conduct
Households differ a great deal in their tone, and understanding this, and how well you fit in to it, is a vital aspect of securing the right position. Some households are very formal, others less so, and some more relaxed. There might be a formal dress code, or a uniform, or a requirement to dress modestly depending on the occasion.
This continues in how you would be expected to address the family – for example Royal protocols or very formal households might not be on a first name basis, either when speaking to the family or other members of staff.
Wherever you are, and working with any family, respecting their property, personal belongings, understanding your boundaries, and perhaps above all discretion, are always required.
Pembury Partners places the finest nannies and governesses with the families to which they’re best suited, internationally.
