Creating a Nanny Portfolio

So, you have secured an interview for your dream nanny job and now you need to make sure you stand out from the other applicants and create the best impression, but how?

A nanny portfolio can really help you to present yourself as an organised and professional nanny, showcase your skills and demonstrate your commitment to your work.

When putting together your nanny portfolio consider using a simple folder or book with clear plastic pockets to keep your documents in and make sure there is enough space to showcase all of your documentation.

What to include in your nanny portfolio

Curriculum Vitae

If you are interviewing for a position through Harmony at Home the client will already have been sent a copy of your CV. It is important you ensure your CV is up to date and well organised. It should be kept clear and simple but informative.

Qualification certificates

Keep your original childcare qualification certificates in your portfolio for prospective employers to see. It is a good idea to keep a few photocopies of your certificates too so you can leave copy with the family if they would like.

Relevant training certificates

If you have attended any relevant training courses then include the certificates from these in your portfolio, this will show prospective employers your commitment to keeping your knowledge up to date. An essential certificate to hold is an up to date 12 hour paediatric first aid certificate.

DBS Certificate

Include your original DBS certificate, which will ideally be registered on the update service, and you should be prepared to share the update service details.

Other documents

You should take your originals of the following documents for prospective employers to see and be prepared to provide them all again when you are offered a position.

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Proof of address
• Nanny insurance
• Appropriate car insurance
• OFSTED registration certificate (if you are registered with OFSTED)
• Memberships certificates of any professional organisations such as the British Association of Professional Nannies – BAPN

In addition to the items above you may also wish to include the following to really help to set yourself apart from other candidates. These extras will show your commitment and dedication to your chosen profession;

Letter of introduction

This should be a nice introduction to you and will tell prospective employers why you chose to become a nanny. It should explain your nanny experience, including details of the groups of children you have cared for (new born, twins, ages of children, children with additional needs, children with medical conditions) and the skills you have developed during your career. This also gives you the opportunity to describe your interests and what you can bring to the household as well as describing some of the activities you most enjoy doing with children. Leave a copy with the family.

Meal plans

Ensuring their children have a healthy diet is a top priority for most families and as such it is a really good idea to give some thought to the meals you are able to prepare and serve for the children. If you are going to be caring for a young baby you may also like to think about putting together some information on weaning so you can showcase your knowledge and how you can support the family when the time comes.

Daily diary

Communication is key when caring for children and having a format for recording things that have happened during the day can be helpful. Noting down what and how much the children have eaten, when they have slept, any medication administered etc. alongside information on their wellbeing and the activities they have done each day can prove to be very valuable. Here, at Harmony at Home we have a daily diary available that is perfect for this that can be found here in our professional nanny shop.

Photos of activities you have carried out

This can really help prospective employers to get a feel for the kinds of activities you enjoy doing with the children. Speaking about activities you have done with other children in the past gives you the opportunity to show your passion for what you do and your knowledge of how children develop. You must ensure you have written permission from the parents of any children who are included in the photographs you use in your portfolio.

References

You can ask families you have previously worked with to provide you with a written reference to share with future employers. However, it is always recommended that employers contact referees directly in order to obtain references prior to confirming an offer of employment and so you should ensure you have consent from your referees to share their details.

Written by Harmony at Home Limited. All Rights Reserved, 2021.