Katy Hayden

I have recently been awarded Voice Professional Nanny of the Year 2009. I was nominated by my current employers Mr and Mrs Costin in July this year. This is a national award for which I was short listed then attended an interview at Chiltern college in Reading in September. After this it was a long two weeks until the ‘Professional Nanny Conference 2009’ at which the Professional nanny of the year winner was announced. I will be working with Voice over the next year to raise the profile of nannies as professionals.
I am Katy Hayden (nee Fitzjohn) I am 27 and love my job as a full time nanny. I was born in London Colney and was a former Pupil of Bowmansgreen School, then Beaumont.
I knew I always wanted to work with children from a very young age. I worked hard at school to gain my GCSEs which would send me to Oaklands college in St Albans to complete my NNEB Diploma in childcare. This was a two year course consisting of assignments, course work and a final exam which I managed to gain merits and distinction level in all. We also did placements in schools, nurseries and within a family setting. I qualified in June 2000 and started full time work straight away at the age of 18 and have never looked back, that was 9 years ago.
Training and Work
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 families in St Albans and they all have one child each of 20 months. A nanny share means you have more than one family on each day which means a more cost effective solution for families and certainly a more challenging day for me. People also like to do nanny shares so that their child is socialising with other children, but they still want the benefits of a nanny rather than a nursery. I currently work 5 days a week 7am - 7pm.
Every day is different
I can’t express how much I love my job. I love the caring aspect of it, watching babies grow into children knowing that you have contributed to them being who they are. It’s rewarding, challenging and exciting. Every day is different, you can plan your days to suit the children and you get to meet so many people, families, other nannies and make long term friendships. I love the feeling of being needed and wanted by the children (and the parents!). Its an amazing feeling when the babies say your name for the 1st time or you teach them something new. It makes me feel really proud of them and that I am fullfilling their needs. All the children I have looked after attended my wedding this year which again was an amazing feeling to have them there on the most important day of my life and share my special day. There are so many great aspects of being a nanny and I would recommend it to anyone, But you do have to be hard working, work from your own initiative, be professional, honest, warm, consistant in your care and approach to your work, trustworthy, able to communicate with adults in a mature manner, cope in unpredictable situations. 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 as, although we are the trained ones, they are still not our children and as a professional nanny it is important not to step on their toes or undermine their views.
How to be a nanny
If you are thinking about becoming a nanny contact your local college, you will be required to complete the current childcare course. Once you qualify it is important to register with nanny agencies in your area. 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.