I have recently been awarded Voice Professional Nanny of the Year 2009.

I am Katy Hayden I am 27 and love my job as a full time nanny.

I complete my NNEB Diploma in childcare and 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.

I have worked with children from birth to 10years, both boys and girls and even twins. I am currently doing a nanny share with three families in St Albans they all have one child under two. I always have two children at a time, I work four and a half days a week 7am - 7pm.

I cant express how much I love my job. I always knew this was right for me. I love the caring aspect of it, watching babies grow into children knowing that you have contributed to them being who they are. Its rewarding, challenging & exciting. Every day is different, you can plan your days to suit the children your not required to have every Monday morning the same. You get to meet so many people, families, other nannies and really make long term friendships. 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 full filling their needs. I really wouldn't be in any other job, its lovely to be part of another family and be able to help parents with bringing up their children, using my experiences and knowledge. 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, consistent in your care and approach to your work, trustworthy, able to communicate with adults in a mature manner. 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 along with the children, 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.

Now to my award which I am so proud of. I was nominated by my current employers Mr and Mrs Costin in July this year. This is a national award and I was short listed to the final Four and had to attend an interview at Chiltern college in Reading in September. After this it was a long two weeks until the Professional Nanny conference 2009 held at Chiltern college Reading. This was a day of seminars and a chance to meet other nannies. At 3.00pm the Professional nanny of the year winner was announced. I was totally shocked when my name was announced as the winner, this is an absolutely amazing achievement for me and I feel a great recognition for the job I love.
I will be working with Voice the union over the next year to raise the profile of nannies within the industry and gain the awareness that nannies are professionals. We work hard to gain our qualifications and we need to be recognised for our skills and work that we give to children and their families.

For anyone who is 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. They will provide you with help and advice through finding jobs. It is also good to get Public liability insurance, you can do this though Morton Michele and a CRB check and 1st aid course is a must.
Finally it is a good idea to join a union such as Voice, they will provide you with support and advise through your working years, and are able to help if any problems occur.

It is important for nannies to feel established with in the industry but also by the employers it was an amazing feeling to know two people felt so strongly about me and my contribution to their little girls life, that they would take the time to nominate me for such a prestigious award.

If you have a nanny and would like to nominate them for Professional Nanny of the Year 2010 award please go to www.voicetheunion.org.uk You can also read more about my achievement on this website.