What is a rota nanny and what do they do?
Rota nannies are nannies who work on a rotational schedule, typically 2 nannies alternating a few weeks to 1 month on and off duty. They are salaried and employed by the family. They are paid for their on AND off time. This type of arrangement can be beneficial for families who require round-the-clock childcare and ensure their nanny is well rested and not overworked.
As well as 24-hour cover, Rota nannies may be required to speak an extra language. It is not uncommon for families to have one nanny who speaks solely in English and the other nanny to speak solely in French. Depending on the family’s needs and the ages of the children, rota nannies will have a separate bedroom and bathroom within the family home when they are on duty and have separate accommodation or flights/transport provided when off duty.
Considering a Career as a Rota Nanny?
Being a rota nanny is not for the faint of heart. It requires a high level of dedication, flexibility, and stamina. Not only do you have to be prepared to work long hours, but you also have to be ready to adapt to constantly changing schedules and routines. Being a rota nanny means that you may not have a regular routine or set hours, as your schedule will depend on the needs of the family you are working for. This can be challenging, as it requires a lot of organisation and the ability to quickly adjust to new situations.
Additionally, being a rota nanny can be emotionally demanding, being apart from your own loved ones for sometimes up to a month, depending on the ages of the children, you may have to sacrifice sleep for your own self-care and exercise.
Many candidates are drawn in by the appeal of salaries of £80k++ with the added bonus of having equal time on and off duty, but let’s face it, being a Rota nanny is HARD!
However, for those who are up to the challenge, being a rota nanny can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.
How will you stand out from the rest?
Mayfair Nannies receives so many applications for our rota positions every day - its hard to keep up! So, when considering applying for a role as a Rota nanny you need to showcase yourself and stand out from the rest. This doesn’t mean adding illustrations to your CV or a fancy font (please see our guide to creating a fantastic CV if you do this!). Many agencies and families don’t have time to read a long-detailed cover note, detailing your career steps since you left school and why you adore children. We want facts! Ideally in a concise paragraph at the beginning of your CV.
Many Rota nannies have OVERSEAS or 24/5 experience, this demonstrates to families that you are not going to get home sick and you can handle the long hours away from your own family. Not all families travel extensively but if you have this experience - make it known, it could make all the difference in landing your dream job.
What can you do to make sure you stand out from the rest?
READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION!
Before you even apply for the position read the job description. I can not emphasise how important this is when applying for a rota role. Your CV will be amongst at least 200 other applicants and if you dont meet the desired criteria set out in the job description your application will not be accepted.
- How old are the children? Have you worked with this age group before?
- Do you have the qualifications, language skills and right to work in the country of employment? Not all families are prepared to pay for work permits/visa's. If visa's are offered it will be detailed in the description.
- Can you start this role in the desired time frame?
- If the role states 1 month on/off its highly unlikely the family will consider 1 week on/off.
- If the role is for an UHNW individual within a fully staffed household, have you worked in this environment before?
If you are just starting out in your career, it may be best to gain more experience before applying for a rota role. Remember, you can't expect to earn a high salary without the necessary skills and background. Keep honing your craft and pursuing opportunities that will help you grow as a professional. Who knows, with dedication and hard work, you may just find yourself in a lucrative rota nanny position in the future.
So, you meet the criteria set in the job description. What is next?
- Prioritise your qualifications and experience: When applying for a rota nanny job, it's essential to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience in childcare. Whether you have a degree in early childhood education or several years of hands-on experience working with children, make sure to emphasise how your background makes you a great fit for the role.
- Showcase your flexibility and availability: Rota nanny jobs often require flexibility in terms of working hours and availability. Be sure to highlight your ability to adapt to different schedules and willingness to work on a rotating basis. Families are looking for someone who can accommodate their needs, so showcasing your flexibility can give you a competitive edge.
- Demonstrate your communication and interpersonal skills: As a rota nanny, you'll be working closely with families and children, so strong communication skills are essential. Be sure to emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with both parents and children, as well as your knack for building positive relationships. Families want to feel confident that you can provide the best care for their little ones, and fit seamlessly into their family dynamic, so be sure to showcase your interpersonal skills.
- When applying for a rota nanny job, it's important to convey your passion for childcare and dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to ensure the well-being of the children in your care, whether it's through creative activities, educational enrichment, or emotional support. Demonstrate HOW you promoted the development of the children in your care.
- Be proactive in your job search: In a competitive market, it's essential to be proactive in your job search, speak to your recruiter - make them know who you are and the skills you possess so that when a new Rota role comes on their desk, it’s YOU who they are calling. By taking the initiative and being proactive in your job search, you can increase your chances of landing a rota nanny job in a competitive market.
Remember that it takes more than just qualifications and experience to succeed in this competitive field. Dedication, flexibility, and a proactive attitude are key to standing out and securing the perfect job for you. By highlighting your strengths and showcasing your passion for childcare, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers. So, take the time to cultivate your skills, network with others in the industry, and never stop striving to be the best rota nanny you can be.
