It’s one of those jobs where experience can count more than qualifications, and you won’t get the position unless you love the work. Apart from the challenges of caring for other people’s children, as a nanny in London you can experience another side to the capital.

What you need

Hannah Goodson, director and founder of Hampstead Nannies, says a qualification in childcare isn’t necessary to land yourself a job. But you’ll be in high demand if you have two years’ professional experience as a nanny with references that can be checked. However, the current high level of demand for live-in nannies means you may land work if you have other related childcare experience, such as teaching or working in a crèche. You’ll need to be patient, trustworthy and reliable. But most importantly, you’ll need to love children, Goodson says.

What to expect

In general, there are two types of nannies in London: live-in – where you reside with a family full-time; and live-out – where you work set hours each day, but live in your own home. At the moment, the more affordable live-in nannying is more popular with families than live-out work, which, Goodson says, is down to the tougher economic conditions.

What’s the pay like?

Contracts vary, but expect £300-£400 per week as a live-in nanny and £450-£500 as a live-out. Goodson says there are perks to the job, especially if you live in. For example, you often get to stay in an exclusive area of London, go on holiday with the family, and get to meet people you probably wouldn’t normally meet.

“Some families  are phenomenally wealthy,” Goodson says. “They can also give you perks such as gym membership or a car, and you tend to get four weeks’ paid holiday a year on top of your salary.

“For relatively unskilled workers, you can get quite a good salary.”

» For more information see tntjobs.co.uk and hampsteadnannies.co.uk